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DSHS DDA Developmental Disabilities Administrator

State of Washington
Pierce, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/1/2026

If you are devoted to serving those with developmental disabilities, consider this exciting opportunity! Our State Operated Community Residential (SOCR) team is looking for a Developmental Disabilities Administrator to provide support and development to staff who implement and manage social, financial, and health service plans for individuals in our program. In this role, you will be based in Tacoma, WA. You will also be responsible for interviewing and hiring staff, maintain their files and supporting staff to enhance their program support, they supervise Attendant Counselors and administrative staff.

The primary purpose is to ensure that habilitation supports and services are delivered per Washington Administrative Code and administration policy and ensure the staff are hired and trained to provide for the health and welfare needs of our clients.

This position may supervise administrative staff. This position works collaboratively with field services resource staff, residential case management staff, and members of the SOCR Management Team. The primary purpose of this position is to ensure that residential services are delivered per WAC and administration policy and to ensure the staff are hired and trained to provide for the health and welfare needs of SOCR clients.

Some of what you'll do: 

  • Develop, plan, implement and monitor SOLA Quality Assurance standards to ensure program compliance with DDA policy, WAC certification requirements, Residential Service guidelines/Guiding Values.
  • Read reports and interpret data to develop or modify client support plans.
  • Establish processes for meeting goals and objectives within the work unit.
  • Consult on individual cases and complex problems/issues with clients and/or service providers and collaborate with internal teams, service providers, and community partners.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate staff in a collective bargaining environment, including assigning work, managing caseloads, and supporting performance development. 
  • Oversee training coordination, and compliance tracking, including Washington State Learning Center training requirements.
  • Analyze reports and data to inform decision-making, support client service planning, and improve program outcomes.
  • Represent the program in meetings and support operational planning, including staffing needs, performance measures, and process improvements.

What we are looking for:

  • Experience working with Individuals with Developments Disabilities and their families in a social service setting
  • Ability to lead others and organize work assignments
  • Experience consulting with staff on services offered to clients and families
  • Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of others
  • Possess mental health crisis management experience
  • Ability to identify and notify appropriate entities of dangerous situations
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity

Who should apply?

A bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, special education, business administration, public administration, or related fields. 
 And
Four years of professional experience in the human services field of which two years involved individuals with developmental disabilities or other handicapping conditions and one year of supervisory, administrative, or professional program service delivery responsibility. 
Graduate training may be substituted year for year for the required experience except for two years involved individuals with developmental disabilities.
 Or 
Additional Professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education. 
 
Interested? 
 Please include the following with your application:

  • An updated resume that clearly describes your relevant experience. We encourage you to tailor your resume to this position and highlight specific examples of work involving case management, client assessments, service planning, home visits, crisis intervention, eligibility determination, documentation, and coordination with community partners and other agencies.
  • Three professional references with current contact information.
  • A cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position and how your education, skills, and experience have prepared you to successfully perform the duties of a Developmental Disabilities Administrator.
  • Transcripts upon request.


Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Grant Grady at grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 08859.

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.


Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position. 

 
 
 E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Salary : $6,708 - $9,019

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