DSHS HCLA WA Cares Fund Tribal Policy Specialist

We are currently seeking a Tribal Policy Specialist to become a part of our WA Cares Fund team within the Home and Community Living Administration’s (HCLA) in Lacey, WA. In this role, you will work directly with tribes to facilitate information sharing and agreements for WA Cares Fund implementation. You will be the statewide subject matter expert for WA Cares Fund tribal relations and provide consultation to executive leadership.

WA Cares Fund is implemented in partnership with three state agencies – the Department of Social and Health Services as the lead agency, and the Employment Security Department and the Health Care Authority playing critical roles. You will be responsible for coordinating across agencies to develop a collaborative approach for tribal engagement.

This job will require significant travel statewide for in-person Tribal meetings.

• Formulate statewide policy and procedures to strategically align WA Cares Fund and tribal participation
• Formulate agency rules, revise existing rules as required to comport with goals identified through tribal partnerships
• Represent WA Cares Fund in policy work groups pertaining to tribes
• Formulate contract language to enable tribal participation in compliance with state, federal and tribal law
• Provide expert analysis and consultation to policy and provider network units within the WA Cares Fund division to facilitate tribal participation
• Provide consultation to other state agencies on WA Cares Fund policies, procedures, and agreements for tribal participation
• Research the long-term care infrastructure within individual Washington tribes to identify and align strategically with tribes most likely to benefit from WA Cares Fund participation
• Collaborate with the Employment Security Department and Health Care Authority staff on tribal outreach
• Create opportunities to share information with tribes
• Serve on special committees, attend local, regional, and statewide meetings, participate and represent tribal perspectives in work groups
• Manage individual contracts with tribes offering approved WA Cares Fund services

Those with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, social work, a health or social science, American Indian Studies, or related field. Equivalent experience may substitute year-for-year for required education.

A minimum of 5 years’ work experience in social and/or health services with American Indian/Alaska Native populations.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, analyze laws, identify potential risks, and develop and implement approaches to mitigate risk
• Advanced ability to write policy and procedures, contract language and legislative reports
• Experience developing and cultivating relationships with staff, peers, partners, tribes or tribal governments, stakeholders, steering committees, sponsors, and executive leaders
• Advanced skills in both oral and written communication
• Ability to communicate complex information to individuals in ways they can understand based on their knowledge level
• Ability to work independently and appropriately elevate issues, risks, and situations that require management attention and/or decisions
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to coordinate multiple work products and meet critical deadline

Questions? Please contact sean.brauner.gov and reference #00871.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ 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…