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Posted: February 23, 2026 (1 day ago)

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DSHS HCLA Social and Health Program Consultant 2

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$63,252 - $84,984

per year

Type

Closes

March 2, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a specialist to improve health care for children in foster care by analyzing data, coordinating services, and connecting different agencies to ensure kids get the support they need.

You'll manage cases, create health reports, and help bridge gaps in medical care for vulnerable youth in out-of-home placements.

It's a great fit for someone passionate about child welfare, with experience in social services or health programs, who enjoys teamwork and problem-solving in a hybrid work setup.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or related field, plus three years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, or health service programs
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field plus two years of relevant professional experience
  • One year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 1
  • Experience as a Financial Services Specialist 4, which can substitute year-for-year for required education
  • Knowledge of programs and operations in HCLA, DCYF, and HCA
  • Experience in case management, social work, or program management
  • Ability to interpret and implement departmental policy for program guidelines and procedures

Full Job Description

HCLA Social and Health Program Consultant 2 Foster Care Program Specialist

Are you passionate about being part of the solution and advocating for vulnerable populations?

Do you want to help improve the health of children and expand health care access for those in out-of-home placement?

If so, imagine yourself in this exciting opportunity to join the Fostering Well-Being (FWB) Team as a Foster Care Program Specialist also known as a Social and Health Program Consultant 2.

In this role, you will support the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) by advancing the use of evidence-based practices, streamlining processes, and developing performance measures that sustain and improve outcomes for children and youth. You will conduct research across multiple agency systems, compile and analyze data, and ensure that children and youth in out-of-home placement receive the health care services they need.

As a trusted resource and connector, you will bridge systems, champion equity, and drive better outcomes.

This is primarily a hybrid teleworking role, with in office work based on business needs.


Who Should Apply
Professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:
  • A bachelor’s degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field AND three years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, or health service programs;
    OR

  • A master’s degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field AND two years of relevant professional experience;
    OR

  • One year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 1;
    OR

  • Experience as a Financial Services Specialist 4 may substitute year-for-year for required education.


Some of what you’ll do
  • Navigate multiple cross-agency computer systems to research, analyze, and compile health information
  • Manage an ongoing caseload while providing integrated care coordination services
  • Develop written health overviews for children in out-of-home placement to clearly communicate health status to caregivers, DCYF and Tribal social workers, medical providers, and agency partners
  • Identify gaps in children's health care and collaborate with Fostering Well-Being (FWB) Clinical Nurse Specialists and Regional Medical Consultants to ensure appropriate coordination of services
  • Communicate effectively with medical providers, social workers, and caregivers regarding children's health care needs
  • Research and interpret Apple Health (Medicaid) services and restrictions as they apply to children in out-of-home placement
  • Facilitate access to health homes and referrals to appropriate specialists
  • Provide pediatric health education materials tailored for caregivers, addressing common health issues affecting children in the child welfare system
  • Share updates from other programs and Apple Health (Medicaid) services with FWB team members to strengthen coordination
  • Contribute to the ongoing development, testing, and implementation of the FWB system
  • Support program and process development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Participate in and facilitate work groups and meetings within the FWB program and with state and community agencies and clinics
Desired Knowledge and Abilities
  • In-depth knowledge of the programs and operations of HCLA, DCYF, HCA

  • Experience in case management, social work, or program management

  • Ability to effectively interpret and implement broad departmental policy for developing program guidelines and procedures

  • Proficient at high volume, detailed documentation, and data entry into systems

  • Ability to facilitate meetings with internal/external partners and Tribal communities


Interested?

Click APPLY and submit the following with your online application:
  1. Your resume
  2. Your cover letter
  3. And three references
Questions?
Email Kris George at kris.george@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 01316.

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/23/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/24/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5241971