DSHS DDA Workforce Risk Management Administrator

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Workforce Risk Management Administrator in Olympia, WA, with primarily telework and occasional on-site meetings. You will lead enterprise-wide change management, design scalable workforce development strategies, and advise executive leadership on large transformation initiatives.

The role requires a public administration or related degree and at least five years of experience in process improvement and strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in public/public administration or business administration.
• Minimum five years of professional experience leading large-scale process improvement or strategic project management.
• Experience in a large public sector agency or heavily regulated environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex transformation projects using Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen methodologies.
• Standardize organizational structures and policies to mitigate regulatory risks.
• Manage workforce development strategies including hiring, retention, onboarding.
• Facilitate creation of centralized standard descriptions.
• Support build of a workforce development SharePoint for collaboration.
• Monitor KPIs and project status, providing actionable updates.
• Supervise and mentor staff, including a Hiring and Retention Specialist and a Management Analyst 5.

Skills

Leadership in process improvement

Change management

Stakeholder management

Public sector knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in public administration or business administration

5+ years in leading large-scale process improvement / strategic project management

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Workforce Risk Management Administrator to join our team at DDA Headquarters. This job is for people who want to do work to improve the customer experience for residents of DDA State Operated Services and our staff. You will thrive by bringing organizational change management, project management, and business analysis skills to our direct care services.

This primarily telework position is located in Olympia, WA, with occasional on-location meetings. This role acts as a strategic advisor and confidential consultant to executive leadership, directing large-scale initiatives, organizational design, and enterprise-wide change management strategies. You will have the opportunity to lead high-impact transformation projects, build enterprise capability, and establish data-driven frameworks that directly influence operations across multiple state-operated facilities and community programs.

Some of what you'll do

• Lead complex transformation projects utilizing person-centered design, Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and standardize operations.
• Standardize organizational structures and policies across state-operated programs to mitigate legal liability and regulatory compliance risks.
• Manage workforce development strategies by researching and analyzing hiring, recruitment, retention, and onboarding practices.
• Facilitate the creation of standard descriptions in a centralized site.
• Support the build of a new workforce development SharePoint to ensure seamless staff collaboration and centralized resources.
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), strategic objectives, and project statuses to provide management with actionable updates.
• Directly supervise and mentor staff, including a Hiring and Retention Specialist (WMS01) and a Management Analyst 5.

What we're looking for

• Proven leadership in process improvement with a strong record of successful project implementation and change management.
• Exceptional interpersonal capabilities with the ability to navigate complex political environments, build stakeholder consensus, and influence without direct authority.
• A deep understanding of public sector structures, legislative processes, civil service rules, and public records requirements in Washington State.
• Preferred Certifications: Prosci Certified Change Manager, Project Management Professional (PMP), and Lean Six Sigma credentials.

Who should apply?

Professionals with a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field AND a minimum of five years of professional experience leading large-scale process improvement, organizational development, or strategic project management. Experience within a large public sector agency or heavily regulated environment is preferred.

Note: Additional professional experience may be substituted year-for-year in place of the required degree.

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.

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 [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Necotism) Disclosure: 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. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.