Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Reviews

Pros

Employee are free to use whatever method to solve problems. Generous leave benefit along with healthcare. Management is very supportive.

Cons

There is a fair amount of incompetent employees. Some decisions were made by upper management without consultation with the employees who will carry out the works.

Pros

You can set your own schedule.

Cons

You watch your client deteriorate. That can be sad.

Pros

Felt like I made a difference with the clients.
While not every story could be a success, still very gratifying to be a part of the process.

Cons

Very little training involved. Had to draw from training received from another organization.
A lot of office politics involved.
Very singular feeling - maze of cubicles kept everyone to themselves.

Advice to Senior Management

Reach out to the underlings who are on the front lines to understand what's really going on. Much could be understood about the clients and ineffective personnel by reaching out to them.

Pros

Quite a bit of turnover means lots of opportunity to advance. Offices located all over the state so easy to relocate. Benefits are pretty good. Good work schedule - rarely have to work more than 40 hrs/wk and don't have to take work home.

Cons

Pay isn't great - I switched to private sector and make nearly twice my former salary with the state. The work can be a downer because you're dealing with peoples' problems all day everyday. Some of the coworkers are bad at their jobs and everyone else has to bring up their slack. They are permanent state employees so they aren't going anywhere.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep fighting the good fight.

Pros

Good benefits, retirement plans, less pressure -- depending on positions. It is a good place for half-retirement. Olmpia is a nice place to live.

Cons

Sometimes it could be frustruted -- like all government jobs. New ideas may not be appreciated. But if you like routine work, that will be it.

Advice to Senior Management

Communication skills are important. Sometimes doing your job is not enought, interpersonal skills may be more crucial for your success.

Pros

The benefits are good, salary is not on par with the private sector leading to less than capable senior management.

Cons

You work in the executive branch of government and pending the political climate the agency mission changes. There are also huge budget swings leading to the inability to strategically plan.

Advice to Senior Management

get a clue

Pros

The flexibility of taking leave whether to take a couple of hours off during the day or to take a couple of weeks off. Another is the ability to transfer to different sections or divisions to learn new skills. Also, the location of the main headquarters is convenient. Lastly, work does not follow you when you leave the office or go on vacation.

Cons

Recognition of the individual or team isn't found at most state agencies. The salary schedule does not promote risk and reward. There are no bonuses to encourage individuals to go above and beyond service. Work must be self fullfilling.

Advice to Senior Management

Telecommuting does work and it a viable option. With the technology available, most position can be completed with a laptop, fax machine and phone. Computer technicians can remotely "fix" machines. Computer systems can be accessed with security and confidence anywhere.