Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06971

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: DDS EXAMINER SUPPORT SPECIALIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Administrative Assistant, Clerical & Data Entry, Customer Service, Records Management, Office and Administrative Support, Financial Aid & Services

DSHS ESA DDS Examiner Support Specialist 2

Every day, people across Washington wait to hear about their Social Security Disability claim. DSHS's Disability Determination Services (DDS) depends on accurate information reaching the right person at the right time. As a DDS Examiner Support Specialist 2, you'll typically be the first point of contact for many of those claims, and the work behind the scenes that keeps claims moving without unnecessary delay.

In this position, you'll answer phone calls from claimants, attorneys, and other parties, verify their identity, and route calls to the right person. You'll receive and review incoming claims from Social Security and state offices, check them for completeness, and assign them to adjudicators. Other duties include retrieving medical records, processing incoming mail, and operating scanning equipment to keep case files complete and accurate.

Please note: This is an in-office position, based in Olympia.

Some of what you'll do:

• Receive and review electronic and paper disability claims from the Social Security Administration and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, checking for accuracy and completeness, and take action to resolve issues based on established policies.
• Answer incoming calls, verify caller identity, assess their needs, and provide clear information about agency programs and individual claims, or direct them to the right contact.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies between federal and state data systems by researching and correcting errors independently.
• Operate high-speed scanning equipment to process SSA claims files, and troubleshoot technical issues as they arise.
• Review the quality of scanned images and use independent judgment to prioritize, code, and place electronic medical and technical records in the correct files.
• Manage a caseload of Office of Hearings Operation claims and assist the Administrative Law Judge by gathering and preparing documentation.
• Print, sort, and prepare documents using office equipment, matching paperwork to the correct folders and files, and clear machine errors to keep jobs running smoothly.
• Open, sort, and prioritize incoming mail for staff and claims processing, and review outgoing mail for accuracy before it's sent.
• Log cash receipts, separate medical billing statements for entry into the electronic claim system, and review Social Security's paper Authorization to Disclose forms for accuracy before filing.
• Research and resolve problems with returned mail, and perform other related duties as assigned to support daily operations.

Who should apply? Those with;

One year of experience at the DDS Examiner Support Specialist 1 level.
OR
A combination of education and/or experience totaling three years; experience in an office or customer service setting performing administrative tasks, answering telephones, operating office equipment, typing, and creating business correspondence/notes.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Confidentiality and ethics: Protects sensitive information and consistently upholds professional and ethical standards.
• Professional communication: Handles sensitive or stressful situations with respect, helping to maintain positive working relationships.
• Adaptability: Adjusts effectively to changing tasks, systems, and priorities while maintaining productivity and focus.
• Accountability: Follows through on responsibilities, meets deadlines, and maintains reliable attendance and performance.
• Attention to detail: Reviews work carefully to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established processes.
• Professional communication: Handles sensitive or stressful situations with respect, helping to maintain positive working relationships.
• Workplace respect and inclusion: Actively contributes to a respectful, inclusive, and culturally aware work environment; committed to learning and growth.
• Organization and time management: Prioritizes tasks effectively, manages workload, and follows procedures to meet expectations.
• Technology skills: Uses Microsoft Word, Outlook, internet browsers, and DDS-specific systems and scanners to complete tasks efficiently.

Interested? Apply today!

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.

Questions? Please contact DSHS Recruiter, Georgina Pringle, at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 06971.

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 (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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) 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.

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