DSHS HCLA Social and Health Program Manager

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is seeking a Social and Health Program Manager to join the Home and Community Services (HCS) Division in Region 2.

HCS promotes, plans, develops, and provides long-term care services responsive to the needs of people with disabilities and older adults, with priority attention to low-income individuals and families. We help people with disabilities and their families obtain quality services that maximize independence, dignity, and quality of life. HCS works closely with aging and disability advocates, community partners, stakeholders, and Area Agencies on Aging to ensure a client-focused service delivery system.

This position reports to the Field Services Administrator and assists the Regional Administrator and Deputy Regional Administrator in planning, leading, coordinating, and implementing HCS programs throughout Region 2. The Social and Health Program Manager directs and manages over 60 staff across six social work units and is responsible for Initial Intake, Presumptive Eligibility, In-Home Services, and service provision for people experiencing homelessness.

Some of what you will be doing:

• Plan, lead, and implement long-term care services, program standards, and operating procedures for staff in Region 2, ensuring statewide compliance with HCLA policy and procedures.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of six social service units and over 60 FTEs, including hiring, training, coaching, performance evaluation, and corrective or disciplinary actions as needed.
• Oversee quality assurance, workload management, resource development, and service delivery planning for In-Home, Initial Intake, Presumptive Eligibility, and related programs.
• Develop biennial goals and objectives for regional operations and ensure that resources are available to achieve outcomes.
• Participate in regional goal setting, budget development, and policy and procedure implementation with the Regional Management Team.
• Provide consultation to staff and community organizations including Area Agencies on Aging, Managed Care Organizations, Residential Services, Hospitals, Tribes, and other partners.
• Respond to constituent and legislative inquiries and participate in complex case staffing, resource development, and quality assurance monitoring.
• Collaborate statewide with HCS Headquarters and other regional program managers on policy and program development

Who Should Apply

Master’s Degree in social science, health, public administration or related field and four years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social and health services programs;

Or

Bachelor’s Degree and six years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social and health services programs.

Or

Ten years of professional/practical experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social and health services programs. Additional years of service may substitute year for year for education.

• Advanced experience in program operations and leading diverse, culturally relevant teams.
• Skilled in using research and data for decision-making, issue resolution, and policy development.
• Able to work independently and alert management to key issues and risks.
• Effective communicator with varied audiences, including agencies, legislators, and partners.
• Experienced in identifying issues and facilitating conflict resolution.
• Strong organizational skills; managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proven leadership of large teams and mid-level supervisors across diverse areas.
• Interprets laws and regulations to develop policies and procedures.
• Subject matter expertise in long-term services and supports programs.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Understanding of Area Agency on Aging and customer contact center operations.
• Familiarity with HCLA systems (CARE), ProviderOne, and system readiness principles.
• Knowledge of Medicaid, Older Americans Act, and long-term care insurance programs.
• Skilled in coordinating diverse resources to resolve complex policy and operational issues.
• Knowledge of organizational change management and personnel policies.
• Strong organizational skills; produce accurate, timely work with minimal supervision.
• Able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines as directed.
• Experienced in delivering presentations to management, staff, and community groups.

This job is classified as Washington Management Services 2 (WMS2).

If this is your area of expertise and interest, we invite you to apply today! Come partner with us in doing this meaningful and critical work

Interested? Please list 3 professional references’ contact information on your application and include your current resume and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role, including your work experience with Contact center and large-scale program management.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision—that people find human services to shape their own lives—requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Grant Grady at grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 07322.

Salary

• $98,494 - $108,720/year

Other Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025