DSHS HCLA Customer Service Specialist 3

Description DSHS HCLA HCS - Customer Service Specialist 3 Join our team in Renton as a Customer Service Specialist 3 within Home and Community Services (HCS), where you will play a key role in supporting individuals and families in accessing long-term care services. In this position, you will assist clients, partners, and the public by explaining agency processes, resolving complex service-related concerns, and interpreting policies and regulations. Your work directly supports the Home and Community Living Administration’s (HCLA) mission to provide timely, person-centered services that help individuals remain in their homes and communities, improving access and outcomes for those we serve. Description DSHS HCLA HCS - Customer Service Specialist 3 Join our team in Renton as a Customer Service Specialist 3 within Home and Community Services (HCS), where you will play a key role in supporting individuals and families in accessing long-term care services. In this position, you will assist clients, partners, and the public by explaining agency processes, resolving complex service-related concerns, and interpreting policies and regulations. Your work directly supports the Home and Community Living Administration’s (HCLA) mission to provide timely, person-centered services that help individuals remain in their homes and communities, improving access and outcomes for those we serve. Some Of What You'll Do Serve as a senior customer service specialist handling complex, cross-agency inquiries and resolving client and stakeholder concerns. Provide front desk and phone support by greeting clients, answering calls, managing voicemail, and responding to public and partner inquiries. Assess, triage, and document client needs using systems such as Barcode, ACES Online, and CARE; route issues to appropriate staff for follow-up. Research and interpret agency policies, procedures, and regulations to provide accurate guidance to clients, staff, and external partners. Process incoming and outgoing communications, including mail, fax, and intake referrals; assign and track referrals using agency systems. Maintain office operations by managing supply inventory, preparing application and field packets, and supporting fleet coordination activities. Support internal teams, including Adult Protective Services and Social Services Intake, while participating in trainings, meetings, and ongoing policy updates. Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities: Strong customer service skills with the ability to resolve complaints and provide effective solutions. Proficiency in operating multiple computer systems and Microsoft Office applications. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences. Sound judgment and decision-making skills, including the ability to assess situations and determine appropriate next steps. Ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and manage competing demands in a fast-paced office environment. Knowledge of general office practices, including report preparation, document handling, and records management. Ability to interpret and explain policies, procedures, forms, and services to clients and the public, including connecting individuals to appropriate resources. Who should apply? We’re looking for professionals who meet one of the following: An Associate’s degree and three years of experience providing customer service support related to inquiries, complaints, or problem resolution; OR A Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience providing customer service support related to inquiries, complaints, or problem resolution; OR An equivalent education and/or experience totaling five or more years in customer service support related to inquiries, complaints, or problem resolution. Valid Driver's License preferred Additional information: Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Along With Your Application, Please Include An updated resume Three professional references with contact information Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job number #06561 . 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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 here. 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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 rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Which of the following best describes how you meet the qualifications for this position? (Select one) I have an Associate’s degree and at least three years of experience providing customer service support related to inquiries, complaints, or problem resolution. I have a Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience providing customer service support related to inquiries, complaints, or problem resolution. I have a combination of education and/or experience totaling at least five years providing customer service support related to inquiries, complaints, or problem resolution. I do not meet any of the above qualifications. Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington