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Posted: February 27, 2026 (1 day ago)

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DSHS HCLA Program Specialist 3

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$4,882 - $6,576

per month

Closes

March 9, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves reviewing and processing applications for long-term care facilities that help vulnerable people, like the elderly or those needing support, ensuring they meet state and federal rules.

You'll analyze details, make decisions on approvals, and help with policies and training to keep care services safe and fair across Washington.

It's a great fit for detail-oriented professionals who enjoy analytical work with a focus on public service and helping communities.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or related field
  • Two years of experience in processing, including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with public/private agencies or government levels
  • Ability to research, analyze, and apply state and federal regulations daily
  • Experience analyzing complex data such as background checks, qualifications, financial assessments, and compliance history
  • Strong skills in policy interpretation, providing guidance to internal/external stakeholders, and resolving licensing issues
  • Proficiency in maintaining records and managing information in multiple databases and tracking systems
  • Excellent communication for responding to inquiries and collaborating with teams

Full Job Description

DSHS HCLA BAAU Program Specialist 3

HCLA's Residential Care Services are hiring for a Program Specialist 3 to join their Lacey office.

Are you ready to be a part of a dynamic and dedicated team that plays a vital role in the analysis and processing of applications for potential long term care providers serving the most vulnerable populations in our State?

This specialized position is responsible for processing license and certification applications for residential providers who serve vulnerable people, including Medicaid clients.

Being a subject matter expert, the Program Specialist 3 exercises decision making authority while working independently to resolve complex and critical issues that have potential statewide impact.

The work is detailed and analytical, but it is also deeply human.

Behind every application is a community member seeking care, and behind every decision is an opportunity to strengthen systems that support thousands of Washington residents.

If you value fairness, clarity and service to others, this role offers meaningful impact at a statewide level.


Some of what you will be doing
  • Review, research and analyze complex applications for Adult Family Home (AFH), Assisted Living Facility (ALF), Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Enhanced Services Facility (ESF), Supported Living (SL), and Group Training Home (GTH) programs statewide.
  • Research, analyze, interpret and apply State and Federal regulations on a daily bases.
  • Analyze complex background inquiry results, applicants' qualifications, financial assessment information, and compliance history to determine applicant’s meeting requirements.
  • Respond to telephone and email inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
  • Participate in the development, implementation and monitoring of published information, including manuals, training curriculum materials, guidelines, forms and related materials.
  • Provide policy interpretation and instruction to internal and external customers including applicants, providers, provider associations, agency staff, and other State or Federal agencies.
  • Review and resolve issues that may arise during provider licensing application process.
  • Interpret and ensure compliance with state and federal rules and policies
  • Review, evaluate, and draw conclusions from supported data in complex application packets.
  • Advise and aid, both regulatory and technical inquiries
  • Collaborate with the team and other HCLA teams; advise on applications, processes, and policies.
  • Maintain accurate records by entering, updating and managing information in multiple databases and tracking systems.

Who should apply? Professionals with:
A Bachelor’s degree* in social work, a health or social science, public administration or a related field
AND
Two years of processing experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

* Experience in one of the above academic disciplines or in the following may be substituted year for year of educational requirements: negotiating, administering or terminating government licenses or contracts, contract management, residential licensing, program or social service administration, and/or consultation and technical assistance to staff, community or providers to enhance the delivery of services.


Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:
  • Analytical reasoning: Evaluate complex information, identify key issues and draw well-supported conclusions that guide sound decisions.
  • Regulatory knowledge: Interpret and apply laws, rules and policies accurately while ensuring consistent statewide practice.
  • Collaboration: Build productive working relationships with colleagues, community partners and other agencies.
  • Written communication: Prepare clear, organized and accessible written materials tailored to varied audiences.
  • Verbal communication: Explain requirements and decisions respectfully and effectively, including in challenging or high-stress situations.
  • Customer service orientation: Engage with applicants and providers professionally, demonstrating patience, respect and empathy.
  • Independent judgment: Exercise discretion in matters of significance and make recommendations that may influence statewide operations.
  • Technical proficiency: Utilize Microsoft Word, Outlook, TEAMS and Excel, as well as multiple databases and web-based systems, to conduct research and document work accurately.

Interested? Apply today!

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? Please contact DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle by email Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 01606.

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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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/27/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/28/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5252298