DSHS HCLA Deputy Regional Administrator (Region2)

Full Job Description

Are you driven to lead with vision and values? Do you thrive on sparking meaningful change? Is building trust, fostering strong team relationships, and instilling confidence in success at the heart of your leadership style? If so, keep reading.

The Adult Protective Service (APS) division within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) has an exciting leadership opportunity as Deputy Regional Administrator (DRA) for Region 2(Download PDF reader)

APS is responsible for investigating allegations of abandonment, abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults living in Washington, making referrals, and providing protective services to those we serve.

The Deputy Regional Administrator assures the mission of Adult Protective Services is accomplished in accordance with laws and policies.

The Deputy Regional Administrator reports directly to the Regional Administrator within the Home and Community Living Administration, Adult Protective Services and serves as a key member of the Regional Leadership Team.

This leadership role is responsible for making decisions that have short- and long-term impact on the division’s mission and operational workforce of 200+ staff.

The position requires independent judgment, decision-making, and assessment skills, and must be able to respond quickly to requests for information, data, analysis, and crucial operational decisions.

The Deputy Regional Administrator represents the region in statewide program initiatives, and coordinates and works collaboratively with headquarters, other state agencies, HCLA divisions, DSHS administrations, local government agencies, community partners, law enforcement, Area Agencies on Aging, contracted providers, Tribal Nations, that provide services to persons with functional inabilities, complex physical and medical conditions, and challenging behaviors.

This position strikes a thoughtful balance between collaboration and independence.

While it works closely with the field administrators and broader team, it also provides ample space for autonomy and encourages the proactive introduction of fresh, forward-thinking ideas.

It’s a role designed for someone who thrives on innovation and is eager to shape meaningful change.

A key responsibility is translating the organization’s vision and core values into everyday practice, helping employees see how their individual contributions align with the bigger picture.

By fostering teams that reflect these values, the role cultivates a sense of purpose, belonging, and cohesion across the department.

Beyond strategy and alignment, this position is also about inspiration.

It calls for someone who can energize and motivate others, creating an environment where people feel excited about their work and confident in their potential.

Whether through coaching, recognition, or simply leading by example, this role goes the extra mile to spark enthusiasm and drive collective success.

A hybrid telework schedule is available for this role within the Region 2(Download PDF reader) coverage area. The main office will be Seattle, Renton, or Kirkland with travel to Region 2 offices expected.

Some of what you will do

• Provide direction, leadership, guidance, and regional support to all regional staff.
• Conduct strategic planning activities to include both tactical and strategic long-range budget and service program planning.
• Ensure regional compliance with policies and management expectations, and the integrated and consistent implementation and management of services.
• Provide direct oversight and leadership in responding to, development, and drafting of quality measures and goals for achieving continuous quality improvement, identifying root causes.
• Coordinate regional efforts in the development of comprehensive strategic business and work plans for maximizing operational efficiencies, collaborate with both regional and headquarters staff, and gives direction to the region on methods to accomplish these strategic goals and expectations.
• Work in collaboration with the appointing authority on ongoing relationships and relationship building with federally recognized tribes and tribal entities.
• Exercise fiscal management advisement for budget development and expenditures including staffing or FTE’s and other program expenditures.
• Attend and participate in statewide workgroups involving planning, policy development, system development, and attend team meetings, training, conferences, and workshops as assigned/required.

Six months from now: In short time, this role will be driving strategic initiatives aligned with the organization's vision and values as well as regional needs.

Leading change efforts that have begun to take root, transforming culture, systems, or processes.

Strengthening team relationships, having built trust and credibility through consistent, values-based leadership.

Empowering others, with teams feeling more confident, engaged, and aligned toward shared goals. Tracking impact, using metrics and feedback to assess progress and barriers.

Mentoring emerging leaders, helping others grow into their own leadership potential.

Who should apply

• A master’s degree in social services, public administration, social work or other closely allied fields, or a Juris doctorate from an accredited law school,

And

Five years of management experience in long-term services and supports programs, social services or mental health. 2 years of this experience must include effective supervision of professional staff in the delivery of social service; with proven results and outcomes.

And

2 years of paid social service experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable individuals and providing case management services for strengthening and preserving the quality of life for vulnerable individuals.

Or

• Bachelor's degree in one of the above fields and specialized training in the field of long-term services and supports

And

Seven years of management experience in public sector, long-term services and supports programs, adult protective services, social services, or mental health.

• Two years of this experience must include effective management and supervision of professional staff in the delivery of social service programs; with proven results and outcomes.

And

• Two years of paid social service experience assessing risk and safety to vulnerable individuals and providing case management services for strengthening and preserving the quality of life for vulnerable individuals.

Twelve years of experience can be substituted for formal degrees, requiring experience managing and supervising large teams, experience in human resources and personnel management, budget, collective bargaining, successful development and implementation of policies, procedures and initiatives.

Preferred Knowledge skills and abilities:

• Proven ability to work with a political environment and history of working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including elected officials, Tribal leaders, state and local agencies, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and contracted providers.
• Experience managing or providing oversight within Adult Protective Services.
• Demonstrated leadership in recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce, including experience in coaching, mentoring, and staff development.
• Strong skills in data analysis and performance evaluation, with the ability to compile, interpret, and apply data to improve operations and inform decision-making.
• Understanding programs, principles, regulations, and statutes related to APS and HCLA programs.

• Ability to evaluate, compile, organize data in reports, policies and deliver data to groups, or use to direct and evaluate the work of others.

This job is classified as a WMS3.

Interested? Please apply with

• Current resume

• 3 professional references and contact information

• Cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this leadership role.

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 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? Email chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov or call (360) 725-5810 and reference 00044.

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. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.


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