DSHS HCLA Innovations Program Manager

Full Job Description

DSHS HCLA Innovations Program Manager

Make a meaningful impact in long-term care policy by embracing this opportunity. The WA Cares Fund is the first of its kind in the United States, show casing why Washington State leads the nation in long-term care initiatives. Created by the WA State Legislature, the WA Cares Fund (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.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Innovations Program Manager (Management Analyst 4) to join the WA Cares Fund Division within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA). This division plays a vital role in administering home and community-based services that support older adults and individuals with disabilities across Washington State, helping them live independently with dignity and a high quality of life.

In this pivotal role, you'll report to the WA Cares Fund Deputy Director of Operations and spearhead strategic initiatives that influence core business processes, program policies, and statewide long-range planning.

You’ll lead professional-level business analysis and project coordination efforts, while collaborating with executive management, implementing legislative mandates, and shaping transformative systems and policies that impact thousands of lives.

This is a hybrid/teleworking opportunity, in office work is based on business needs.

Some of what you'll do:

• Analyze systems programs and operational deficiencies to provide management with actionable recommendations and alternatives
• Lead collaborative business projects across the division to enhance program outcomes alongside key WA Cares Fund partners and experts
• Apply independent judgment to evaluate business operations and deliver proactive, high-impact solutions that shape statewide practices
• Conduct research and analysis of HCLA-wide policies and procedures to support evidence-based decision-making
• Monitor strategic action plans, recommend adjustments, and support the planning of short and long-term business process improvements
• Gather and interpret data from diverse internal and external resources to inform policy, forecasting, and program development
• Design innovative strategies and policy proposals using analytical approaches and deep problem-solving techniques
• Manage small to medium-sized projects, facilitate meetings and trainings, and build documentation that drives successful outcomes

Who should apply?
We are looking for professionals with:

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field

AND

• Four years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations

Note: A combination of graduate education and professional experience may be considered to meet the qualifications. Relevant professional experience may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis

Additional skills, knowledge and abilities that we are looking for:

• Proven success collaborating on complex IT projects or systems alongside internal teams and external stakeholders
• Skilled in analyzing and resolving critical technical and operational challenges while driving creative solutions and risk mitigation strategies
• Ability to build strong relationships across all organizational levels and clearly communicate complex business and IT concepts to diverse audiences
• Demonstrates innovative and decisive thinking, sound judgment, and effective problem-solving in high-stakes environments
• Excellent organizational abilities with a track record of managing multiple deliverables and meeting key deadlines
• Capable of independently researching, analyzing, and interpreting complex issues to inform strategic direction and planning
• Deep understanding of the Department’s strategic plan, core mission, and values, and how to translate them into actionable outcomes
• Experience and/or knowledge conducting long-term care assessments
• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to coordinate multiple work products and meet critical deadlines
• The ability to use research, data and analysis to create reports and formulate and inform decision making
• Experience managing system development and implementation projects within the Washington State environment and working with DSHS Enterprise Technology, WATech, and other state agencies

Interested? Apply today!

Please include the following with your application:

• A current resume
• A one page letter of interest specifically addressing the knowledge, skills, and experience you have related to the job and duties
• Three professional references, including their email and phone number to contact

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter at Morgan Daggi and reference job number 00959.

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.

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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