DSHS DDA CARE Specialists Unit Manager
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
State of Washington seeks a CARE Specialists Unit Manager for the Developmental Disabilities Administration. You will supervise a statewide group of six CARE Specialists, guiding field operations and ensuring data accuracy in CARE software across Washington State.
You will report to Headquarters Operations, collaborating with central office staff and regional administrations to maintain standard practices while supporting families and clients.
Qualifications
- Experience leading a distributed team across multiple locations.
- Experience providing training and technical assistance, preferably with CARE.
- Ability to collaborate with headquarters, regional offices, and external partners.
- Familiarity with state administrative codes and federal assurances.
Responsibilities
- Lead remote, statewide team of six regional specialists and ensure access to information and skills.
- Oversee training and certification for Supports Intensity Scale Assessment experts.
- Review QA data, monitor trends, and compile reports for compliance with codes and assurances.
- Coordinate business requirements gathering and testing of software updates.
- Create and update user manuals, training materials, policies, and rules.
- Provide expert consultation and correspondence to clients, families, and providers.
- Manage user access settings in the security portal and protect information.
- Oversee vendor fulfillment of the CARE tool contract and ensure proper payments.
Skills
Tools
Job description
CARE Specialists Unit Manager – Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
In this role, you will supervise and guide a statewide group of six CARE Specialists who are based in local offices to support field operations. These specialists do not provide IT support or direct client care; instead, they serve as regional experts in the administration of the assessment tool information system. You will report directly to the Director of Headquarters Operations, collaborating closely with central office staff, regional administrators, field personnel, clients, and families to maintain standard practices. The Developmental Disabilities Administration manages programs that assist adults and children with developmental disabilities across Washington State. Within our headquarters operation, you will guide the provincial management of the database tool used by 600 case managers to determine client eligibility, document necessary supports, and allocate resources. Your leadership will focus on data accuracy and system consistency to satisfy federal reporting agreements with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which secures essential program funding. You will oversee the daily application of the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting Evolution (CARE) software, a case management information system, and the associated security access and consistency tracking databases. By ensuring field staff possess the training and resources they need, your small team helps create reliable support plans for people throughout the state. We are looking for someone with DSHS experience using the CARE tool. You should deeply understand its current capabilities, while constantly looking for ways to optimize its efficiency and effectiveness. As the CARE Specialists Unit Manager, your official duty station will be Lacey, WA. This role offers a hybrid telework schedule, with occasional travel required to the Lacey office and other locations across Washington State.
You will evaluate the assessment database tool and recommend changes to streamline the process, making it more user-friendly for staff and families. You will collaborate with the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who is the author of the tool and internal developers to suggest software and process updates based on end‑user feedback. Additionally, you will fill current vacancies by hiring new team members, establishing a regular schedule of progress updates with your supervisor to track process improvements, and identify needed support.
- Lead, mentor, and evaluate a remote, statewide team of six regional specialists, ensuring they have the information and skills to provide technical assistance to field offices.
- Oversee team training and certification processes to ensure all specialists maintain expert trainer standards for the Supports Intensity Scale Assessment.
- Review quality assurance data, monitor data trends, and compile comprehensive reports to verify that assessment methods comply with state administrative codes and federal assurances.
- Coordinate your team’s participation in gathering business requirements and testing software updates to ensure system changes meet design specifications.
- Create and update user manuals, training materials, policies, and administrative rules regarding the application of the assessment tool.
- Provide expert consultation and clear correspondence regarding assessment matters to clients, families, providers, and external entities.
- Manage user access settings within the security portal to protect department information according to established guidelines and policies.
- Oversee and monitor vendor fulfillment for the assessment tool contract to ensure services are delivered and paid correctly.
If you have worked with DSHS’s Comprehensive Assessment Reporting Evolution (CARE) case management information system, you may meet the requirements through several experience and education pathways, although the core requirement is substantial experience providing training and technical assistance.
- Conducting the Supports Intensity Scale Assessment.
- Proven ability to lead, supervise, and support a team distributed across multiple physical locations.
- Experience evaluating complex data systems to formulate recommendations that result in positive program changes.
- Ability to manage project timelines, handle urgent issues simultaneously, and communicate updates clearly to leadership.
- Demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity, collaborative teamwork, and respectful communication in a fast‑paced environment.
- Understanding programs, principles, regulations and statutes related to DDA and community‑based long‑term care services.
- Willingness to travel occasionally across the state to support regional teams.
DSHS partners with people to access support, care, and resources. This role is classified as Washington Management Services 2 (WMS2).
Please contact the Recruiter, Jenny, at bastrjl@dshs.wa.gov or 360-725-5810 and reference #07084. Learn more about DSHS.
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.
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.
If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Services
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you to control the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rated basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rated basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01 Have you worked with DSHS’s Comprehensive Assessment Reporting Evolution (CARE) case management information system?
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
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