DSHS HCLA WCF Aging & Community Assistance Network Specialist

The WA Cares Fund (WCF) is a first-in-the-nation, public long-term care social insurance program, created by the Washington State Legislature under the LTSS Trust Act, to provide affordable long-term care insurance coverage to all working Washingtonians. This program is one of the latest examples of why Washington State is a national leader in long-term care policy. Within WCF, the Aging & Community Assistance Network (ACAN) Team, functions as the operational bridge between statewide policy and local service delivery.

WCF is seeking an Aging & Community Assistance Network (ACAN) Specialist to join our team within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA). At HCLA, we champion choice, independence, and safety for seniors and people with disabilities. Our vision is that people find human services to shape their own lives — and WA Cares plays a vital role in preparing Washingtonians for their long-term care needs.

In this role, you will provide strategic oversight and contract monitoring for the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the Community Assistance Network (CAN) partners that support WA Cares Fund operations statewide. This position plays a critical role in ensuring statewide consistency, accountability, and quality across the ACAN network.

You will collaborate with internal WA Cares teams and external partners to develop funding allocation methodologies, establish quality measures, and implement monitoring frameworks that assess operational effectiveness, service delivery, contractual compliance, and program outcomes.

Through proactive monitoring, policy development, and strategic analysis, this position supports the agency’s mission to transform lives by ensuring aging Washingtonians have access to high-quality services and informed choice in where and how they receive care.

This opportunity offers hybrid remote work within Washington State. The official duty station is Lacey, WA. Occasional travel may be required based on business needs.

What You Will Do

Contract Oversight & Governance

You will lead oversight and administration of contracts with Area Agencies on Aging and Community Assistance Network partners. This includes:

• Drafting and managing contract language, amendments, and annual contract cycles
• Developing and maintaining clear performance standards, deliverables, and accountability expectations
• Providing technical assistance to partners on contract requirements and billing
• Collaborating with fiscal staff to align budgets and funding with contract goals

Funding Formula & Resource Allocation Development

You will design and refine funding allocation methodologies to equitably distribute WA Cares resources across the ACAN network. This includes:

• Analyzing demographic, financial, and operational data
• Ensuring alignment with legislative intent and program goals
• Reviewing and approving budgets and payment structures

Monitoring, Performance & Quality Improvement

You will design and implement monitoring frameworks that evaluate compliance, effectiveness, and service quality. This includes:

• Conducting desk reviews and performance assessments
• Identifying trends, risks, and areas for improvement
• Recommending corrective actions or technical assistance
• Collaborating on development of quality measures and performance indicators

Policy Development & Strategic Support

You will contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures that guide ACAN operations. This includes:

• Translating program goals into measurable standards
• Responding to complex information requests using independent judgment
• Providing data-driven recommendations to leadership
• Supporting implementation of new initiatives and system improvements

Who Should Apply

• Bachelor's degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or related field and 5 years of progressively responsible experience with program management, strategic planning, contract development for statewide long-term care programs, and administering community-based supportive services for seniors and/or people with disabilities.
• Concurrently, at least one year administrating contracts for Area Agencies on Aging and developing performance improvement (PIP) plans.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge and skills in program management principles including policy writing, project management, contract negotiation, budget development, evaluation, and community services planning and development. Previous experience with contract monitoring and oversight of Area Agencies on Aging and/or Community Assistance Networks preferred.
• Ability to interpret statutes and regulation into policies and procedures.
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to coordinate multiple projects and to meet legislative and administrative deadlines.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with internal/external partners and other organizations. Ability to work with diverse groups using facilitation skills.

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

DSHS partners with people to access support, care, and resources.

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 legal appeal processes 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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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 01382

Salary

• $85,301 - $113,748/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 01-07-2026