DSHS DDA Customer Service Specialist 2

State of Washington; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid holidays and personal holiday

Retirement benefits (PERS) and more

Job summary

DSHS DDA is seeking a Customer Service Specialist 2 to provide senior customer service support for Region 1 North. The role opens and closes the Spokane DDA Office daily and assists clients, staff, and community partners with agency services, inquiries, and complex complaints.

You will use multiple data management systems and coordinate with CRM staff, ensuring confidentiality and HIPAA compliance. The position requires effective communication and independent work in a multi-office setting.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems.
• One year of experience as a Customer Service Specialist 1.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Equivalent education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Resolve client complaints, inquiries, and customer service issues.
• Interpret agency-related laws, policies and procedures and advise on proper procedures to access agency services.
• Provide the day-to-day function of reception.
• Draft correspondence and compile reports.
• Provide intake and eligibility packets.
• Enter and process birth – 3 eligibility applications.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Microsoft Office

Data entry

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Equivalent education/experience

Two years of experience providing assistance to clients

Tools

CARE system

TRACKS

SharePoint

Outlook

Job description

DSHS DDA Customer Service Specialist 2As a member of the Customer Service Team, this position provides senior customer service support to the four offices located in Region 1 North. The official workstation is in the Spokane DDA Office, however as directed, this position will assist in covering four offices in Region 1 North. Responsible to ensure the office is opened Monday through Friday at 8:00am and closed at 5:00pm each day. This position will report directly to the Office Manager in Spokane DDA office. Incumbent works independently to assist clients, internal and external customers in identifying agency processes and procedures, resolving complex complaints, inquiries and customer service problems from clients, employees, community partners, general public, State and Federal Agencies.

• Resolve client complaints, inquiries, and customer service issues
• Interpret agency-related laws, policies and procedures and advise on proper procedures to access agency services
• Provide the day-to-day function of reception
• Carry out a variety of complex projects and assignments including establishing and revising electronic or manual record keeping systems (including data base files)
• Draft correspondence and compile reports
• Provide technical assistance and support to Case Resource Managers (CRMs in creating assessment packets, appointment letters, and compiling, recording and mailing 60 day packets.

Some Of What You Will Be Doing

• Act as a liaison between potential clients and agency assisting with applying for agency services, advising those seeking services of proper procedures involved in applying for agency services.
• Ensure client files transferred in and out of the region are processed properly and positive working relationships are maintained with other regions.
• Greet visitors to the office and refer to appropriate, staff, meeting room or office.
• Coordinate building and office meeting room space, maintain calendars and post for the region.
• Guide potential clients or individuals seeking services of proper procedures involved in applying for agency services.
• Respond to voice mail and email messages as soon as possible as per established policy. Collaborate with program staff to implement problem resolutions and communicate results to the client/customer.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies, services or department.
• Ensure positive working relationships are maintained with other regions, agencies and organizations.
• Maintain confidentiality of restricted information. Comply with HIPPA policies.
• Use digital and manual record and data management systems e.g. CARE, TRACKS, Barcode Client registry, ADSA SharePoint Site, Outlook and other data management systems to enter, compile, look-up, track and/or report information, etc.
• Review computer generated reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Calculate data from information provided and prepare summaries, organizational charts, workflow charts and graphs, etc.
• Compare data from various sources to identify trends, differences, similarities, etc.
• Provide intake and eligibility packets.
• Enter and process birth – 3 eligibility applications
• Answers multiple phone lines system, directing callers to appropriate staff in courteous and professional manner.
• Provide the public, clients, providers and customers with explanation on forms, pamphlets and other materials.
• Provide oversight and back-up for incoming/outgoing/internal/external mail deliveries and fax processing.
• File documents in case files, purge, retrieve, and request files as directed.
• Archive office files in accordance with retention schedule policy.
• Provide oversight and backup for filing client records.
• Locating, purging, transferring and archiving client and contract files to include Public Disclosure, legal hold, and “Never Destroy” files.
• Yearly review and clean-up of NPS files.
• Represent the DDA and participate in community and agency meetings as required, demonstrating cooperative, professional communication skills.
• Actively and effectively contribute to the customer service team building processes.
• Liaise with Supervisors to induct new CRM’s.
• Coordinate CRM/client appointments, notifications, calendars, and rescheduling as necessary.
• Request interpreters as needed.

Who We Are Looking For

• Oversee daily maintenance of office equipment.
• Liaise with Supervisors to identify rotating Point Person for established and transitioning services (birth to three, NPS, ETC)
• Ability to effectively communicate with management, peers, clients, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position
• Ability to resolve customer service related complaints
• Ability to advise clients and the general public of proper procedures to access agency services
• Ability to assist clients in completing required forms
• Must be proficient at using the computer and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to safeguard sensitive and confidential information and documents, maintain confidentiality regarding client information
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team setting
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity
• Ability to identify issues of a serious or sensitive nature that need to be reported to supervisor chain of command
• Ability to be flexible, adapt to change and respect differences in opinion and values
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment, handle multiple urgent issues at the same time. Prioritize as needed, and keep key agency personnel notified as to client issues, environment issues, and personnel issues
• Ability to receive instructions, assimilate the information and act according to those instructions
• Willingness to support and have some interaction with people with intellectual disabilities

Who should apply? Professionals With The Following

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Two years of experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems;
• One year of experience as a Customer Service Specialist 1;
• Equivalent education/experience.

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 [phone]. 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 (Neopism) 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 to control how much pre‑tax salary you defer and 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.
• 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 share of sick leave.
• Part‑time employees earn sick leave proportionate to their paid hours.
• Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave on a pro‑rated basis.
• Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
• 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.

E-Verify

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• Washington State employee benefits include comprehensive health, dental, vision and life coverage.
• Staff can enroll in a flexible spending account for medical expenses.
• Employees may purchase additional coverage amounts for basic life and long‑term disability.
• Dependent care assistance saves pre‑tax dollars for child or elder care.
• Auto, boat, home and renter insurance are available through payroll deduction.
• Employee assistance program promotes health and well‑being.
• Deferred compensation (DCP) and retirement plans (PERS) are offered.
• Federal Social Security and Medicare coverage is shared equally by state and employee.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible for government employees.
• Paid holidays, personal holidays, sick leave, vacation, military leave, bereavement leave and other leave options are provided.

Updated 01-07-2026