Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Family, friends, and fellow DSHS teammates are grieving the loss of Colleen Hendrickson Bass, a security guard at Eastern State Hospital who was tragically killed in the line of duty. She was known to many as “Bombasstic,” her call name on the Lilac City Roller Derby Team. Colleen is remembered as a devoted mother, a caring friend, and a joyful presence on and off the skate track. Governor Ferguson has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Colleen on October 15, recognizing her service and lasting impact on the Eastern Washington community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Colleen’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Flag Lowering - October 15, 2025: https://lnkd.in/gQY9qc-E

DSHS Statement on Shooting Death of Eastern State Hospital Employee: Our hearts are heavy today as we grieve the violent and tragic loss of one of our employees at Eastern State Hospital. We send our heartfelt support to the victim’s loved ones and to our dedicated employees and patients who are affected by this loss. The lockdown at Eastern State Hospital campus is lifted. All patients and other employees are accounted for. We are working closely with local law enforcement and Gov. Ferguson's office in response to this incident. We appreciate their quick response and their continued presence and support. Please look for updates on the incident from Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. When DSHS and Eastern State Hospital have additional updates, you can find them on our website. https://lnkd.in/g5ZEbsyi

🌟 Career Gaps Aren’t Gaps in Value Time away from the workforce—whether for caregiving, military support, or personal growth—can build powerful, valuable skills. Resilience, adaptability, and leadership often come from lived experience, not just job titles. 📌 Planning, organizing, budgeting 📌 Teaching, advocating, managing 📌 Gaining new perspectives   These are competencies employers—especially in state government—actively seek. Your story matters. Frame it with confidence and connect it to the impact you’re ready to make. 🔗 Learn how to explore opportunities in Washington State: careers.wa.gov #CareerGrowth #HiringEquity #ReturnToWork #WashingtonJobs #WorkforceDevelopment #SkillsMatter   WA State Department of Social and Health Services is hiring! Explore opportunities with DSHS: https://lnkd.in/gCWkTA-g #WorkThatMatters #InclusionWorks #InterviewPrep

🔍 Fair Hiring Matters Everyone deserves a fair shot at employment—including those with justice-impacted backgrounds. Washington’s Fair Chance Act helps ensure qualified candidates aren’t screened out too early in the hiring process. ✅ No criminal history questions on job applications ✅ No exclusionary language in job postings ✅ Criminal background checks only after qualification This law applies to nearly all employers in Washington—from public agencies to private businesses. It’s about unlocking opportunity and recognizing potential. 📚 Learn more about your rights and how to explore state jobs: atg.wa.gov/fair-chance-act #FairChanceHiring #JusticeImpacted #InclusiveWorkforce #WashingtonJobs #HiringEquity   WA State Department of Social and Health Services is hiring! Explore opportunities with DSHS: https://lnkd.in/gCWkTA-g #WorkThatMatters #InclusionWorks

Monday, Sept. 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us as we celebrate and honor the history, culture and impact of Hispanic and Latino communities across our country. In Washington state, the Commission on Hispanic Affairs has extensive resources, where you can learn more about events and ways to commemorate: https://lnkd.in/gc7NDjn2

🎯 Applied for a state job? Here’s what to expect next. Not everyone gets an interview—but if you do, keep an eye on your email. That’s where most invites arrive, sometimes with instructions to log into Careers.wa.gov (NEOGOV) and choose a time using a self-scheduling tool, if available.   Some interviews will be virtual, so make sure your tech is ready: camera, mic, internet, and a professional-looking background.   Not all, but some hiring teams share interview questions in advance. You might also be asked to sign a Release of Information form. If you’re unsure about anything, reach out to the contact listed in your invite. They are there to help.   WA Department of Social and Health Services is hiring! Explore opportunities with DSHS: https://lnkd.in/gCWkTA-g   #WorkThatMatters #InclusionWorks #InterviewPrep

Our offices are closed today in observance of #LaborDay. We will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. Thank you to all the dedicated DSHS employees across Washington state! It's a privilege to work alongside you.

Job References: What to Know and How to Prepare Most employers ask for references near the end of the hiring process. It’s their way of double-checking your skills and reliability. 👥 Who they talk to: Usually, it’s former supervisors. But if you’re new to the workforce or switching careers, other options work too—like professors, volunteer leaders, coaches, or satisfied clients. 📋 How to prepare: Make a list of people who’ve seen you in action and ask if they’re willing to speak on your behalf. No one comes to mind?   Start building fresh credibility: Volunteer Take a class Join a program Create a simple portfolio Ask for character endorsements 💡 Keep in mind: References help confirm what was learned in the interview—but they’re just one part of the hiring decision.   DSHS is hiring! Explore opportunities with DSHS: https://lnkd.in/gCWkTA-g #WorkThatMatters #InclusionWorks

August is Child Support Awareness Month This month, we’re recognizing the critical income support program that helps thousands of children and families in Washington state. We're also marking 50 years of a national child support program in 2025. Did you know that child support can provide as much as 40% of the income of low-income families? DSHS’ child support program helps families achieve economic stability in our state. DSHS’ Division of Child Support collects and distributes more than $625 million in child support payments every year, ensuring children receive the financial support they need to thrive. Washington employers are a key partner in our state’s child support program. With their help, more than 350,000 children and families receive child support services from DSHS’ Division of Child Support. Thank you for working with us to improve the lives of children! #Support4Families #SupportCareResources #PartneringWithPeople #ChildSupportAwarenessMonth

How to Get on a Recruiter’s Radar (Even If They Don’t Make the Final Call) Recruiters may not make hiring decisions, but they play a crucial role in presenting qualified applications to hiring teams. If you want to be seen, here’s how to stay on their radar:   🔍 Make your profile searchable and use keywords that match your field—like certifications, tools, job titles, and skills. Recruiters search daily for potential applicants, and a half-empty profile won’t show up. 📄 Keep your resume fresh. Even small updates help. Many recruiters filter for recent activity, so a stale resume might not appear in their results. 💬 Start the conversation. Recruiters aren’t career coaches, but a short, polite message shows initiative and may lead to job prospects. 👀 Be visible, be active. A strong profile, regular updates, and smart networking make you easier to find. Recruiters may not hire—but they can help you get in front of those who do.   DSHS is hiring! Explore opportunities with DSHS: https://lnkd.in/gCWkTA-g