DSHS HCLA Administrative Assistant 4

State of Washington; Pasco (WA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Orca Card transportation

5% premium pay in King County

Hybrid work model

Job summary

DSHS HCLA – Administrative Assistant 4 (AA4) supports Residential Care Services Region 2. Based in Smokey Point/Arlington, Lynnwood, or Kent, you’ll be the principal admin partner to the Regional Administrator, using independent judgment to coordinate operations and keep priorities moving across the region.

You will work closely with regional leadership, other DSHS divisions, state agencies, and community partners to ensure regional operations are organized, responsive, and aligned with the

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent AND four years of progressively responsible clerical, office, or administrative experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
• One year of experience as an Administrative Assistant 3 (AA3) (State Service).
• Two years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 2 (AA2) (State Service).
• Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four or more years.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal administrative partner to regional leadership, prioritizing work and coordinating assignments.
• Provide high-level, confidential support on complex projects and personnel matters.
• Manage the Regional Administrator’s calendar, correspondence, meetings, travel, and files; prepare agendas, briefing materials, reports, and presentations.
• Coordinate with regional leadership on operational management, goals, fiscal planning, and required reports.
• Act as liaison between Regional Administrator, regional staff, and state agencies; respond to inquiries on delegated matters.
• Coordinate regional personnel actions, including recruitment, background checks, and documentation.
• Coordinate regional office operations, facilities, equipment, supplies, safety, and maintenance.

Skills

Independent judgment

Confidentiality

Calendar management

Coordination

Written and verbal communication

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration or related field

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

SharePoint

Teams

Webex

Job description

DSHS HCLA – Administrative Assistant 4

Join our team as an Administrative Assistant 4 (AA4) supporting Residential Care Services (RCS) Region 2. This position may be based in Smokey Point/Arlington, Lynnwood, or Kent. As the principal administrative partner to the Regional Administrator, you’ll provide high-level, confidential support and use independent judgment to coordinate administrative operations, resolve issues, and keep priorities moving across the region. You’ll work closely with regional leadership, staff, other DSHS divisions, state agencies, and community partners while supporting a region that includes three offices, 10 units, and approximately 147 employees. Your work will help ensure regional operations are organized, responsive, and aligned with the mission to promote and protect the rights, security, and well‑being of individuals living in licensed and certified residential settings.

Description

Join our team as an Administrative Assistant 4 (AA4) supporting Residential Care Services (RCS) Region 2. This position may be based in Smokey Point/Arlington, Lynnwood, or Kent. As the principal administrative partner to the Regional Administrator, you’ll provide high-level, confidential support and use independent judgment to coordinate administrative operations, resolve issues, and keep priorities moving across the region. You’ll work closely with regional leadership, staff, other DSHS divisions, state agencies, and community partners while supporting a region that includes three offices, 10 units, and approximately 147 employees. Your work will help ensure regional operations are organized, responsive, and aligned with the mission to promote and protect the rights, security, and well‑being of individuals living in licensed and certified residential settings.

Some Of What You'll Do

• Serve as the principal administrative partner to the Regional Administrator and Field Services Administrator, using independent judgment to prioritize work, resolve issues, coordinate assignments, and represent leadership in administrative matters.
• Provide high-level, confidential support on complex projects, personnel matters, employee relations issues, investigations, grievances, performance matters, and other sensitive issues.
• Manage the Regional Administrator’s calendar, correspondence, meetings, travel, and administrative files; prepare agendas, briefing materials, reports, presentations, talking points, and other documents.
• Coordinate with regional leadership and staff on operational management, performance goals, fiscal planning, quality improvement activities, strategic initiatives, and required reports and deadlines.
• Serve as a liaison between the Regional Administrator, regional staff, DSHS divisions, state agencies, stakeholders, and community partners; respond to inquiries and communicate on behalf of the Regional Administrator as delegated.
• Coordinate regional personnel and hiring activities, including personnel actions, recruitment and interview scheduling, background checks, required documentation, and tracking actions through completion while maintaining confidentiality.
• Coordinate office operations and regional administrative activities, including facilities, space and equipment needs, supplies, safety and risk management activities, emergency management, mobile devices, distribution
• lists, and office moves or maintenance.
• Lead or coordinate regional meetings, committees, special projects, events, and workgroups; track decisions, assignments, and deadlines and ensure follow-up actions are completed.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities

• Ability to exercise independent judgment, establish priorities, manage competing deadlines, and make sound decisions in a complex and changing organizational environment.
• Ability to analyze sensitive and confidential issues objectively and provide effective advice, consultation, and recommendations to leadership.
• Strong organizational, coordination, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, assignments, and administrative priorities accurately and on time.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, presentations, briefing materials, spreadsheets, and other high-level documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and Webex, with the ability to use technology efficiently and troubleshoot basic equipment or software issues.
• Knowledge of administrative practices, organizational operations, travel and fiscal requirements, and applicable DSHS, Office of Financial Management (OFM), and State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM) policies.
• Ability to build and maintain professional working relationships with employees, leadership, government agencies, stakeholders, and the public while maintaining confidentiality and providing responsive customer service.

Who should apply?

We Are Searching For Professionals With

• A high school diploma or equivalent AND four years of progressively responsible clerical, office, or administrative experience;
• A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a closely related field;
• One year of experience as an Administrative Assistant 3 (AA3);
• Two years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 2 (AA2); or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four or more years.

Additional information

• Work schedule: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• This is a hybrid position with a combination of in-office and telework days. The assigned office may be in Smokey Point/Arlington, Lynnwood, or Kent.
• Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Questions

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at [e-mail] and reference job number #08310.

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.

Supplemental 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 & Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its program 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 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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

More than Just a Paycheck!

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.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

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.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

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 control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

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.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: 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 nonovertime 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.

Sick 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.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

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 nonovertime 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.

Note: 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.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

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.

Additional 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

Which option best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position?

• I have a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of progressively responsible clerical, office, or administrative experience.
• I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
• I have one year of experience as an Administrative Assistant 3 (AA3). (State Service)
• I have two years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 2 (AA2).(State Service)
• I have an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four or more years.
• I do not meet any of the qualifications listed above.

Please describe your clerical, office, or administrative experience. Include your job title(s), employer(s), and a brief description of the administrative duties/responsibilities you performed.

• Required Question