DSHS WCF Senior Administrative Assistant

About the Department

WA Cares Fund Administrative Assistant 5

Make a meaningful impact in long-term care policy by embracing this thrilling opportunity. The WA Cares Fund is the first of its kind in the United States, showcasing why Washington State leads the nation in long-term care initiatives. Created by the WA State Legislature, the WA Cares Fund (WCF) offers affordable long-term care insurance coverage to all working Washingtonians. This is a rare opportunity to become one of the founding team members as we introduce the nation’s first long-term services and supports social insurance program.

DSHS’s Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) WCF is hiring key team members now to assist as we move toward the full implementation of the program. The innovative work that you do now will aid qualified people and their authorized representatives to apply for and access their earned benefits that help pay for daily-living activities. Your experience, knowledge, and skills make a difference. 

In this role as an Administrative Assistant 5, you will be working as part of the WA Cares Fund Headquarters team and will specifically support the WCF Director. You’ll use your experience and expertise to handle a wide range of tasks essential to the smooth operation of the WA Cares Fund team. This includes managing complex calendars, drafting correspondence, and preparing reports with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. You may also be assigned special projects to complete with little to no supervision allowing you to use best practices, technology and software, and creativity to improve processes for WA Cares Fund.  

This career opportunity offers meaningful work and long-term growth, with plenty of chances to stay engaged and build your leadership skills over time. This AA5 works on-site in Olympia with flexibility to telework when appropriate. Core hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Some of what you will do 

• Independently perform a wide variety of high-level administrative duties to support the WCF Director.
• Serve as lead AA for the division, and coordinates workflows, processes and best practices for the entire WCF Admin team.
• Manage personnel action requests and the hiring process on behalf of the director and deputy director of operations.
• Manage and maintain confidential information and administrative documents using appropriate methods and filing systems.
• Develop presentation materials to support WA Cares Fund leadership at meetings, events, and speaking engagements.
• Research and summarize information and supporting data in preparation for meetings, projects, and reports, and edit materials submitted by the director, deputy director, and other WA Cares Fund team members.
• Participate in meetings, record minutes, and create follow-up and action items.
• Participate in the strategic planning and quality planning processes for the implementation of the WA Cares Fund.
• Track and prepare quarterly and annual reports for the program, including strategic plan metrics.
• Establish, maintain, and execute all hiring and onboarding procedures for a new and rapidly expanding program.

Who should apply:
Professionals with a high school graduate or GED and 5 years of progressively responsible experience in office/clerical and administrative work.

• All experience includes at least one year leading, supervising or directing others.
• Equivalent business or public administration education/experience to be considered as substitute.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Experience working in Washington State government, especially with DSHS, HCLA, or Human Resources administrative functions.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and other common software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote, Visio, SharePoint, Smartsheet, Adobe Acrobat) and troubleshoot everyday computer issues.
• Strong organizational skills, including setting priorities, coordinating schedules and meetings, and adapting to changing needs.
• Clear and effective communication skills—both written and verbal—with colleagues, leadership, clients, and the public.
• Ability to work independently, use sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and show reliable attendance.
• A collaborative, proactive team member who takes initiative, streamlines processes, and supports the director’s goals.

Interested? Please submit a current resume, contact information for three professional references, and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role. 

DSHS partners with people to access support, care, and resources.  


Questions? Please contact the Recruiter Jenny at bastrjl@dshs.wa.govor 360-725-5810 and reference #03467. Learn more about DSHS.

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.

Other Qualifications

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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