Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Unlocking the potential of over 70 million skilled workers Did you know that while more than 60% of U.S. workers don’t hold a four-year college degree, nearly 70% of new jobs require one—even when the necessary skills could have been acquired in other ways? Washington state is changing this narrative. Through Executive Order 24-04, state agencies remove degree requirements from job postings where a degree isn’t legally necessary for essential functions. This means most state jobs will include alternate paths to qualify, opening doors for talented people who previously might have been overlooked. By focusing on skills rather than degrees, Washington state is tapping into a vast talent pool of STARs—Skilled Through Alternative Routes. STARs are workers aged 25 and older, active in the workforce, with a high school diploma but without a bachelor’s degree. Advocacy organizations like Opportunity@Work are championing skills-based hiring to ensure these individuals get the recognition they deserve. This approach doesn’t just empower workers—it fuels economic growth by valuing the abilities and experiences of all employees. Together, we’re building a future where skills matter most. 🎇  DSHS is #hiring, see https://lnkd.in/gCWkTA-g for our current career opportunities!

No Degree? No Problem—Really! 🙌 Exciting news for job seekers in Washington State: As of July 2024, many state government jobs no longer require a degree! Thanks to Substitute House Bill 2216, degree requirements are now removed as the sole way to demonstrate qualifications—unless legally necessary for the role. This opens the door to a wealth of opportunities for talented people, regardless of whether they hold a degree. Wondering how you might qualify? Alternative experiences such as relevant work history, internships, volunteer work, professional certifications, training programs, transferable skills, apprenticeships, small business ownership, or consulting may all meet the requirements. When applying, pay close attention to the job description and minimum qualifications. The key is to clearly articulate how your unique experience aligns with the role’s requirements in your application or resume. 🗝️ Don’t let a degree define your potential—your experience and skills matter. Explore the possibilities with Washington State government jobs today! 💡 DSHS is #hiring, see https://lnkd.in/gCWkTA-g for our current career opportunities!

#AutismAcceptanceMonth started this week with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and continues throughout April. The theme for World Autism Acceptance Month in 2025 is “Celebrate Differences.” It encourages us to see that each person is unique and their differences are a normal part of life. Instead of thinking of autism as a condition that needs to be fixed, we should celebrate the differences autism brings. This month is all about autism acceptance, a movement that promotes understanding and supporting autistic people. It’s not just simply raising awareness—it’s about taking action to build understanding, promote inclusion, and create supportive environments for them. Learn more about autism at https://lnkd.in/gCUPkVBk More Information and Resources on Autism visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gxzv55XR #DDA #Autism #CelebratingDifferences

💡 Patience and Persistence Are Key When Applying for Jobs Searching for a job often involves challenges, including rejection and disappointment. State job postings can attract a large pool of applicants, making the process highly competitive—usually, only one person is chosen from many applicants. If you receive a regret email after applying, try not to let it weigh you down. Rejection is a natural part of the application process, especially for competitive roles. While these notices often don’t include detailed explanations due to the high volume of applications, every experience offers an opportunity to improve and strengthen your approach. Stay positive, apply to multiple positions, and keep pushing forward—persistence and growth are key to success. 🗝️ Remember, applying to multiple roles expands your opportunities. Every application is a new chance, and with persistence and patience, success is within reach. The more times you step up to the plate, the better your odds of hitting that home run. ⚾ Learn and grow from each experience—determination always pays off. DSHS is #hiring, see https://lnkd.in/gCWkTA-g for our current career opportunities!

Washington is one of many states facing a shortage of qualified interpreters. Davis High School hosted the outreach event in partnership with the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, plans to expand the outreach next year to include Eisenhower High School. This will bring more students together to network with deaf and DeafBlind people while keeping a focus on continuing technical education pathways for students.

Looking for developmental disability services but not sure where to start? Our animated video series breaks it all down, making it easy to understand your options. As we conclude Developmental Disability Awareness Month, let's continue to work together to create inclusive communities and empower individuals with developmental disabilities to thrive. Start exploring today: https://lnkd.in/gnVT5pgc   Equine Therapy Assistive Technology Community Engagement Community Inclusion Environmental Adaptations Music Therapy Life Skills Peer Mentoring Person-Centered Plan Facilitation Remote Support Respite Care Specialized Equipment and Supplies Staff and Family Support Supported Employment Supported Parenting Therapeutic Adaptations Waiver Transportation Wellness Education #AccessibleInformation #DisabilitySupport #DDAM

Reminder! #HappeningThisWeek Join us on Thursday, April 3rd at the Hal Holmes Community Center, 209 N Ruby St, Ellensburg, WA #PassItOn!

Join us at an hour-long virtual presentation to learn more about new travel requirements. ASL Interpreter and CART will be provided.   For other communication access requests, email elizabeth.luttrell@dshs.wa.gov by April 4, 2025. 

We're #hiring a new Occupational Therapist in Shoreline, Washington. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Pants, Parties, and Progress: Breaking Old Rules Did you know? Women were prohibited from participating in nightlife and wearing pants in public until the 1920s! During the Victorian Era, social norms kept women at home in the evenings, as being out alone could tarnish their reputation. And as for pants? It wasn’t until 1923 that the U.S. Attorney General declared it acceptable for women to wear them—though many regions clung to restrictive dress codes for years. The women’s rights movement of the early 20th century, including suffragists, helped break these barriers. Practicality also played a role, as women donned pants during World War I while stepping into traditionally male roles. While DSHS doesn’t have programs connected to these historic changes, we think they’re a fascinating part of Women’s History Month. Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come!