Social Service Program Specialist 3

Pierce-County-Washington; Tacoma (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County's Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) Division seeks a senior planning and development professional to lead planning, development, and evaluation of social service programs. This role emphasizes collaboration with community partners to improve services for older adults and people with disabilities.

The successful candidate will engage with the community to ensure access to necessary services and supports, working in a hybrid office setting two days per week with daily training

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public or business administration or social work.
• Three (3) years of professional social services work experience including contracts, planning, or services.

Responsibilities

• Develop program plans and facilitate planning advisory board and public hearings/forums.
• Coordinate citizen groups, service agencies, and other organizations involved in the planning process.
• Participate in local and statewide workgroups regarding planning and policy development.
• Assist Managers and Supervisors with policy development.
• Prepare studies, reports, and statistics for future planning and community policy decisions.
• Monitor local, state, and federal legislative issues and trends related to the program.

Skills

Facilitation

Community engagement

Project planning

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration or social work

Job description

This is a hybrid position and will work in the office 2 days a week based on business needs. Training may be in the office daily until after probation.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

As a senior planning and development professional with experience in planning, development, and evaluation of social service programs, you will play a critical role as a member of the Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) Division team. You will engage with the community to make sure older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers can access the services and supports they need to thrive in the community. This is meaningful work where you can make a direct impact on community well-being.

Why It's a Great Department:

Pierce County Human Services exists to ensure that every person in our community has the opportunity to live with dignity, stability, and hope. As the county's community and human services department, we strengthen the local safety net by investing in programs that support people at every stage of life—from early childhood and youth development to housing stability, behavioral health, disability support, and services for seniors, veterans, immigrants, and refugees. Working alongside nearly 170 community-based organizations, local governments, and nonprofit partners, we respond to both urgent needs and long-term challenges with compassion, accountability, and collaboration. Whether helping families stay housed, supporting recovery and wellness, connecting people to food and transportation, or expanding access to opportunity, our work is grounded in the belief that strong communities are built when people are seen, supported, and empowered. Together with our partners, we are committed to creating an inclusive, responsive system of care that helps Pierce County residents not just survive but thrive.

Learn more about the Human Services Department here.

How to be Successful in the Role:

In this role, the successful candidate will have strong facilitation skills required for community engagement and coordination efforts, as well as project planning skills necessary to develop/implement strategic plans responding to the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities living in Pierce County. The successful candidate will have the ability to work within a team and to build strong collaborative relationships with community partners to provide high-quality services and supports. To be successful, the candidate in this role must also be skilled and comfortable working in a hybrid work environment.

Your Future in this Role:

A future career in Pierce County means joining an organization committed to your growth and success. Through our leadership classes, robust online learning, and a variety of training opportunities, Pierce County ensures continuous professional development throughout your journey. This dedication extends beyond individual advancement; it reflects a broader mission to foster inclusive communities, maintain safe infrastructure, and promote equitable access to opportunities. Here, careers don't just thrive; they empower individuals to make meaningful contributions to a resilient, vibrant future for all.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Develop program plans. Facilitate planning advisory board and public hearings/forums as appropriate. Coordinate citizen groups, service agencies, and other organizations involved in the planning process.
• Participate in local and statewide workgroups regarding planning and policy development.
• Assist Managers and Supervisors with overall policy development.
• Prepare special studies, reports, and statistical information necessary for future planning and community policy decisions.
• Keep current, review, and analyze local, state, and federal legislative issues and trends in the area of program assignment.

This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member, but shall present a descriptive list of the range of duties that may be performed. To view the complete classification, click here.

• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position. Applications without a resume and cover letter will not be considered.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in public or business administration or social work, or a related field AND

• Three (3) years of professional social services work experience which includes work with related programs, contracts, planning, or services required.

Licenses or Certifications

• A valid driver's license is required when using a county vehicle.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position.

Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive's Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.