DSHS HCLA APS Field Services Administrator

State of Washington • Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a strong collaborator, team builder, and communicator with supervision and program management experience to support Adult Protective Services Division within Home and Community Living Administration at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. As a Field Services Administrator, you will manage, supervise, coordinate, and evaluate staff activities within Regional Field Services Operations. You will lead efforts to address crises, resolve conflicts, and manage complex situations by utilizing regional and statewide resources while providing support to promote client health and safety. You will collaborate with community partners, Tribes, state agencies, internal and external stakeholders, private providers, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens to build partnerships, leverage resources, and develop integrated programs that support regional and statewide goals. We have one opening available that covers two APS offices/areas in region 3 south: Vancouver and Kelso APS offices that cover Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, Wahkiakum, and Skamania Counties. Occasional travel to other regions 3 offices and APS headquarters may be required based on business needs.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in social science, health, public administration or related field andfour years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social and health service programs; OR A bachelor's degree in social science, health, public administration or related field andsix years of professional experience in managing large complex programs, supervising and managing teams, planning, administering, developing, or delivering social and health services; OR Ten years of experience managing and supervising individuals and large teams, responding to high profile critical situations and developing solutions, developing and fostering community partnerships, developing and carrying out short- and long-term strategic goals, and overseeing, managing and administering complex programs.
• Effectively lead, direct, and manage staff, including mid-level supervisors, in a diverse and highly populated geographic area.
• Possess knowledge and understanding of laws, regulations, personnel policies, and collective bargaining processes.
• Effectively plan and implement programs, manage operations, and analyze workload and staffing needs.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with tribal organizations, community partners, and law enforcement agencies.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, manage multiple tasks, and organize workload to meet deadlines and operational priorities.
• Communicate effectively through oral and written communication with management, colleagues, clients, and the public by clearly explaining policies and procedures and preparing professional, concise, and accurate correspondence.
• Evaluate crisis situations and complex case issues, provide appropriate guidance and direction to staff, and develop effective solutions to reduce risk and prevent negative outcomes.
• Resolve conflicts professionally, de-escalate challenging situations, engage in difficult conversations, and clearly communicate expectations, policies, and procedures.
• Independently assess situations, apply sound professional judgment, and conduct effective interviews using appropriate communication methods to support individuals with diverse needs.
• Demonstrate proficiency in data entry and computer applications; learn, utilize, and train others on various software programs, systems, and reporting databases.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to learn complex systems, review, and apply knowledge of WAC, RCW and APS policy and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of federal laws regarding Washington Native American Tribes.
• Knowledge of personnel policies, procedures, and administrative policies.
• Methods and techniques of policy development and management, including principles and practices of program planning and evaluation.
• Ability to be timely and present at meetings and/or training that you are required or scheduled to attend; attend training, conferences and work groups assigned to increase/maintain knowledge of job.
• Methods and techniques of policy development and management, including principles and practices of program planning and evaluation.
• Knowledge of programs administered by Home and Community Living Administration and Adult Protective Services.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all regional field operations, including investigative services, customer support, administrative functions, business operations, and personnel management.
• Ensure policies and procedures, as well as new initiatives, are consistently implemented and adhered to across the region.
• Supervise, direct, and support staff and supervisors, establish clear performance expectations and develop structured work plans.
• Recruit, hire, train and evaluate staff through consistent monitoring of the quality and quantity of work while maintaining an ongoing dialogue with them.
• Create a supportive environment that allows staff to advance and succeed through coaching and mentoring.
• Evaluate and manage employee performance, prepare performance assessments, and provide coaching, recognition, and corrective action as necessary.
• Oversee regional quality assurance/improvement activities, setting the direction for ongoing compliance, training and staff development and collaborating with QA/QI staff on identifying root cause and implementing corrective measures regionwide.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations, internal and external stakeholders, tribes, and other state agencies to leverage resources and strengthen collaborative efforts.
• Develop and participate in multi-disciplinary teams to support the work of quality investigations and improved outcomes for the vulnerable population served by APS.
• Provide consultation and resource assistance to the management team, Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), other DSHS divisions/administrations, community partners, stakeholders, law enforcement, Prosecuting Attorneys’, court systems, contracted providers, Attorney General’s office and tribal government within the region.
• Draft incident reports (IRs) and media alerts in accordance with DSHS and HCLA policies and respond immediately to questions.
• Draft, implement and ensure compliance with regional and statewide operating procedures.
• Participate in the administrative and other hearing processes and prepare and provide testimony, including depositions.
• Conduct employee fact finding and program investigations in the direction of the appointing authority, reviewing allegations, interviewing individuals, and drafting reports in consultation with appointing authority.
• Attend local, regional and statewide meetings, regional work groups, planning meetings, training, workshops and committees.

Benefits

• The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work.
• It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.
• We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level