DSHS HCLA Continuous Improvement Specialist

Full Job Description

WA Care Fund – Management Analyst 4--Continuous Improvement Specialist
Location: Lacey, WA

Make a meaningful impact in long-term care policy by embracing this thrilling opportunity. The WA Cares Fund (WCF) is the first of its kind in the United States, showcasing why Washington State leads the nation in long-term care initiatives. Created by the WA State Legislature, the WCF offers affordable long-term care insurance coverage to all working Washingtonians. This is a rare opportunity to become one of the founding team members as we introduce the nation’s first long-term services and supports social insurance program.

DSHS’s Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) WCF is hiring key team members now to assist as we move toward the full implementation of the program. The innovative work that you do now will aid qualified people and their authorized representatives to apply for and access their earned benefits that help pay for daily-living activities. Your experience, knowledge, and skills make a difference.

We are hiring a Continuous Improvement Specialist to support organizational development strategy and program outcomes by leading varied projects including: organizational continuous improvement, leadership and workforce development, cultural, change and engagement strategic initiatives.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Lead and manage small- to medium-scale projects using Lean, process improvement, project management, organizational change management, Human Centered Design principles (designing systems, leadership practices, and culture around how staff experience WCF and influence continuous improvement).
• Analyze programs, business operations, and processes to identify root causes, assess gaps, track outcomes, and recommend data-driven solutions that support strategic goals and may have statewide impact.
  
• Collect, assemble, and interpret data from internal and external sources to inform decision-making, resource allocation, and short- and long-term business process improvements.
  
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with program managers, subject matter experts, agency partners, and leadership to address concerns, drive initiatives, and strengthen product and program outcomes.
  
• Develop and monitor project plans, action steps, and deliverables, including agendas, work breakdown structures, progress tracking, and executive-level recommendations.
  
• Support WCF Organizational Development strategy specific to programs and initiatives that improve how the organization functions, learns and improves.
  

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Experience collaborating within large, complex cross-agency programs involving diverse internal and external partners, stakeholders, and executive leadership.
  
• Strong analytical, critical, and creative thinking skills with the ability to independently research, interpret, and synthesize complex information to develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
  
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities, including identifying root causes, resolving organizational or operational issues, and developing effective risk mitigation strategies.
  
• Ability to communicate complex business concepts clearly and effectively to varied audiences, tailoring messaging to different levels of understanding.
  
• Proven relationship-building and collaboration skills across all organizational levels, including staff, peers, steering committees, and executive management.
  
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, analyze data, develop reports, and consistently meet critical deadlines while aligning work with the Department’s strategic goals.
  
  

Who should apply?
We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Public Health, Health Administration, or a related field AND four (4) years of demonstrated professional experience* in at least two of the areas listed below.
  OR
  
• Nine (9) years of professional experience* in at least two of the areas listed below.
  

*Qualifying experience must demonstrate well-developed working knowledge and practical application in two or more of the following:

• Conducting root cause analysis and applying Lean problem-solving methodologies to improve business processes.
  
• Managing projects and applying project management principles effectively.
  
• Applying Human-Centered Design principles to engage clients, external partners, and staff in meaningful improvement efforts, including facilitating collaborative workgroups.
  
• Utilizing Organizational Change Management strategies to effectively communicate change and support employees through transitions.
  
  

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


Additional information:

• Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
• This position is primarily remote, with occasional in-office work as needed. In-state travel is infrequent but may be required to support business needs.
  

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
  
• Three professional references with contact information
  
  

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #01658.


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.

Additional 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.

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