Dshs Esa Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $5,376.00 - $7,224.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06889
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: ESA
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS ESA Quality Control Specialist
DSHS (ESA) Division of Program Integrity is seeking a Quality Control Specialist to join the Integrity Assurance Team in Lakewood, WA. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven team committed to strengthening the accuracy, accountability, and overall integrity of Washington's public assistance programs.
This position will primarily provide Administrative Hearing functional support, with opportunities to represent the agency's findings in an administrative law setting. This work aims to meet Federal and State requirements while limiting the risk of increased Federal sanctions, improper payments, and protecting the financial securities of Washingtonians in need. Our division focuses on quality control through case reviews, operational audits, and ongoing monitoring to drive continuous improvement and prevent fraud, ensuring that we maintain high standards of program accuracy and integrity.
In this role, you'll also conduct federally mandated independent reviews of government public assistance programs including, but not limited to, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Medical programs. You will utilize your strong analysis and communication skills to obtain information, verify evidence, and document and report findings, with an emphasis on a systematic approach toward program integrity.
As a Quality Control Specialist, you'll play a key role in our mission to reduce the number of individuals and families living below the federal poverty level, helping to eliminate disparities and promote equitable access to support services. This position offers a hybrid office/telework schedule, blending in-office work with telework.
Join us today - apply your skills and help us partner with people to provide support, care, and resources, empowering individuals to shape their own lives!
Some of what you'll do:

• Independently evaluate and analyze case information to ensure accurate benefit issuance, eligibility determinations, and program participation
• Evaluate and analyze case information including pertinent program policies, procedures, manuals, and training material to determine the potential root cause of errors
• Input and retrieve data across multiple automated systems while maintaining confidentiality of all sensitive information
• Monitor and assess program operations using various administrative tools and software, including Barcode, ACES, EBT Edge, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Prepares and presents the Department's position on cases scheduled by the Office of Administrative Hearings
• Represent the division professionally with internal and external partners and stakeholders
• Identify, prepare, and assemble documents as exhibits for administrative hearings
• Analyze complex data and patterns to address improper payments, leading to overpayment recoveries and potential fraud referrals

What we're looking for:

• Experience in determining eligibility for food, cash, and medical public assistance programs
• Proficiency in interpreting state and federal regulations related to public assistance programs
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective representation of the division with stakeholders, partners, and customers
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to multi-task, manage with interruptions, and prioritize work assignments to meet timelines
• Excellent critical thinking skills, with the ability to present information and ideas clearly and effectively
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and manage deadlines
• Adaptability in a dynamic and evolving work environment
• Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with partners and stakeholders within DPI and external agencies
• Proficiency in ESA eligibility software, Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to learn new software as required

Who should apply?
Professionals with a Bachelor's degree and at least one of the following, with one year of experience in Washington State:
Two years as a Financial Services Specialist/Public Benefits Specialist at levels 3, 4, or 5
Two years as a WorkFirst Program Specialist or WorkFirst Program Supervisor
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
*Relevant experience in determining eligibility for public assistance programs may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis. Qualifying experience must be obtained in a Community Services Office, Welfare Office, or Public Assistance Office, with one year being in Washington state.
Interested? Complete the application and attach the following:

• Resume
• A brief letter of interest (one page) specifically addressing the knowledge, skills, and experience you have related to the job and duties

Questions? Please reach out to or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 06889.
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.
Supplemental 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.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the ra