DSHS Social & Health Program Consultant 1
Salary
$4,886.00 - $6,542.00 Monthly
Location
Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-05139
Department
Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division
DVR
Opening Date
06/25/2026
Closing Date
7/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
The Benefits Planning Program Consultant (BPPC) reports the Ticket to Work and Benefits Planning Program Manager and is considered DVR State Office staff. The BPPC contributes to the development of, and/or monitoring, evaluating, or coordinating of social, financial, or health services programs, projects, or program policies and procedures. Assists with the development of, and conducts, presentations and training on program policies and procedures to DVR participants, staff, service vendors, pre-ETS participants, and/or stakeholders.
The BPPC performs case management responsibilities by conducting a thorough benefits planning analysis with DVR participants statewide who receive federal and state benefits, such as Social Security, by analyzing and resolving complex concerns or problems related to their social, financial, or health programs.
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. 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.
Some of what you will be doing
As subject matter experts (SMEs) provide information to DVR participants to understand how wages impact benefits and then provide recommendations to maximize wages and maintain benefits to reduce poverty.
Address concerns and dispel myths that hinder employment.
Educate and strategize with participants to help them work and earn more while utilizing work incentives; Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), Blind Work Expenses, Subsidies, Special Conditions, and Student Earned Income Exclusion.
Educate Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC) and Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) on the Social Security Administration (SSA) and DSHS program rules when participants begin working.
Provide guidance to participants, families, VRCs, CRPs, schools, tribal partners, and other participant advocates/partners to help them complete work incentive documentation.
Educate to empower the participant and their families about overall financial literacy to ensure movement toward self-sufficiency.
Analyze and interpret information to assess the participants whole benefits and income picture to give well rounded recommendations and consultation to the participant, their families, VRCs, and other meeting attendees.
Empower informed choice while addressing any financial and health insurance stress the participant is experiencing.
Analyze and interpret the participants benefits to create an individualized consultation presentation for their benefits planning meeting with the VRC.
As the participant moves through their journey to employment, provides regular outreach to continue to provide recommendations related to their current step in the process.
Provides Benefits Planning training and recommendations to VRCs to increase participants wages and improve the agencies median income targets as required by Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) measures and to meet federal grant compliance in an effort to decrease participants poverty level.
To maximize Ticket to Work reimbursement, Benefits Planners will thoroughly document participants income goal requirements so the correct reimbursement program can be selected at Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE); In-Use VR (traditional cost reimbursement) or In-Use VREN (Employment Network; milestone reimbursements).
Provide guidance, recommendations, and written report detailing the specifics about less common SSA programs and work incentives such as Partnership Plus, Employment Networks, Section 301, Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS), and Unsuccessful Work Attempts.
Write individualized benefits planning analyses that summarizes the meeting topics, discusses the participants' current employment or job goal, discusses unique situations and next steps, and provides recommendations based on the participants' benefits, income picture, and goals.
Provide SME assistance in applying for Social Security benefits, DSHS benefits, opening an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, etc.
Community outreach to support and promote the Washington State Poverty Reduction Plan (PREG).
Help participants, their families, and VRCs understand, interpret, and explain documents received from SSA, DSHS, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.
Research and compile resources and educational information that can be shared with the team and participants.
Educate participants on supports available following DVR closure to help maintain employment, such as Partnership Plus and other applicable work incentives.
Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of stronger relationships and partnerships with housing authorities to assist with stabilizing participants facing homelessness or housing instability.
Heres what were looking for:
Who should apply? Individuals with one of the following:
A Masters degree or higher in social work, a health or social science, public administration or a related field, and one year of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health or chemical dependency treatment services programs.
OR
A Bachelors degree in social work, a health or social science, public administration or a related field; and two years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs.
OR
Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Note:
1 year of experience must be in a vocational rehabilitation setting.
A degree in Social Work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. For selected positions in an alcohol and substance abuse program, status as a chemical dependency professional is required.
Along with your applications please submit a Letter of Interest.
For questions about this job, please contact Peter Bonato at (360) 725-5861 or via email peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 05139.
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
Some jobs may require full criminal background check. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid drivers license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social & Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate 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 360-725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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. Thats 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
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Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov