DSHS HCLA APS Policy Program Manager

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is seeking a Policy Program Manager for Adult Protective Services in the Home and Community Living Administration. You will shape statewide policies, supervise training curricula, and collaborate with leadership to guide agency decisions.

The role requires extensive policy knowledge and effective communication with diverse partners. It involves traveling regionally and a hybrid telework schedule.

Qualifications

• Nine years of experience in social work, health or social science, public administration or related field.
• Experience with policy development and management, including program planning and evaluation.
• Ability to develop statewide policies and training curricula.
• Strong written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine statewide APS policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with leadership, regional offices, and partner agencies for policy guidance.
• Oversee contracting needs and statewide contracts.
• Present at community engagements and educational sessions for law enforcement and organizations.
• Review panels for Vulnerable Adult Abuse Registry and related initiatives.

Skills

Advanced program management

Diversity awareness

Policy development

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Research & evaluation

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, health, public administration, or related field

Master's degree substituted for experience (as applicable)

Job description

Description

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

• Work in close conjunction with the Senior Policy Advisor in the development of decision packages for legislation during the legislative cycle, as well as decision packages requested by the Management Services Division within HCLA and completes bill analysis on legislative bills that may impact the APS program.


• 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.

Who Should Apply

Professionals with nine* years of experience in social work, health or social science, public administration; concurrent work experience should include:

• Use of advanced program management skills.


• Understanding of a diverse organizational culture and business processes.


• Knowledge of federal and state long-term care regulations and policies related to due process.


• A bachelor's degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or related discipline will substitute for 4 years of above social work, health or social science, public administration work experience. A master's degree will substitute for 6 years of this work experience.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Five years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3 in APS conducting field investigations.


• Experience with writing and techniques of policy development and management, including principles and practices of program planning and evaluation.


• 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.

We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. This job is classified as a WMS2.

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 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 (Neb) 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.

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