DSHS HCLA Critical Incident Program Manager

Critical Incident Program Manager

At DSHS, we believe every person deserves access to services that protect their dignity, wellbeing, independence, and choice. We're seeking a Critical Incident Program Manager to lead the design and implementation of the new statewide Critical Incident requirements under the federal CMS Access Rule. This role is vital in strengthening how Washington identifies, reports, investigates, and responds to critical incidents in Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Your work will safeguard the rights of vulnerable Washingtonians, improve accountability and transparency, and ensure that care systems meet the highest standards of safety and equity. This is a two-year project position, funded through June 30, 2027, reporting to the Senior Risk Manager in the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA).

This role is your chance to create meaningful statewide change. As the Critical Incident Program Manager, you'll be at the center of new federal requirements designed to protect the most vulnerable residents in Washington. Your leadership will help ensure incidents are tracked, investigated, reported, and resolved with consistency, fairness, and transparency. If you are ready to design solutions, advise leadership, and shape systems that keep people safe and accountable, we'd love to hear from you.

Professionals who bring : a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, criminal justice, law, public health, health administration, or a related field, and at least three years of program development experience. OR at least five years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating : OR equivalent experience may substitute for formal education year-for-year. Note : We welcome applications from seasoned government professionals and skilled project / program managers from other sectors with transferable expertise in compliance, risk management, and system-building.

Some of what you'll do :

• Lead the planning and timely delivery of eight critical CMS-required deliverables, including :
• Provide expert counsel, analysis, facilitation, rule writing, and stakeholder engagement across HCLA, Adult Protective Services (APS), Residential Care Services (RCS), Home & Community Services (HCS), and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
• Develop risk assessments, audits, and performance reviews to ensure ongoing compliance and protect clients.
• Lead workgroups, facilitate stakeholder input, and present updates to executive leadership.
• Support the smooth transition of project deliverables into long-term operational programs within HCLA.

Interested? Apply now Questions? Please contact Kris George at kris.george@dshs.wa.gov and reference Critical Incident Program Manager, Job # 06574. The Department of Social and Health Services' 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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.