DSHS HCLA Compliance Specialist

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Residential Care Services (RCS) Compliance Specialist Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA). You will step into a statewide role that strengthens the quality of care for thousands of Washington residents who rely on long-term care services. You will join a collaborative team in Residential Care Services (RCS), where your judgment, clarity, and steadiness help ensure that providers across Washington meet state and federal requirements. Your work supports safe, respectful living environments for people in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family homes, enhanced service facilities, and other licensed settings. You will be part of a small, skilled group of Compliance Specialists who guide enforcement actions, support field staff, and help maintain consistency across regions. If you have experience in long-term care oversight, enforcement, licensing, or survey work, you will recognize the importance of this role—and your background will be welcomed as one of many pathways to success. At the same time, this opportunity is open to people from a wide range of community health, social services, and regulatory backgrounds who bring sound judgment, clear communication, and a commitment to resident well-being. During your first six months, you will become familiar with Washington’s long-term care programs, learn the enforcement framework, and build confidence using tools such as iQIES and STARS. You will grow comfortable reviewing case materials, discussing enforcement options with field staff, and navigating the full range of long-term care settings. You will also gain working knowledge of relevant WACs and RCWs and understand how federal and state requirements shape enforcement decisions.

Requirements

Skill in reviewing complex information, forming sound conclusions, and communicating those conclusions clearly.
Ability to understand and apply laws, rules, and enforcement requirements.
Experience reading, writing, and interpreting survey or legal documents.
Experience working with vulnerable people in community or facility-based settings.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with tact, discretion, and fairness.
Clear, concise writing and confident verbal communication.
Comfort using databases and technology tools such as iQIES and STARS.
Flexibility, organization, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
A mix of community health, long-term care, or CMS regulatory work and education may be considered equivalent, with a combined total of at least nine years.

Responsibilities

Guide statewide enforcement decisions by reviewing case materials, discussing findings with field staff, and determining appropriate actions in alignment with state and federal requirements.
Ensure consistency in enforcement across all long-term care facility types, concentrating on nursing homes and ICF/IID programs, while flexing to assisted living facilities, adult family homes, and enhanced service facilities when needed.
Prepare and review enforcement documents to ensure they are clear, defensible, and aligned with legal and regulatory expectations.
Collaborate with partners such as the Attorney General’s Office, Centers of Medicare Services, the State Fire Marshal, and internal RCS teams to coordinate enforcement actions and settlement agreements.
Support field staff by discussing case details, offering guidance, and helping ensure enforcement actions are timely and accurate.
Provide education and technical guidance to new and current staff on enforcement processes, regulatory expectations, and documentation standards.
Contribute to policy development by offering insight on enforcement trends, recommending improvements, and reviewing proposed changes.
Participate in statewide meetings and workgroups with provider organizations, regulatory partners, and internal teams to share information and support consistent practice.