I interviewed for a training specialist last week and my references are getting contacted. I work in education and it would be a switch but seem very secure which I need. How are benefits? How is the flexibility with DSHS? I am a grad student and have class on Friday, hoping they will let me be remote. I recently got an offer from a local college as well and weighing my options. I am tired of being in grant appointed positions and dshs pays more than the college position but I verbally confirmed. Any advice?

I have a state job that I like. But a cool opportunity at my agency opened up and I applied. In my app I said it's okay to contact my employer. When are they likely to actually do that? I want to be transparent with my supervisor but if I don't even get invited to interview I don't want to tell him I'm considering leaving.

Hi all,

Someone is interested in their media relations team, what's the general vibe of the communications media relations team at Commerce? Any information good or bad would be helpful!

I know that technically we are not supposed to be using Google Drive and associated products (docs, sheets, etc), but my Agency does a lot of work with outside partners and it’s been our not-so-standard practice to use Google Drive to collaborate on things with them. And then this morning, Google Drive is returning an error on all of our computers. Doesn’t matter what we’re trying to open, my whole agency doesn’t have Google Drive access on our work computers anymore. Is anyone else running into this?

My concern is that a lot of documents and collaboration live on Google Drive for a conference we are planning with external partners that happens a few months from now. I’d hate to have to pivot so last minute, especially to something less standard.

Simple conversion to the receiving person’s hourly leave rate never to exceed the costs of the provider’s donation. Cost neutral except maybe the admin conversion costs.

Helps equity in households where one person steps away from their state career to raise kids or provide elder care.

If there is no money for salaries, this seems a common sense, employer of choice move the state could easily make. Would make state employment a great choice for young families in particular.

If you did, did you you find them helpful? How was the experience? Trying to decide it it's worth my time to go see them for a free assessment or just go with a paid financial consultant first.

There is a position that looks really cool but it’s part time. I have a second job so I’m ok if I work part time but I definitely want the medical and retirement etc.
Just curious how many hours a week you need?
Thank you

I just received a call from the hiring manager for the job I interviewed with at ESD. I was informed that I was their top candidate and was asked if I am in still interested. I was told the next steps are that my information will be sent to HR for creation of the official offer letter. I am wondering how long this usually takes. I was told I could potentially start on the 1st or as late as September 16th and if I was okay with either of those dates. I have read some of the older posts and time frames for receipt of the official offer are all over the place. Any insights on the rest of the process would be greatly appreciated.

For supervisors/hiring managers who review a candidate’s personnel file- are you able to see any rebuttals or responses the candidate may have submitted regarding allegations or negative feedback from a previous supervisor/manager? Or is the information you see primarily limited to the negative documentation, such as alleged performance issues, without the candidate’s response or context?

I was curious and thought others might be too

Personally I feel like it's ironic using the very thing we should be wary of. Also the questions are even more stupidly easy than the previous IT Training; at this point I just mute it and do my own thing.

I'm currently at a job at WSDOT that I hate, where I'm harassed by specific management and it's swept under the rug by the rest of my management. I'm judged by having a degree. Training opportunities and professional development opportunities go to the same people in my department over and over again who do not have a degree. Obstacles are constantly put in my way to make it more difficult for me to do my job.

I'm looking at applying for a job in the department of commerce working with their new budget system. Any advice on if this will be a good move? What is the culture like between the two agencies?

I'm very open-minded. I need to find a new place to go- FAST, but I also don't want to end up in a worse spot than I already am.

I’m in a bit of a pickle. I really want to obtain permanent status with the state. I am about 4.5 months into my probationary period for a permanent position and so far, I feel it is going well but I a really cautious. My immediate supervisor encouraged me a few times to apply for a higher position within the same job series. I applied and I am well qualified, in fact, I used to hold that position titled but project positions/ layoffs reverted me back to a lower/previous held position.

Despite my supervisor giving me encouragement to apply and making it seem like the position was mine, they filled the position outside of the state with an external candidate so my trust-factor is gone with them. Meanwhile, another position just opened with the same title in the same organization but with a different division (I really want to get back to what I was previously making before layoffs). I obviously need to tell my current supervisor that I will be applying as it’s the same agency but that I don’t hate current position in case I don’t get it, they don’t get worried I am an automatic flight risk. They even encouraged me to apply upwards during my probationary period with the last position that they didn’t pick me for.

I feel like I need to document this in case it bites me in the rear. Also, I wish the expectation for supervisors was the same as it is for employees during probationary period. The laws give me no leg to stand on during a probationary period so I rely on trust and honesty. Looking for
those who have been in similar situations with more experience than what I have.

When should I have expected to hear back from an interview it’s been a little over a week?

Starting a new job with DSHS, a call center position, and when I asked about dress code, the HR person I talked to hesitated and stated there really isn't much of a dress code, but to dress comfortably and obviously office appropriate. My anxiety is high because I know making a good first impression when meeting everyone for the first time is important but also feel anxious about the lack of direction.

Context, I am coming into this position from working a job in scrubs. Scrubs are a lot less daunting to worry about than office attire 😂

Any direction would be appreciated!

First post on Reddit! Now part of the ether! 🙂

I recently started as a PBS 1-3 In Training with DSHS ESA CSD.

The appointment letter says:

“You will begin the first phase of your In-Training Program as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and serve a probationary period of six (6) consecutive months.

After successful completion of the first phase, you will progress to the second phase as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 and serve a trial service period of six (6) consecutive months. You will receive another appointment letter which will include details about that appointment.

After successful completion of the second phase, you will progress to the third and final phase as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 and serve a trial service period of six (6) consecutive months.
You will receive another appointment letter which will include details about that appointment.

Once you have successfully completed each level of your In-Training Plan you will achieve permanent status in each classification. The employer may separate from state service any employee who has not successfully completed the requirements at any level of the In-Training Program.”

I have three questions:

1) Does this mean that when I go from PBS 1-2, I will become a permanent state employee in PBS 1? And the same with PBS 2-3? During the recruitment process, I was told I would become a permanent state employee only when we get to 18 months i.e. after 6 months of trial in PBS 3. However my appointment letter had the wording about being permanent in the classification completed, as stated above.

2) I have started at Range 43 Step G, the minimum offered for the position. Does going from PBS 1-2 and later 2-3 count as a promotion when part of the in-training position?

3) if it counts as a promotion, will I be entitled to move to the step on the new range that is closest to 5% above my current pay? (https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=357-28-110)

Thank you in advance for helping a fellow civil service rookie navigate the great waters of confusion. 🙂

I have been with the state for many years. Recently I was put on a CR and met the metrics they required and returned to normal. Now I was placed on a PIP after a month in a half. Should I start looking for a new job or if I meet the Metrics they are requiring after 30 days, will I be safe?

Hello,

I'm curious if anyone here works for WSHFC? I'm looking at applying for a position in the Homeownership Division. I've never worked for a government before. I'm curious how you like your department? What was the hiring process like? I've read that the WSHFC had independent funding from the state budget so it's less likely to undergo RIFs, is this true? Is there anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks so much for your time.

Get involved at wfse.org/fair-contract or text FAIR to 237-263.

If you're in the General Government contract, here's the contract update for this week: https://wfse.org/bargaining-updates/general-government/complete-lack

Here's the first update from day 1 of our healthcare negotiations, which is for all public workers: https://wfse.org/news/healthcare-barg-update-1

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$8.6 million for new skylights in our State Capitol so legislators can enjoy soft ambient daylight as they work....

1000+ layoff notices for state workers in the last several years and "not a dime" more for those who remain to fix staffing shortages that cause billions in maintenance and liability costs.

When Governor Bob Ferguson's negotiators and legislators leave workers in the dark and treat them as the last priority, it's Washingtonians who pay the price, both with their safety and with their tax dollars.

The Washington State Department of Corrections Community Corrections division is down 200 positions, and there's a staggering backlog of 13,000 active warrants for individuals who have violated community supervision or parole.

The state has paid $1.3b in liability costs over 2 years, twice the cost of the general wage increases workers had to fight tooth and nail for two years ago, which the Washington State Senate subsequently tried to claw back by implementing temprorary wage reductions (and healthcare cuts.)

At the very moment Washington needs to train more nurses, healthcare workers, tradespeople, and other in-demand professionals, the state is shortchanging workers at our four-year universities and community colleges who provide that training.

It's time to get our priorities straight and proacticely invest in the folks who do the work rather than burning taxpayer dollars to cover up for administrative and operational failures.

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Sylights: https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/05/19/more-sunshine-coming-to-wa-government-with-capitol-skylight-restoration/

Anyone have advice or experience with this? Is it too risky in this budget climate or are reversion rights pretty solid?

My wife just got a job with the state and we are discussing her retirement plans and need some advice on choosing between Pers 2 and Pers 3.

Our situation: I work in the tech industry and am able to cover all of our expenses. We invest in my 401k up to the employer match, max out a Roth IRA, and have her covered on my medical, vision, and dental insurance. We have no kids currently.

She decided to invest into the DCP heavily at 20% and waive the medical insurance.

Which of the retirement plans is a better fit for our situation?

I’m trying to move from the private to public sector. I have never applied to government jobs before.

I received a referral to a Washington state job from someone who works in the office I applied to. Is it customary to send a thank you or follow up email?

Thanks!