DSHS HCLA Community Transitions Office Chief

Posting number: 2026-06232

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: HCLA

Job classification: EXEMPT BAND 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Public Health

Summary

Community Transitions Office Chief – Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA)

We are in search of a self-motivated, forward-thinking leader to fill a vital statewide role in which their passion for partnering with people who need access to long-term services and supports is displayed every day.

Within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), our Community Transitions Office Chief will lead and support skilled and collaborative teams and thrive in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Here, high-quality, person-centered service delivery is our mission.

Washington is a national leader in rebalancing long-term care , moving away from institutional settings and toward home and community-based services that maximize independence, dignity, and choice. The Community Transitions Office sits at the center of that work. As Office Chief, you will lead statewide strategies that help people leave or avoid entering nursing homes and state psychiatric hospitals, and instead receive the right supports in the setting that’s right for them.

This is a rare opportunity to shape policy and program development that touches some of Washington's most vulnerable adults, working across state agencies, the Legislature, the Governor's office, federal partners at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), providers, and advocates.

This is a full-time opportunity based at ALTSA headquarters in Lacey, Washington. A minimum of two days per week on-site in Blake Office East is required. 

Some of what you'll do

• Lead key program initiatives and policy development. 
• Formulate statewide policy that supports individuals in maintaining as much independence as possible and receiving services in the least restrictive, most appropriate setting that meets their care needs while honoring individual choice and preference.
• Develop and operationalize enhanced community supports for individuals whose complex personal care and behavioral needs require additional services.
• Track and report on Medicaid nursing facility activity with direct budget and statewide system impact.
• Direct the office's budget and legislative work.
• Represent HCS in dealings with other HCLA divisions, state agencies, tribal partners, interested parties, providers, advocates, and the public.
• Serve as a decision-maker on internal and external policy and procedure, strategic initiatives, and program messaging, and identify when a recommendation requires a statutory change.

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public health, public administration, or a related field; and
• A minimum of three years supervising professional-level staff; and
• At least 10 years of experience successfully managing complex Medicaid or community-based delivery of health or social services supports for complex populations involving multi-agency groups and stakeholders.

• Equivalent education or experience may substitute for educational requirements

We are especially interested in applicants with:

• Leading and supporting individuals and teams with care while supporting delivery of divisional priorities and high quality work products
• Experience directing or implementing home and community-based service delivery systems, including development of community-based resources for individuals with functional disabilities due to age, mental health, or physical conditions.
• Experience in LTSS policy and program development for individuals requiring assistance with daily living tasks, medication management, family caregiving, behavioral supports, skilled treatments or therapies, or recovery from mental illness or substance use.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a political environment and collaborate with elected officials, state agencies, tribal governments, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to communicate complex issues to varied audiences.
• Experience managing program projects from conception through implementation, including scheduling, delegation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of human resource management and experience developing measurable goals and monitoring organizational performance.

Questions? Please contact the recruiter at jourdan.kovacs@dshs.wa.gov and reference 06232.

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

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 (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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) 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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