OLYMPIA -- Jennifer Elsen, a Professional Relations Specialist with the Department of Social and Health Services, has been selected for a Quality Service Award presented by the Social Security Administration.

The award is given nationally to individual employees or groups of employees for original, unique, or creative approaches in communication and service delivery that improve service to the public. Winners are also eligible for consideration for the national Commissioner’s Quality Award.

Elsen, who has a background in SSA's electronic records, education and training, was cited specifically for her efforts in helping the Division of Disabilities Determination Services (DDDS) transition to a paperless, electronic environment.

The division is part of the Health and Recovery Services Administration and works with Social Security to process and adjudicate applications for federal disability status, and the new paperless process allows the adjudicators and medical consultants to receive records quickly and efficiently from the medical community.

DDDS Director Dr. Martin A.H "Tony" Jones, Ph.D., said Elsen’s background as a trainer and public relations specialist was invaluable in educating the medical professional community about disability processes.

"Despite the fact many of our processes remained 'work in progress' and the fact we were asked to 'sell' a product with less than perfect tools," Dr. Jones said, "she always keeps a positive attitude and listens to the vendor's concerns in order to assist them in any way she can." He added: "If she doesn’t know the answer, she will find out."

One of her students among the vendors also wrote to thank her for her support, noting: "Thank you for sharing her with us. She is so willing to train, is generous with her time and information and is a great trainer. She is a wonderful representative for the DDDS. She is terrific."

The award plaque says simply: "In recognition of outstanding quality service to the professional community and commitment to the mission of our agency."

Two Medicaid veterans in DSHS are leaving state service for retirement at the end of May.

• Pam Colyar is retiring from the Division of Healthcare Services on May 31. She began her state service as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Western State Hospital in 1973, moving later to positions at the nearby Child Study Treatment Center before leaving state government for a private medical practice in Tacoma for three years.

She returned to the CSTC as a psychiatric Child Care Counselor and LPN in 1985, later moving up to Registered Nurse before moving to the Community Services Division as a Financial Service Specialist and Social Worker. In 1997, she moved to the Medical Assistance Administration (later the Health and Recovery Services Administration), where she has been Clinical Nurse Program Manager.

As a volunteer, she also worked as a parish nurse for six years, as a part-time school nurse for five years, and with the Stephen Ministry for five years.

• Peggy Wilson, a 25-year veteran of state service and a fixture within the Medicaid managed care program almost since its inception, will also retire on May 31. She began her state career in 1971 as a Clerk 1 in the Rainier Community Services Office.

After a break in service, she rejoined the state, working as a probation/parole officer and an adjudicator, before coming to the Medical Assistance Administration in 1991. She went to work in the managed care arena in 1993 and has been there since. Today, she is the manager of the program.

Wilson also served as a Division Director during several periods. She was an interim head of the Division of Program Support in 2002 and was Acting Director for the Division of Eligibility and Service Delivery in 2006.