DSHS ESA Child Support Enforcement Officer 3

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Child Support is hiring for a Support Enforcement Officer 3 to serve as a lead worker in their Olympia office. As a Support Enforcement Officer 3, you'll step in when families need stability and fairness by ensuring children get the financial and medical support they are owed. You'll research cases, understand the details, and take action that can change someone’s future. You will work on complex cases, solve problems, and make informed decisions using your expertise and judgment. As a lead worker, you will also guide and support others on your team, helping them learn and grow. Some days are fast and busy. Some conversations are tough. But every day, your work has purpose. You are the person who brings clarity, structure, and accountability when it matters most. This position is currently approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. The current expectation would be to work at least one day in-office per week and telework when a presence in-office is not required.

Requirements

Two years of college level coursework, AND Four years of experience related to child support enforcement and/or debt collection, including two years of experience as a Support Enforcement Officer.
Understanding of laws and regulations: Knowledge of State statutes and Federal regulations, court decisions, paternity proceedings, accounting and collection practices, legal rights, and remedies in support enforcement.
Math skills: Calculates support amounts and debt balances quickly and accurately using detailed financial data.
Collection experience: You have experience with enforcement practices, interpreting financial records, and tracking payments.
Investigative skills: You know how to gather information from various sources to make informed decisions.
Technical skills: You are comfortable using case management systems like the Support Enforcement Management System.
Conflict resolution skills: To calmly and respectfully de-escalate difficult or emotionally charged interactions.
Strong communication skills: Able to clearly explain complex legal and financial information to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Team leadership: You’re confident mentoring others and helping them grow in their roles.
Time management: You juggle competing tasks and deadlines without letting the details slip.
Adaptability: You stay steady and responsive in a fast-changing policy and workload environment.
Independence: You work well on your own, make sound decisions, and stay focused on priorities.

Responsibilities

Interview parents, employers and others to gather and verify financial and case information.
Explain child support laws, policies and processes in a way people can understand.
Establish, modify and enforce child and medical support orders.
Calculate support amounts and past-due balances using detailed financial information.
Take enforcement actions such as wage withholding, liens or asset seizure when needed.
Manage complex cases that may involve multiple states, tribes or countries.
Resolve conflicts and help people work through disagreements about support and debt.
Review legal and financial documents to make accurate and fair decisions.
Train, coach and guide team members while checking the quality of their work.
Act as a lead worker by assigning tasks, answering questions and supporting team success.
Research and locate individuals and assets using a variety of tools and systems.
Ensure all actions follow federal and state laws, timelines and audit requirements.
Maintain accurate records while protecting confidential information.