As the Payment and Compliance Program Manager, you will step into a statewide role that helps DSHS’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) strengthen access to Home- and Community-Based Services by shaping clear, consistent, and equitable payment practices. You will guide program staff as they adapt policies and procedures to meet federal Access Rule requirements, helping Washington residents receive services that reflect accuracy, transparency, and fairness. Your work will influence how DDA programs operate today and how they evolve to meet future expectations.

You will collaborate with partners across DDA, the Health Care Authority, Management Services Division Rates, and DSHS’s Home and Community Living Administration. You'll bring clarity to complex rules, translate them into practical steps, and support staff as they adjust their work. You will also help design communication and training tools that make payment expectations easier to understand and apply.

You will be part of a team that values thoughtful planning, steady progress, and clear communication. Your help will shape statewide practices that support people receiving services, the staff or contractors who deliver them, and the systems that keep everything running smoothly.

This full-time, benefit-eligible project role is funded for 18 months. The Washington Management Services 2 (WMS2) role offers hybrid telework within the state of Washington, and travel is expected to be rare. Assigned to Lacey, you will carry out most of your work through virtual meetings and remote conversations.

What success looks like in your first six months

You will develop a clear understanding of each DDA program’s readiness to meet federal Access Rule requirements related to payment adequacy and transparency. You will assess where updates are needed, guide staff through changes, and help programs adopt practices that align with federal expectations. Your early work will set the foundation for long-term compliance and consistent statewide implementation.

Some of what you will do

• Interpret federal Access Rules and explain how they apply to DDA service payments.
• Develop and update payment policies that support accurate, transparent, and compliant service delivery.
• Guide program staff as they adjust procedures to meet federal requirements.
• Review payment information to identify patterns that inform policy decisions.
• Plan and coordinate system changes that support payment adequacy and transparency.
• Create and deliver training and communication tools for staff statewide.
• Collaborate with partners across multiple state and federal agencies to align practices and timelines.
• Provide guidance to leadership on progress, challenges, and needed adjustments.

Skills you bring

• Experience in project coordination, compliance work, policy development, or related fields.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex rules and policies.
• Comfort reviewing reports to spot payment patterns or issues.
• Skill in long-term planning, organizing work, and adapting to change.
• Clear communication skills in writing and conversation to ensure understanding.
• Commitment to person-centered practices, choice, and self-direction.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to safeguard confidential information.
• Recent knowledge of Medicaid, CMS expectations, or social service payment systems is recommended but not required.

A mix of compliance-related experience and education may be considered equivalent, with a combined total of at least nine years accepted.

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.

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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