Social Service Program Specialist 3

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a hybrid position consisting of three days of remote work a week on business needs. As a seasoned procurement professional, you will develop program scopes of work, policies, and run competitive procurement processes. This role includes community and stakeholder engagement, presentations, and facilitation of meetings, boards, and commissions. The position will write reports and presentations, and have a strong understanding of the homelessness response system. Knowledge of contracts, monitoring, and reimbursements is required. You will work closely with homeless service providers to facilitate support and technical assistance. We are in the process of updating our Homeless Crisis Response system to better meet the needs of the homeless community, so there will be several improvement projects to tackle as we move forward. 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. In this role, the successful candidate must be detail-oriented and able to communicate complex processes. In this role, you will work closely with key partners in our efforts to end homelessness in Pierce County. You must have a passion for this issue and be willing to work hard to help us tackle it. You will need strong analytical skills as you work through data collection, data analysis, and CQI efforts. The successful candidate will have the ability to work within a team, have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and be a problem solver as you work through issues related to this program. Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the Supervisors, teams, and the admin team regularly to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, and gain familiarity with current policies, procedures, and strategic measures. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build a great career.

Requirements

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
Three (3) years of professional social services work experience which includes work with related programs, contracts, planning, or services required.
A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
Applications without a resume and cover letter will not be considered.
As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of the homelessness response system.
Knowledge of contracts, monitoring, and reimbursements.
Detail-oriented and able to communicate complex processes.
Passion for ending homelessness.
Strong analytical skills.
Ability to work within a team.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Problem solver.

Responsibilities

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.
Provide guidance in the implementation and monitoring of plans.
Identify systems concerns and suggest appropriate changes and/or interventions.