Saracyn S. Lee-Pickens
Kent,WA
Summary
Case planner support specialist with 21 years of experience in WorkFirst program operations, focusing on eligibility determination and case management. Expertise in policy interpretation and maintaining high accuracy in case processing. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with contractors, community partners, and internal teams. Skilled in navigating complex state systems to ensure compliance and support family stability and self-sufficiency.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Virtual Case Management Center-Workfirst Program
Department of Social and Health Services
Kent, Washington
10.2022 - Current
- Program orientation— Conduct orientations for WorkFirst and other specialty programs.
- Eligibility determination — Independently assess client eligibility and appropriateness for public assistance programs including TANF, BFET, and medical services.
- Case management — Provide professional case management by assessing needs, developing service plans, and making referrals to appropriate programs and resources.
- Barrier resolution — Identify and analyze client circumstances, authorize support services, and connect clients to community resources and contractors to remove barriers to employment.
- Complex eligibility tasks — Perform advanced duties in financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
- Collaboration & outreach— Partner with local organizations and stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness and outreach.
- Client assessments — Conduct home and site visits to evaluate vulnerable or disabled applicants, recipients, and children.
- Documentation & compliance— Analyze and verify complex documents, determine service options, maintain EJAS case records, and ensure compliance with program requirements.
Workfirst Program Specialist
Department of Social and Health Services
Kent, Washington
10.2012 - 09.2022
- Eligibility & case management— Provide financial eligibility services, screen Comprehensive Evaluations, develop and monitor IRPs, and evaluate client needs and progress.
- Service coordination — Refer clients to contractors, agency programs, community partners, and CSO social workers for specialized assessments and services.
- WorkFirst support — Deliver WorkFirst case management, conduct client orientations, and support TANF participants in obtaining and improving employment.
- Barrier assessment — Screen for barriers including domestic violence, substance use, health issues, and other factors affecting employability.
- Program eligibility — Interview clients to determine eligibility for financial, medical, and Basic Food programs; issue accurate benefits per federal and state guidelines.
- Case updates — Process changes in client circumstances, maintain EJAS records, and update automated systems.
- Case staffing — Schedule and coordinate case staffing meetings and perform additional duties as needed.
Workfirst Program Specialist
Department of Social and Health Services
Auburn, Washington
09.2011 - 09.2012
- WorkFirst intake & assessment— Delivered comprehensive WorkFirst intakes, assessments, and case management for diverse client populations.
- Eligibility accuracy — Maintained timely documentation and ensured precise eligibility determinations across multiple public assistance programs.
- Partner coordination — Collaborated with Employment Security and community partners to support client participation, goal setting, and barrier resolution.
Workfirst Program Specialist
Department of Social and Health Services
Kent, Washington
07.1998 - 08.2011
- Case management services— Provided ongoing case management and eligibility determinations for TANF, Food Assistance, and medical programs.
- WorkFirst guidance — Supported WorkFirst participants through individualized planning, targeted referrals, and consistent progress monitoring.
- Caseload management — Achieved high accuracy while managing large caseloads in a demanding, fast‑paced environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With Concentration in Addiction
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH05-2026
Associates of Arts Degree - Liberal Arts
Green River Community College
01-1996
Some College (No Degree) - Applied Psychology
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WASkills
Program & Case Management
- WorkFirst Case Management
- Sanction Processing & Compliance
- Eligibility Determination — TANF, Food, Medical, WCCC, ABD, HEN
- High Volume Caseload Management
Policy & Analysis
- Policy Interpretation — WACs, EA‑Z, WorkFirst Manual
- Report Analysis — Barcode, EJAS
- Documentation Accuracy
Client & Community Engagement
- Identifies factors — Assesses influences on family functioning
- Connects clients — Links individuals to needed services
- Explains policies — Communicates rules and laws clearly
- Client Engagement & Support
- Cross Agency Collaboration
Affiliations
- VCMC- Process and Improvement Operations Committee (PIOC)
- VCMC- Communications Work Group (CWG)
- VCMC- Member of Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC)
- CSO - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workgroup (DEI)
- CSO liaison and local high school
- CSO liaison and local area partners
- CSO Employee Activity Committee (EAC)
Timeline
Virtual Case Management Center-Workfirst Program
Department of Social and Health Services
10.2022 - Current
Workfirst Program Specialist
Department of Social and Health Services
10.2012 - 09.2022
Workfirst Program Specialist
Department of Social and Health Services
09.2011 - 09.2012
Workfirst Program Specialist
Department of Social and Health Services
07.1998 - 08.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With Concentration in Addiction
Southern New Hampshire University
Associates of Arts Degree - Liberal Arts
Green River Community College
Some College (No Degree) - Applied Psychology
University of Puget Sound