DSHS HCLA APS Policy Program Manager

Are you committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable adults? Join the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) as a Policy Program Manager for Adult Protective Services (APS). You will collaborate closely with the Adult Protective Services leadership in this pivotal role to shape and refine statewide policies and procedures. Your knowledge will guide legislative decisions, bill analysis, and strategic initiatives to protect those in need.
 
You will guide and train business partners and community organizations across the state on Adult Protective Services policies and procedures. As a key point of contact for regional offices, you'll address policy clarifications and procedural questions, ensuring alignment and consistency. Additionally, you'll contribute to workgroups and Adult Protective Services training curriculum reviews, attend case briefings, and compile essential reports.
 
This Lacey-based role offers a hybrid telework schedule with occasional travel requirements.
 
Some of what you will do

• Conduct in-depth research on adult protective services policies to inform policy development and updates.
• Develop and update statewide policies and procedures for the Adult Protective Services program.
• Facilitate meetings and work with partner agencies and community organizations to provide policy guidance and training.
• Coordinate with program managers to study and revise policies and procedures.
• Provide oversight and management for contracting needs and statewide contracts.
• Present at community engagements, and develop educational presentations for various groups, including local law enforcement and community organizations.
• Collaborate with leadership and program staff on initiatives to protect vulnerable adults, including incident reviews and guardianship projects.
• Play a key role in review panels for the Vulnerable Adult Abuse Registry.

• A bachelor's degree in social work, health or social science, public administration or related field, preferred candidate will possess a master's degree.  
• Application of advanced program management principles and skills and an understanding of the diverse organizational culture and business processes within the APS division. 
• A minimum of five years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3 in Adult Protective Services conducting field investigations.
• Knowledge of federal and state administrative regulations and laws; knowledge of regulation and policy related to due process. 

OR 

• Nine years of professional/practical experience in social work, health or social science, public administration, concurrently the knowledge of advanced program management principles and skills and an understanding of the diverse organizational culture and business processes.

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with management, peers, clients, and the public.
• Resolve conflicts and concerns among people or agencies with diverse personalities and goals.
• Team-oriented, contributing to development, cohesion, and productivity.
• Conduct research and evaluations, including surveys, tests, and assessments, with the ability to scrutinize data.
• Produce accurate, thorough, and timely work products with minimal supervision.

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.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Grant Grady at grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 07232.

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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