DSHS ESA Customer Service Specialist

DSHS ESA Customer Service Specialist 2

Position located in Lakewood, WA at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

We are currently seeking a Customer Service Specialist 2 to join our team here at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Lakewood, WA.

• Interact positively and respectfully with external and internal customers either by telephone, electronically or face to face to address their needs.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries, assess circumstances and utilize agency programs to research and deliver accurate information.
• Issue EBT cards, bus passes, gift cards, and vouchers to authorized customers and explain how to use them.
• Maintain accurate logs for negotiables.
• Interpret agency policy and procedures and resolve issues by applying knowledge of laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance and general information services for all customers.

• Associate degree AND two years of experience providing assistance to customers regarding inquiries, complaints, or problems.

• OR a Bachelor’s degree; OR equivalent experience providing assistance to customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems.

Required skills:

quick learner, team player, self‑starter, and the ability to work with all walks of life.

In‑person, office 5 days a week Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

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.

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.

Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account that 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 choices 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 employees to save pre‑tax dollars for 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.

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' website.

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.

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.

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.

Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Employees who are members of certain unions…