DSHS DDS Deputy Director
About The Position
The Department of Social Health Service (DSHS) Economic Services Administration, Division of Disability Determination Services (DDDS), is hiring a Deputy Director. This role is responsible for the management and integration of diverse business functions, including budget and financial management, IT services and support, professional relations services, facilities management, disability hearings, contracted medical consultation, annual performance goal setting and monitoring, and achieving annual performance goals within funding authority. We are seeking an experienced leader focused on service to the public and constantly searching for better processes to improve the organization. The ideal applicant strives to build teams and effective collaboration with state agency and Social Security Administration partners to further the DDDS goal of providing accurate and timely disability determinations to ensure those who qualify have access to financial and medical resources. This job requires 3-5 days of travel quarterly, as well as a hybrid work schedule between telework and in-office work.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or closely related field AND Ten years of paid, progressively responsible leadership experience that demonstrates the ability to effectively facilitate change, lead and develop managers, and build and maintain partnerships.
- Ability to conduct in-depth financial and statistical analysis to determine workloads and resource needs within a multi-unit organization
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in complex situations across multiple subject matters
- Previous experience working with the Social Security Administration or related programs at the state or federal level
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with change management, value stream mapping, process improvement, and LEAN principles and practices
- Demonstrated proficiency in the key competencies listed above
Nice To Haves
- Completion of a graduate degree in public administration, business administration, or closely related field may be substituted for two years of leadership experience.
- Relevant professional experience described above may substitute year for year for the required education.
Responsibilities
- Providing executive leadership and strategic oversight for all DDDS operations, including budgeting, financial management, IT, professional relations, facilities, disability hearings, and contracted medical consultation
- Supervising and developing leadership staff, including managers responsible for key operational areas such as Disability Hearings/Emergency, Fiscal Services, Medical Relations/Contracts, Strategic Initiatives, and IT Policy and Planning
- Acting as the chief financial officer for the division, overseeing the development, management, and refinement of the division’s annual operating budget (approximately $50–$60 million) and ensuring effective resource allocation for 300 FTEs
- Leading cross-functional operational improvements and modernization initiatives to enhance efficiency, consistency, transparency, and service delivery across all business functions
- Strengthening internal controls, audit readiness, compliance monitoring, and fiscal risk mitigation to ensure accountability and minimize audit risk
- Driving organizational change management and operational readiness for major statewide and federal initiatives, including strategic planning, process improvement, and system transformation
- Overseeing the development and use of business intelligence, dashboards, reporting tools, and performance metrics to support executive decision-making and continuous improvement
- Recruiting, onboarding, training, and evaluating managers; establishing performance criteria, monitoring progress, and ensuring ongoing staff development and compliance
- Coordinating and communicating with state and federal partners, including the Social Security Administration, DSHS/ESA officials, and other stakeholders, on all aspects of business operations, financial matters, audits, and reporting
- Overseeing facilities planning, contracting, and cost-benefit analysis for initiatives and projects to ensure optimal use of public resources and alignment with division needs
- Serving as the primary point of contact for all human resources and risk management matters, including investigations, training, classification/compensation, and compliance with state and federal policies
- Leading and managing the tracking of ongoing projects and initiatives, monitoring their cumulative impact on the division, and ensuring projects are appropriately resourced and implemented within established timelines
- Promoting a culture of trust, inclusion, and accountability, fostering strong partnerships, and supporting the division’s mission, vision, and values
- Acting as a strategic advisor to ESA and DDDS leadership on operational, financial, compliance, and organizational risks
- Leading through ambiguity and complexity in a fast-paced, high-accountability government environment
- Leading operational excellence, continuous improvement, and cultural transformation across the division
- Building strong partnerships and influencing across multiple programs, administrations, and external stakeholders
- Leading high-impact initiatives involving operational redesign, automation, business intelligence, and compliance improvements
- Ensuring DDDS remains compliant with federal regulations, state laws, and agency policies while supporting mission-critical services statewide
Benefits
- Hybrid work schedule
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
