DSHS HCLA WCF Aging & Community Assistance Network Specialist

The WA Cares Fund (WCF) is a first‑in‑the‑nation, public long‑term care social insurance program, created by the Washington State Legislature under the LTSS Trust Act, to provide affordable long‑term care insurance coverage to all working Washingtonians. This program is one of the latest examples of why Washington State is a national leader in long‑term care policy. Within WCF, the Aging & Community Assistance Network (ACAN) Team functions as the operational bridge between statewide policy and local service delivery.

WCF is seeking an Aging & Community Assistance Network (ACAN) Specialist to join our team within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA). At HCLA, we champion choice, independence, and safety for seniors and people with disabilities. Our vision is that people find human services to shape their own lives — and WA Cares plays a vital role in preparing Washingtonians for their long‑term care needs.

In this role, you will provide strategic oversight and contract monitoring for the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the Community Assistance Network (CAN) partners that support WA Cares Fund operations statewide. This position plays a critical role in ensuring statewide consistency, accountability, and quality across the ACAN network.

You will collaborate with internal WA Cares teams and external partners to develop funding allocation methodologies, establish quality measures, and implement monitoring frameworks that assess operational effectiveness, service delivery, contractual compliance, and program outcomes.

Through proactive monitoring, policy development, and strategic analysis, this position supports the agency’s mission to transform lives by ensuring aging Washingtonians have access to high‑quality services and informed choice in where and how they receive care.

This opportunity offers hybrid remote work within Washington State. The official duty station is Lacey, WA. Occasional travel may be required based on business needs.

• Drafting and managing contract language, amendments, and annual contract cycles
• Developing and maintaining clear performance standards, deliverables, and accountability expectations
• Providing technical assistance to partners on contract requirements and billing
• Collaborating with fiscal staff to align budgets and funding with contract goals

• Analyzing demographic, financial, and operational data
• Ensuring alignment with legislative intent and program goals
• Reviewing and approving budgets and payment structures

• Conducting desk reviews and performance assessments
• Identifying trends, risks, and areas for improvement
• Recommending corrective actions or technical assistance
• Collaborating on development of quality measures and performance indicators

• Translating program goals into measurable standards
• Responding to complex information requests using independent judgment
• Providing data‑driven recommendations to leadership
• Supporting implementation of new initiatives and system improvements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, health or social science, public administration, or related field and 5 years of progressively responsible experience with program management, strategic planning, contract development for statewide long‑term care programs, and administering community‑based supportive services for seniors and/or people with disabilities.
• Concurrently, at least one year administrating contracts for Area Agencies on Aging and developing performance improvement (PIP) plans.

• Knowledge and skills in program management principles including policy writing, project management, contract negotiation, budget development, evaluation, and community services planning and development. Previous experience with contract monitoring and oversight of Area Agencies on Aging and/or Community Assistance Networks preferred.
• Ability to interpret statutes and regulation into policies and procedures.
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to coordinate…