Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06090

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: HCLA

Job classification: SOCIAL AND HEALTH PROGRAM CONSULTANT 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Services, Nursing, Community and Social Services

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 driver's 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.

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