DSHS HCLA Compliance Specialist

Job Summary

You will strengthen the quality of care for thousands of Washington residents relying on long-term care services. You will join a collaborative team in Residential Care Services (RCS) guiding enforcement actions, supporting field staff, and maintaining consistency across regions.

About the Role

This is a statewide role that supports safe, respectful living environments for people in various licensed settings. You will work with a small, skilled group of Compliance Specialists who guide enforcement actions, support field staff, and help maintain consistency across regions.

Responsibilities

• Guide statewide enforcement decisions by reviewing case materials, discussing findings with field staff, and determining appropriate actions in alignment with state and federal requirements.
• Ensure consistency in enforcement across all long-term care facility types, concentrating on nursing homes and ICF/IID programs, while flexing to assisted living facilities, adult family homes, and enhanced service facilities when needed.
• Prepare and review enforcement documents to ensure they are clear, defensible, and aligned with legal and regulatory expectations.
• Collaborate with partners such as the Attorney General’s Office, Centers of Medicare Services, the State Fire Marshal, and internal RCS teams to coordinate enforcement actions and settlement agreements.
• Support field staff by discussing case details, offering guidance, and helping ensure enforcement actions are timely and accurate.
• Provide education and technical guidance to new and current staff on enforcement processes, regulatory expectations, and documentation standards.
• Contribute to policy development by offering insight on enforcement trends, recommending improvements, and reviewing proposed changes.
• Participate in statewide meetings and workgroups with provider organizations, regulatory partners, and internal teams to share information and support consistent practice.

Requirements

• Experience in long-term care oversight, enforcement, licensing, or survey work.
• Sound judgment, clear communication, and a commitment to resident well-being.
• Comfort using databases and technology tools such as iQIES and STARS.
• Flexibility, organization, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Qualifications

• A mix of community health, long-term care, or CMS regulatory work and education may be considered equivalent, with a combined total of at least nine years.

Benefits

The role is benefit-eligible and offers a flexible 30-hour workweek. It is a hybrid telework position within Washington State, with rare travel to Lacey.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $60,000 - $80,000 annually.

Schedule

The schedule is a flexible 30-hour workweek.

Skills

• Reviewing complex information, forming sound conclusions, and communicating those conclusions clearly.
• Understanding and applying laws, rules, and enforcement requirements.
• Reading, writing, and interpreting survey or legal documents.
• Working with vulnerable people in community or facility-based settings.
• Working independently and collaboratively with tact, discretion, and fairness.
• Clear, concise writing and confident verbal communication.
• Using databases and technology tools such as iQIES and STARS.
• Flexibility, organization, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.