Help us help children and families!
In a typical year, the Division of Child Support (DCS) helps more than 360,000 children and collects approximately $680 million in child support. But collecting support payments to stabilize family incomes provides more than short-term benefits. Studies tell us the work we do also contributes to better long-range outcomes such as lower instances of substance abuse and teen pregnancy rates as well as higher graduation rates and better adult employment for children that are supported financially and emotionally.
What does the Division of Child Support do?
The Department of Social and Health Services’ Division of Child Support employs approximately 1,100 people in a variety of professional, clerical and technical positions. Every day, these staff members improve the lives of children, families and communities, by working with both parents to ensure that every child receives financial and emotional support they need.
In addition to rewarding work, employees here receive great benefits including vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, medical insurance and a retirement plan. The division invests in its staff through extensive training and other opportunities across programs at locations throughout the state.
What kinds of skills are important for working at DCS?
Working as a Support Enforcement Officer can be a tough job that demands good judgment and excellent oral and written communication skills in order to foster a productive, cooperative work environment. To be effective, a Support Enforcement Officer needs skills and abilities like those listed below.
- Ability to solve problems (legal and mathematical)
- Attention to detail
- Ability to comprehend and follow complex rules
- Ability to multi-task
- Reliability and commitment to serving the public
- Ability to work cooperatively with the public and court system
- Ability to understand the legal process
- Positive attitude
- Highly motivated
- Basic computer skills
I’m interested! Where do I start?
Most of our employees begin working at DCS as Support Enforcement Officers. If you are interested in becoming a Support Enforcement Officer, complete the following two steps.
Step one – Apply for an open position with the Washington State Division of Child Support
All of our open positions appear on the Washington State jobs website at www.careers.wa.gov. Click on the “Look for Jobs” button. When the next screen opens, enter “Support Enforcement” in the search box and follow the instructions to apply. If there are no current openings, you also can create Job Alerts that send you an e-mail when opportunities are available.
Step two – Take the Support Enforcement Officer Skills Assessment
To be considered for a Support Enforcement Officer interview, you must take and pass an exam. This Skills Assessment is offered when there are openings available for Support Enforcement Officers around the state. To prepare, view this online SEO Assessment Orientation and review the study guide.
The Division of Child Support records which individuals successfully pass the Skills Assessment. Those who pass the Skills Assessment join the pool of eligible candidates to interview for the Support Enforcement Officer positions statewide.
Please contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to working together to build better futures for children, families and communities.
For more information contact:
James Goodspeed, district manager, Division of Child Support
360-664-6868