Social Service Program Specialist 2

Why It’s a Great Opportunity:

This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of local efforts to address housing affordability, attainability, and accessibility.  In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, have an impact on the communities we serve, and make a positive contribution to Pierce County. You will be part of a team of highly motivated, compassionate, and engaged employees working together to support a livable Pierce County. This position is Part-time at 36 hours per week, 

Why It’s a Great Department: 

Pierce County Human Services is the community and human services arm of the Pierce County government. It is the largest contributor to Pierce County’s safety net, providing services and funding to nearly 170 agencies and governmental jurisdictions. The department collaborates with its community partners, including other public and non-profit funders and service providers, to understand current and emerging community and human services’ needs. The department strives to create and invest in a comprehensive and integrated regional services system.

We encourage you to learn more about our department by clicking HERE.

About the South Sound Housing Affordability Partners (SSHA3P):

SSHA3P is a sub-regional collaboration among Pierce County, cities, towns, and the Puyallup Tribe, created in 2021 under an Intergovernmental Agreement, to work together to create and preserve affordable, attainable, and accessible (A3) housing throughout the county. It has been modeled after similar successful collaborations in King and Snohomish Counties. The intent is to create staff capacity that will provide policy and program support on housing-related topics for all member cities. SSHA3P will be guided by an Executive Board comprised of a representative from each member government.

How to be Successful in the Role: 

Success in this role requires a blend of technical skills, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal abilities. You will need to be proficient in using the Microsoft Office Suite and quickly adapt to new tools and systems as the work evolves. Immediately, you’ll be expected to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research with great attention to detail, ensuring your insights inform strategic decision-making for internal and external stakeholders. Your ability to adapt to changing priorities and course-correct, when necessary, will be key in meeting the needs of member governments.

Building and maintaining relationships will be central to your success. You will communicate effectively with a wide range of partners, including elected officials, residents seeking housing assistance, and various departments. Exceptional communication skills—both verbal and written—are essential to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned, informed, and engaged in the process. As a quick learner and team player, you will be required to use both collaboration and independent problem-solving.

You will be evaluated based on your ability to make strategic decisions, manage details effectively, and foster positive relationships across teams. Your impact will be felt in the success of communication efforts, the satisfaction of stakeholders, and the overall effectiveness of initiatives. Working with various departments, you’ll be expected to navigate challenges while delivering solutions that meet both immediate and long-term needs.

Your Future in this Role: 

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 offers multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career. 

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Provide staff support to the SSHA3P Executive Board and is the Liaison for the SSHA3P Advisory Board.
• Support the SSHA3P Manager in developing annual work plans.
• Monitor, track, analyze, and research best and emerging practices and policies in land use, affordable housing, and residential development issues.
• Assists SSHA3P Manager in developing and implementing community outreach and engagement strategies.
• Organizes, sets priorities, and oversees several projects at once, with general supervision.
• Assist in presentations before City, Town, and Tribal Councils, boards or commissioners, and other public groups.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Land Use Planning, Community Development, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Architecture, Communications, Social Work, or a related field AND
• Two years of professional social services work experience, or a combination of: affordable housing sector; project coordination and familiarity with affordable housing policies and practices which includes work with related programs is required.
• Additional education or experience that clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license may be required when travel is required for the position.
• A resume is required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with land use planning.
• Experience supporting public officials, boards, and commissions. 

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. 
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.  

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

Salary : $41 - $52