DSHS HCLA Budget Forecast Administrator

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Budget Forecast Administrator role is a senior-level position within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) – Management Services Division. This role is crucial in shaping how Washington invests in services that support individuals in living with greater choice, independence, and safety. The position requires a blend of budget expertise, forecasting skills, sound judgment, and a practical understanding of funding decisions' impact on programs and the people they serve. This role oversees a significant portion of the state's budget, managing approximately $19.65 billion biennially across HCLA and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), which together employ over 7,000 staff. The administrator will lead a team of 12 professional staff and collaborate closely with executive leaders, program teams, the Office of Financial Management, legislative fiscal staff, the Caseload Forecast Council, and other state partners. The position offers a dynamic work environment with diverse weekly tasks, including assisting executive teams with funding needs, guiding decision packages, responding to caseload and expenditure queries, preparing fiscal notes, and ensuring forecast data accurately reflects program realities. There is significant opportunity for leadership in shaping the team's direction, improving work processes, and building relationships across state government.

Requirements

At least 10 years of professional experience in budget development, financial reporting, expenditure and revenue projections, and related financial practices.
At least 3 years supervising professional staff.
A thorough understanding of Washington state’s financial environment.
Experience using state financial systems related to budget, accounting, human resources, fiscal notes, bill tracking, or enterprise reporting.
Ability to lead complex budget development, forecasting, financial modeling, and expenditure projection work.
Ability to supervise and develop professional staff while balancing independent decision-making with collaboration.
Ability to interpret legislation, policies, regulations, financial reports, and other complex information and translate it into clear recommendations.
Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly in writing and conversation with executives, staff, legislators, state agencies, and other partners.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, particularly during the fast-changing state budget cycle.
Ability to research unfamiliar issues, ask thoughtful questions, and use sound judgment to develop practical solutions.
Ability to build productive working relationships and remain patient, flexible, and constructive when priorities or circumstances change.
Ability to use financial database software and business systems, including Microsoft Excel, at an advanced level.
A master’s degree in business, public administration, accounting, economics, statistics, or a related field may substitute for some of the required professional experience, consistent with the applicable job classification.
A bachelor’s degree may also be considered with the corresponding additional professional experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience with legislative processes and fiscal notes.
Experience with Medicaid or Medicare funding.
Experience with long-term services and supports.
Experience with grant funding.
Experience with HCLA or DDA programs.
Experience working with Washington state government.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, submission, implementation, and monitoring of HCLA and DDA biennial and supplemental budgets, including decision packages, allotments, spending plans, and year-end projections.
Direct Medicaid caseload, per-capita, and expenditure forecasts for nursing home, in-home, community residential, waiver, and other services, using available data to identify trends, explain variances, and recommend adjustments.
Supervise, coach, and develop professional staff, providing direction on complex assignments while creating an environment where people can ask questions, share ideas, and grow their skills.
Serve as a primary resource for executive leaders, program managers, the Central Budget Office, the Office of Financial Management, legislative fiscal staff, and other partners on budget, forecast, and funding questions.
Guide the preparation of fiscal notes, legislative budget requests, financial reports, and other materials that clearly explain the fiscal impact of proposed legislation, policies, and program changes.
Participate in the financial modeling for complex issues, such as Adult Family Home collective bargaining, by working with rates, labor relations, program, and budget teams to develop reliable fiscal estimates.
Oversee budget management, modeling, and reporting for the Washington Cares Fund and respond to changing legislative, program, and agency requirements.
Provide technical guidance and practical solutions on complex fiscal questions while looking for ways to make processes more efficient and help the team meet changing demands throughout the budget and forecasting cycles.