DSHS ESA Social And Health Program Consultant

DSHS ESA Social and Health Program Consultant 3 – Lead Worker

DSHS’s Economic Services Administration (ESA) is seeking two Social and Health Program Consultant 3s to join the Division of Program Integrity (DPI). 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.

Schedule: This position has a flexible/hybrid work schedule based on business needs. Your nearest available ESA office will be your duty station, and you are expected to report there as needed.

• Lead and guide a team of Quality Control Specialists, overseeing their work and ensuring consistent, accurate performance.
• Coordinate federally required monitoring for Washington’s SNAP program, managing the planning and execution of key quality‑assurance activities.
• Translate systemic findings from QC and/or Management Evaluation reviews, data analysis, and Corrective Action Plans into practical application at field‑staff level.
• Train and evaluate staff as they conduct SNAP case reviews, ensuring all processes meet federal compliance standards and support program integrity.
• Assess and prioritize team workload, aligning staffing resources with deadlines and deliverables.
• Participate in team meetings, provide training updates, and support process design and implementation to meet DPI goals.
• Travel to offices and community locations to conduct SNAP Management Evaluation reviews, QC customer interviews, and program‑integrity activities.
• Analyze data to identify root causes of program risks, draft findings reports, and recommend and monitor corrective actions.
• Partner with the Community Services Division (CSD) and other stakeholders to ensure policy changes are implemented consistently and accurately.
• Serve as a division specialist for SNAP Management Evaluation and SNAP QC requirements, providing policy interpretation.
• Develop and disseminate performance reports to inform partners and management of program performance and future resource needs.
• Work with CSD partners to inform necessary training, policy clarification, and procedural adjustments for eligibility workers to improve program outcomes.
• Serve as backup to the Program Integrity Manager.

• One year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 2, Social Service Specialist 3, or Financial Services Specialist 4 or above.
• Two years experience as a Work First Program Specialist or equivalent work experience with automated eligibility systems.
• Master’s degree or higher in social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field AND three years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical‑dependency treatment services programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field AND four years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, or health services programs.
• Additional qualifying experience/education will substitute, year for year.
• Degree in social work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

• In‑depth knowledge of federal SNAP regulations and QC case‑review standards to conduct audits, develop and monitor Corrective Action Plans.
• Research and analysis of state and federal regulations related to DSHS public‑assistance programs; identify systemic patterns and translate them into practical improvements.
• Data‑analysis skills: review audit results, identify error trends and root causes, and produce clear technical reports.
• Strong communication skills: build effective relationships with state agency partners, federal contacts, and executive leadership; convey program policy and findings accurately.
• Planning and organizational skills: manage competing priorities, deadlines, and projects independently.
• Technical proficiency: navigate ESA systems including Barcode, ACES, and ACES Online, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Leadership: guide Quality Control Specialists through training, performance coaching, and audit review; interpret complex SNAP policy for internal staff and external partners.
• Program experience: conduct case audits and quality‑assurance reviews, including service as a Washington State SNAP Quality Control Specialist.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic. Persons requiring accommodation during the application process or a 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 at 7‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑833‑6384.