DSHS HCLA State Unit Aging Program Manager

Description

Food security for older adults doesn't happen by accident.

As the State Unit on Aging Program Manager, you’ll be the state’s lead on nutrition programs that reach older adults and people with disabilities across Washington — programs that determine whether someone has a hot meal delivered to their door, access to fresh produce, or a place to share a meal in their community.

You’ll work within the Home and Community Services Division, partnering with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the state to ensure Senior Nutrition Programs — including the Older Americans Act (OAA) Congregate and Home Delivered Meal Programs and United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program — are running in compliance with federal rules and meeting the people who need them most.

This role is policy, planning, and partnerships in equal measure.

You’ll develop accountability systems, provide technical assistance to AAAs, serve as staff support to the Washington State Council on Aging, and lead authorship of the federally mandated State Plan on Aging every four years. You’ll also manage the state’s grant with USDA and serve as the primary point of contact for legislators, stakeholders, and community partners on all things senior nutrition.

• Serve as the state’s primary resource on Senior Nutrition Programs, Older Americans Act requirements, and the Volunteer Services program
• Provide technical assistance to AAAs in planning, contracting, monitoring, budgeting, and fiscal management
• Monitor AAA compliance with OAA standards and develop quality assurance mechanisms
• Provide policy and staff support to the Washington State Council on Aging, including coordinating meetings and membership
• Lead authorship of the State Plan on Aging (completed every four years) and the annual State Plan submitted to USDA
• Analyze legislation impacting assigned program areas and provide bill analysis with recommendations to leadership
• Negotiate and monitor an inter‑agency agreement with the Department of Health for infrastructure
• Draft management bulletins to AAAs communicating policy and standards updates

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field AND five years of professional experience planning or administering community‑based supportive services for older adults and/or people with disabilities
• OR nine years of professional experience planning or administering community‑based supportive services for older adults and/or people with disabilities

• A master’s degree in a related field and/or Certified Public Manager (CPM) credential
• Credentials as a Registered Dietician, Certified Nutritionist, and/or Food Program Management certification
• Demonstrated knowledge of AAA operations and OAA program regulations, particularly Senior Nutrition Programs

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 . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or

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