DSHS HCLA WCF Aging & Community Assistance Network Specialist

Full Job Description

The WA Cares Fund (WCF) is a first-in-the-nation, public long-term care social insurance program, created by the Washington State Legislature under the LTSS Trust Act, to provide affordable long-term care insurance coverage to all working Washingtonians.

This program is one of the latest examples of why Washington State is a national leader in long-term care policy.

Within WCF, the Aging & Community Assistance Network (ACAN) Team, functions as the operational bridge between statewide policy and local service delivery.

WCF is seeking an Aging & Community Assistance Network (ACAN) Specialist to join our team within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA).

At HCLA, we champion choice, independence, and safety for seniors and people with disabilities.

Our vision is that people find human services to shape their own lives — and WA Cares plays a vital role in preparing Washingtonians for their long-term care needs.

In this role, you will provide strategic oversight and contract monitoring for the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the Community Assistance Network (CAN) partners that support WA Cares Fund operations statewide.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring statewide consistency, accountability, and quality across the ACAN network.

You will collaborate with internal WA Cares teams and external partners to develop funding allocation methodologies, establish quality measures, and implement monitoring frameworks that assess operational effectiveness, service delivery, contractual compliance, and program outcomes.

Through proactive monitoring, policy development, and strategic analysis, this position supports the agency’s mission to transform lives by ensuring aging Washingtonians have access to high-quality services and informed choice in where and how they receive care.

This opportunity offers hybrid remote work within Washington State. The official duty station is Lacey, WA. Occasional travel may be required based on business needs.

What You Will Do

Contract Oversight & Governance

You will lead oversight and administration of contracts with Area Agencies on Aging and Community Assistance Network partners. This includes:

• Drafting and managing contract language, amendments, and annual contract cycles
• Developing and maintaining clear performance standards, deliverables, and accountability expectations
• Providing technical assistance to partners on contract requirements and billing
• Collaborating with fiscal staff to align budgets and funding with contract goals

Funding Formula & Resource Allocation Development

You will design and refine funding allocation methodologies to equitably distribute WA Cares resources across the ACAN network. This includes:

• Analyzing demographic, financial, and operational data
• Ensuring alignment with legislative intent and program goals
• Reviewing and approving budgets and payment structures

Monitoring, Performance & Quality Improvement

You will design and implement monitoring frameworks that evaluate compliance, effectiveness, and service quality. This includes:

• Conducting desk reviews and performance assessments
• Identifying trends, risks, and areas for improvement
• Recommending corrective actions or technical assistance
• Collaborating on development of quality measures and performance indicators

Policy Development & Strategic Support

You will contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures that guide ACAN operations. This includes:

• Translating program goals into measurable standards
• Responding to complex information requests using independent judgment
• Providing data-driven recommendations to leadership
• Supporting implementation of new initiatives and system improvements

Who Should Apply

• Bachelor's degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or related field and 5 years of progressively responsible experience with program management, strategic planning, contract development for statewide long-term care programs, and administering community-based supportive services for seniors and/or people with disabilities.
• Concurrently, at least one (1) year administrating contracts for Area Agencies on Aging and developing performance improvement (PIP) plans.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge and skills in program management principles including policy writing, project management, contract negotiation, budget development, evaluation, and community services planning and development.

Previous experience with contract monitoring and oversight of Area Agencies on Aging and/or Community Assistance Networks preferred.

Ability to interpret statutes and regulation into policies and procedures.

Excellent organizational skills, including ability to coordinate multiple projects and to meet legislative and administrative deadlines.

Work cooperatively and collaboratively with internal/external partners and other organizations. Ability to work with diverse groups using facilitation skills.

This job is classified as a Washington Management Services 2 (WMS2).

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

Interested?

Please list 3 professional references’ contact information on your application and include your current resume and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role, including your work experience with legal appeal processes and large-scale program management.

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 about this opportunity? Please contact Grant Grady at grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 01382

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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