DSHS ESA WorkFirst Program Supervisor

Full Job Description

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division, is looking for a permanent, full-time WorkFirst Program Supervisor to work at the Port Angeles Community Services Office.

Within a Community Services Office, the WorkFirst Program Supervisor leads a team that supports families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) as they work toward stability and employment.

This role supervises WorkFirst Program Specialists and Social Service Specialist staff who serve individuals with varying social, cultural, educational and medical needs. You ensure services are delivered accurately, respectfully and in alignment with state and federal requirements.

As a supervisor, you set expectations, guide daily operations and ensure benefits and support services are issued correctly and on time.

You also build partnerships in the community and support your team in navigating complex cases.

If you value clear standards, thoughtful leadership and meaningful public service, this position offers the opportunity to make a measurable difference for families in Washington state.

Some of what you'll be doing:

• Hire, train and evaluate WorkFirst Program Specialists and Social Service Specialist staff.
• Set clear performance expectations and monitor staff productivity and quality of work.
• Provide coaching, corrective feedback and disciplinary action when necessary.
• Assign and prioritize work to ensure timely and accurate service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal policies and procedures.
• Review and approve support services, transportation assistance and related program expenditures within policy guidelines.
• Monitor case planning and decision-making to ensure barriers to employment are properly assessed.
• Develop strategies to reduce caseloads and improve participation and performance outcomes.
• Compile, review and analyze reports to ensure performance standards are met.
• Act as liaison with community partners, contractors and local organizations to coordinate services.
• Participate in site visits when needed to evaluate client situations.
• Support Apple Health enrollment activities through the Health Plan Finder system when required.
• Attend required meetings, participate in trainings and provide backup supervision as directed.

Who should apply? Professionals with either:

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Leadership: Guide and develop staff while setting clear expectations and holding employees accountable for results.
• Policy application: Interpret and apply state and federal welfare regulations to daily supervisory decisions.
• Performance management: Monitor data and case activity to ensure compliance and improve outcomes.
• Communication: Deliver clear written and verbal guidance, especially during complex or sensitive situations.
• Decision-making: Evaluate information carefully and make fair, consistent determinations.
• Problem-solving: Address barriers to employment by supporting staff in developing effective service strategies.
• Collaboration: Work cooperatively with community partners, contractors and internal teams to strengthen service delivery.
• Analytical ability: Review reports and trends to recommend adjustments that improve program performance.

Interested? Apply today!

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work.

It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.

We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Email DSHS Recruiter, Georgina Pringle, at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference 01251.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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