Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06027

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT OFFICER 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Legal, Social Services, Child Support, Financial Aid & Services

DSHS ESA Support Enforcement Officer 1-2 In-Training

The Economic Services Administration, Division of Child Support is seeking Child Support Enforcement Officers to join our team of hard-working professionals in Bellingham, WA. You’ll provide direct service to customers; establishing, modifying, and enforcing financial and medical child support obligations.

Please note: This position is currently assigned to work a hybrid/flexible schedule, based on business needs. The current expectation is that during the first year you'll work in-office for at least three days per week.

See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:
 
Some of what you will do:

Work over the phone with parents, attorneys, and advocates to establish child support obligations and apply sanctions if there’s no compliance with the terms of those obligations.
Establish administrative child support orders by researching and locating income information, calculating complex financial and medical obligations, calculating arrears balances, preparing and serving legal notices, and negotiating settlements.
Analyze, interpret and apply state, federal and international laws pertaining to the legal determination of paternity, and to the establishment and enforcement of financial and medical child support.
Negotiate debt repayment terms by analyzing asset and financial information such as pay stubs, tax returns, business earnings, and proof of expenses.
Review and interpret court and administrative child support orders to determine when obligations may be suspended or terminated, the support amount, and the frequency at which support is charged.
Utilize signature authority to initiate and sign legal notices, including correspondence with clients, courts, and other Washington state agencies.
Locate individuals and assets utilizing state interfaces such as Employment Security, Department of Revenue, Department of Licensing, Labor and Industries, Federal Parent Locate Service, and the Social Security Administration.
Maintain a caseload of child support cases utilizing the Support Enforcement Management System.

What we’re looking for:

Strong conflict resolution skills to appropriately handle emotionally charged interactions with clients.
Analytical skills to read, interpret, and understand legal documents.
Ability to manage a large, growing, and diverse caseload.

Who should apply? Professionals with:

Two years of college-level coursework AND two years of experience in child support enforcement and/or debt collection-related functions

Two years of experience as a Child Support Enforcement Technician.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute year for year.

In-Training:
Upon successful completion of the in-training plan of approximately 12-months at the Support Enforcement Officer 1 level, you will advance to the goal job class of Support Enforcement Officer 2.

Salary Ranges:

Support Enforcement Officer 1 ($ 4,517 Step A - $6,075 Step M)
Support Enforcement Officer 2 ($4,866 Step A - $6,542 Step M)

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 email DSHS Recruiter, Georgina Pringle, at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference 06027.

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.

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

About Clark County WA

With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and settlements. Framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west, the area is a picturesque place to work, play and live.

Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition frame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Today, more than 440,000 people call Clark County home.

Clark County government is one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of challenging positions for about 1,570 people. You can learn about current job openings, the application process, job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.

The mission of Clark County government is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability.

Industry

Government & Public Safety

Company Size

501-1,000 employees

Headquarters

Vancouver, WA

Year Founded

1844

Website

wa.gov

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