Social Service Program Specialist 2

Full Job Description

This is a hybrid position and will work in the office 2 days a week based on business needs. Training may be in office daily until after probation.

Requirements

Why It's a Great Opportunity: As a seasoned contract and community services professional with experience in provider relations, contract management, and public programs, you will play a key role in supporting the rollout of the WA Cares Fund program for Pierce County, including onboarding service providers and ensuring they are vetted, qualified, contracted, and fully prepared to deliver services to the community.

Together, we ensure state-mandated requirements are met so services are delivered equitably and consistently to people across Washington. This is meaningful work where you can make a direct impact on community well-being.

Why It's a Great Department: Pierce County Human Services exists to ensure that every person in our community has the opportunity to live with dignity, stability, and hope.

As the county’s community and human services department, we strengthen the local safety net by investing in programs that support people at every stage of life—from early childhood and youth development to housing stability, behavioral health, disability support, and services for seniors, veterans, immigrants, and refugees.

Working alongside nearly 170 community-based organizations, local governments, and nonprofit partners, we respond to both urgent needs and long-term challenges with compassion, accountability, and collaboration.

Whether helping families stay housed, supporting recovery and wellness, connecting people to food and transportation, or expanding access to opportunity, our work is grounded in the belief that strong communities are built when people are seen, supported, and empowered.

Together with our partners, we are committed to creating an inclusive, responsive system of care that helps Pierce County residents not just survive—but thrive.

Learn more about the Human Services Department here.

How to be Successful in the Role: You help us succeed by working closely with our internal teams and state partners, paying attention to the details while still keeping the bigger picture in mind.

You play a key role in making sure services are delivered consistently and fairly.

Your ability to adapt to change, communicate clearly, and follow through helps us strengthen community-based services and better support the people we serve.

Your Future in this Role: A future career in Pierce County means joining an organization committed to your growth and success.

Through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and a variety of training opportunities, Pierce County ensures continuous professional development throughout your journey.

This dedication extends beyond individual advancement, it reflects a broader mission to foster inclusive communities, maintain safe infrastructure, and promote equitable access to opportunities.

Here, careers don’t just thrive, they empower individuals to make meaningful contributions to a resilient, vibrant future for all.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Review provider applications and verify qualifications to become a registered WA Cares service provider. (The WA Cares Fund is an earned benefit designed to help Washingtonians age independently in their own home.)
• Process contracts for the delivery of WA Cares long-term care services for eligible Pierce County beneficiaries.
• Participate in statewide WA Cares network development and system coordination activities.
• Conduct data analysis and prepare reports and other information necessary for program management and policy decisions.
• Coordinate and conduct monitoring of contracted services as may be required by WA Cares regulations.
• Work with contracted service providers to identify and implement quality improvements to the service delivery system.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions that may be performed can be found here.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration or social work, or a related field AND
• Two years of professional social services work experience which includes work with related programs, contracts, planning, or services required.
• Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may substitute on a year-for-year basis
• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.
• **Work history in your application should include all details of your work and clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Incomplete information may disqualify you from consideration.
• This is a grant-funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon job performance/evaluation, continued funding of the program, and other appropriate County procedures.

This recruitment is a competitive selection process. Applications are reviewed and evaluated based on the quality and relevance of education and experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be invited to move forward.

Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date.

Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?