WDVA Program Specialist 4, Full-Time, Project, Transitional Housing Program, Orting

About the Department

Transitional Housing Program – Orting

Full-Time - Project

Our team is excited to announce a new opportunity for a full-time Program Specialist 4, permanent project at the Transitional Housing Program (THP) in Orting, Washington! The THP's mission is to help those in need with stable housing, vocational rehabilitation, and employment. Veterans are surrounded with staff and wrap-around services that lead to successful program completion and return to the community. 

Please note:  The schedule for this position is four 10-hour shifts, Monday through Thursday. The anticipated hours are 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some flexibility in start time based on operational needs. This position is not eligible for telework.

Updated as of July 1, 2025: This position is eligible for "Supplement Basic Shift Premium" for 24/7 Facilities. Employees who are assigned to a facility that provides direct care to residents, patients, and/or clients and whose duties are required to be performed on location will receive an additional one dollar ($1.00) per hour of supplemental basic shift premium for each hour of basic shift premium. This shift premium does not apply to overtime hours. The supplemental basic shift premium shall expire on June 29, 2027.

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for nearly 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

If you are passionate about our mission of "Serving Those Who Served," we encourage you to apply today!

Position Duties

Some of what you will be doing:

• Provides direct case management services to homeless Veterans with the goal of attaining permanent housing including but not limited to conducting client needs assessments, developing case management plans, facilitating program placement, coordinating support services including onsite mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment services.
• Maintains caseload of Veterans from Transitional Housing Program.  Works intensively with Veterans to create personalized treatment plans addressing barriers to permanent housing, including but not limited to health, mental health, education, employment, benefits assistance, debt management.  Refers Veterans to community providers and collaborates to secure permanent, stable housing for the Veteran.
• This position leads case conferencing and coordinated entry system to identify affordable housing opportunities and must explain complex program issues to clients, agency staff, senior agency leaders, and outside entities, and anticipate potential conflicts while demonstrating de-escalation and problem-solving abilities. 
• Determine program priorities, sets objectives, allocates resources daily, and provides leadership to VA-GPD clients and 35 Low Demand clients in a residential program. 
• Participates in strategic planning, grants development, developing and implementing operational policies and procedures. 
• This position develops, revises, implements, interprets, and administers program specific policies, procedures, and practices and sets standards for existing and new program activities which involve and impact clients, staff, and volunteers.  
• Collaborates and coordinates with local agencies to provide supportive services both onsite and in the community. 
• This position must explain complex program issues to clients, agency staff, senior agency leaders, and outside entities, and anticipate potential conflicts while demonstrating de-escalation and problem-solving abilities. 
• This position develops, revises, implements, interprets, and administers program specific policies, procedures, and practices and sets standards for existing and new program activities which include and impact clients, volunteers, and agencies provide supportive services onsite and in the community. 
• Ensures operational compliance of VA-GPD Low Demand housing model. Prepare, verify, and responsible for all documentation to ensure the program meets the VA-GPD audit inspections on an annual basis.  This includes a two-day annual inspection/audit of case notes, building/safety standards, dining hall standards, room inspections, and other requirements.  Coordinate with the Soldiers Home facility manager and dietary manager to ensure documents all requirements are being met and documented for the audit.  

• Explains complex program issues to clients, agency staff, senior agency leaders, and outside entities, and anticipates potential conflicts while demonstrating de-escalation and problem-solving abilities.  

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Psychology, Social Services, Social Work, Social Science, Health Care, or Liberal Arts/Sciences from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent 

AND

• Two (2) years of experience providing services to chronically homeless individuals with mental health and substance use disorders including at least one (1) year supervisory experience.

*A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Experience must be relevant to the position. *

• Proficiency with Excel, word processing, presentation, data management systems, and mobile application software.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English to facilitate effective performance of job duties.  This includes sufficient written and verbal communication in English, to facilitate effective performance of essential functions.
• Agency Required Competencies for all positions:
  • The ability to take action to learn and grow.
  • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired:

• Master’s degree in a related field such as Psychology, Social Services, Social Work, Social Science, Health Care, or Liberal Arts/Sciences from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent
• Experience in program development and administration for homeless individuals with chronic mental health and substance use disorders
• Experience providing services to veterans experiencing homelessness with a broad understanding of the barriers veterans may face in obtaining permanent housing and potential solutions  
• Ability to work independently yet collaboratively while considering the needs and styles of others.

Other Qualifications

Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA! 

 Application Process:   

Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

  Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.

2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Other Information:

• This position is non-represented

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.  

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at [email protected].

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov