DSHS DDA CARE Specialists Unit Manager

About the role

The CARE Specialists Unit Manager supervises a statewide team of six CARE Specialists who support field offices in the administration of the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting Evolution (CARE) information system. Reporting directly to the Director of Headquarters Operations and based in Lacey, WA with a hybrid telework schedule, the role ensures data accuracy and system consistency for federal reporting, oversees training and resource provision for case managers, and leads efforts to evaluate and improve the assessment tool in collaboration with the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and internal developers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and evaluate a remote, statewide team of six regional specialists, ensuring they have the information and skills to provide technical assistance to field offices.
• Oversee team training and certification processes to maintain expert trainer standards for the Supports Intensity Scale Assessment.
• Review quality assurance data, monitor data trends, and compile comprehensive reports to verify compliance with state administrative codes and federal assurances.
• Coordinate the team's participation in gathering business requirements and testing software updates to ensure system changes meet design specifications.
• Create and update user manuals, training materials, policies, and administrative rules regarding the application of the assessment tool.
• Provide expert consultation and clear correspondence on assessment matters to clients, families, providers, and external entities.
• Manage user access settings within the security portal to protect department information according to established guidelines and policies.
• Oversee and monitor vendor fulfillment for the assessment tool contract to ensure services are delivered and paid correctly.
• Evaluate the assessment database tool within the first six months and recommend changes to streamline the process, making it more user‑friendly for staff and families.
• Collaborate with the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and internal developers to suggest software and process updates based on end‑user feedback.
• Fill current vacancies by hiring new team members and establish a regular schedule of progress updates with the supervisor to track process improvements and identify needed support.
• Oversee the daily application of the CARE software, associated security access, and consistency tracking databases.
• Ensure field staff possess the training and resources needed to create reliable support plans for individuals across Washington State.

Requirements

• Substantial experience providing training and technical assistance, preferably with DSHS’s Comprehensive Assessment Reporting Evolution (CARE) case management information system.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise, and support a team distributed across multiple physical locations.
• Experience evaluating complex data systems to formulate recommendations that result in positive program changes.
• Ability to manage project timelines, handle urgent issues simultaneously, and communicate updates clearly to leadership.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity, collaborative teamwork, and respectful communication in a fast‑paced environment.
• Understanding of programs, principles, regulations, and statutes related to the Developmental Disabilities Administration and community‑based long‑term care services.
• Willingness to travel occasionally across the state to support regional teams.
• Classification: Washington Management Services 2 (WMS2).

Skills

• Leadership and team management of remote, multidisciplinary staff.
• Training development and certification oversight (Supports Intensity Scale Assessment).
• Data analysis, quality assurance, and reporting for compliance with state and federal standards.
• Project management: planning, timelines, issue resolution, and stakeholder communication.
• Technical expertise with the CARE information system and related security/access databases.
• Ability to create and maintain user manuals, training materials, policies,