| Location | Olympia, WA |
| Salary | $59,760–$80,477 Per Year |
Medical Assistance Specialist 5 (MAS5/AHSO) - Non-Permanent - Internal Only
Salary
$59,760.00 - $80,477.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type
Agency Internal - Non-Permanent
Remote Employment
Remote Optional
Job Number
2026-06866
Department
Health Care Authority
Division
AHSO
Opening Date
08/17/2026
Closing Date
8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Medical Assistance Specialist 5 (MAS5/AHSO) - Non-Permanent - Internal Only
71028527
This is a project position funded through 9/30/2027.
This opportunity is internal and available to current HCA employees only.
The Medical Assistance Specialist 5 leads and supervises a team of call center customer service providers serving Apple Health (Medicaid) customers across the state. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated skills in leadership, communication, and adaptability. If you are motivated to lead a team providing critical customer service to Washingtonians, this may be the position for you.
About the division:
The Apple Health Services and Operations (AHSO) Division works across the Health Care Authority (HCA) and in partnership with the health care community at local, state and federal levels, in order to develop, and manage high quality, and evidence-based health care programs and purchase services that enhance Washington State's citizens' ability to access appropriate, quality health care.
About the position:
The Medical Assistance Specialist 5 (MAS5) Plans, organizes, reviews, and supervises the work of assigned Medical Assistance Specialists, trainees, and support staff. Hires, counsels, evaluates, disciplines, and trains staff. Plans, organizes and implements customer service activities and schedules including call center operation, provider inquiries and Managed Care enrollment. Monitors real time call performance data provided by Avaya Call Management System and makes decisions regarding staffing levels and task assignments. This position also includes the need to have the ability to supervise in a collective bargaining environment. Interprets Medical Assistance WAC and RCW, program policies and procedures, provides direct assistance and guidance to Medical Assistance Specialists on complex client and provider issues. Responsible for assisting the Section Manager in developing new policies and procedures for call center operations, Managed Care enrollment activities, provider inquiries, HIPAA compliance, and claim processing activities. Compose, edit, and formalize letters in response to client and provider written and verbal inquiries. Responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for information from legislative staff, Governors office, and other provider or client advocates and stakeholders. Represents Medical Assistance Customer Service Center and Division of Apple Health Services & Operations in meetings and by interacting with other HCA divisions and programs in planning and implementing program service improvements for MACSC customers, system enhancements, and provider billing policy.
This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.
Duties
Some of what you will do:
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will satisfy one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
Option 2:
Option 3:
Option 4:
Option 5:
Required experience for this position is defined as:
Required competencies:
Preferred qualifications:
How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
Supplemental Information
About the HCA:
Functioning as both the states largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.
What we have to offer:
Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.
HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA's mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Angelic Matthews at Angelic.Matthews@hca.wa.gov
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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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
01
I acknowledge that this opportunity is only open to internal HCA candidates.
02
Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?
03
Do you have one (1) year of experience as a Medical Assistance Specialist 4 (MAS4)?
04
Do you have two (2) years of experience as a Medical Assistance Specialist 3 (MAS3)?
05
Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:
06
Which of the following best describes your professional experience with providing direct client services or counseling of customers in the areas of health insurance, disability, or other related health benefits; public assistance eligibility determination; health insurance premiums/claims processing, adjusting, and investigation; or other medical premiums/claims related experience?
07
Do you have the ability to take action to learn and grow?
08
Do you have the ability to take action to meet the needs of others?
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov