DSHS HCLA Nursing Services Contract Specialist - Social & Health Program Consultant 4

DSHS HCLA Nursing Services Contract Specialist - Social & Health Program Consultant 4

Salary

$78,504.00 - $105,612.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-06090

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

HCLA

Opening Date

07/24/2026

Closing Date

8/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits

Description

DSHS HCLA Nursing Services Contract Specialist

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) are looking for a Nursing Services Contract Specialist to join the Office of Medical Services within the Homes and Community Services (HCS) Division.

In this statewide role, you will oversee contract monitoring activities for HCS Nursing Programs. Your work ensures Medicaid-funded nursing services are delivered safely, effectively, and in compliance with state and federal requirements while supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain safely in their homes and communities.

As a Nursing Services Contract Specialist, you will serve as a subject matter expert in contract compliance, quality assurance, and provider accountability. Your work directly supports DSHS mission by promoting high-quality care, improving continuity of services, reducing program risk, and strengthening partnerships with contracted nursing providers across Washington State. You will also collaborate with program managers and eleadership to develop contract monitoring processes, performance measures, and quality improvement initiatives that enhance statewide nursing services.

Some of What You'll Do

• Monitor statewide nursing service contracts to ensure contractors meet all contractual, regulatory, and policy requirements.
• Collaborate with program managers to to process contractor applications and support onboarding activities.
• Review contractor documentation, including assessments, care plans, support plans, and progress notes to evaluate contract compliance.
• Evaluate contractor staffing, service delivery, and interactions between clients and caregivers to ensure quality services are being provided.
• Analyze all observations, interviews, audits and record reviews to determine if the contractor complies with the Nurse Delegation,Private Duty Nursing contracts and nursing services contracts.
• Prepare comprehensive monitoring reports that clearly document audit findings, contract deficiencies, and recommendations for corrective action.
• Provide technical assistance, consultation, and education to contracted providers regarding contractual requirements and compliance expectations.
• Facilitate audit review meetings with contractors and program managers and assist with corrective action planning when deficiencies are identified.
• Recommend contract modifications and quality improvement strategies based on audit findings and risk analysis.
• Develop and maintain contract monitoring tools, policies, procedures, and quality assurance processes.
• Collaborate with Residential Care Services and other DSHS and HCLA programs to ensure consistent statewide contract monitoring practices.
• Present contract requirements, monitoring expectations, and compliance best practices to prospective and current contractors.
• Serve as a resource to leadership by identifying contract risks and providing recommendations to improve contractor performance and accountability.

We are looking for professionals who have

• 1 year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 3 or equivalent.
• OR 2 years of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 2 or equivalent.
• OR A master's degree in social work, health or social science, public administration or a related field; and 4 years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs;
• OR A bachelor's degree in social work, health or social science, public administration or a related field; and 5 years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, health, programs;
• OR a combination of professional/practical hands-on experience, of 9-10 years, in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and experience in Home and Community Services operations and home and community-based providers.
• Demonstrated understanding of programs, principles, regulations, policies, and procedures related to community-based long-term care.
• Knowledge of contract requirements and demonstrated experience in contract monitoring and developing contract compliance measures, understanding of performance-based contracting.
• Knowledge of Nurse Delegation and Private Duty Nursing programs.
• Ability to independently assess complex situations and make sound recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional audit reports and technical documents.
• Experience collaborating with providers, contractors, government agencies, and community partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products including Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet, and related applications.

To Apply

• Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

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 a 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.

Questions about 2026-06090? Contact Joshua.Shawhan@dshs.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid drivers license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov