DSHS HCLA Senior Administrative Assistant
State of Washington, Olympia, WA, United States
Salary:
$5,011.00 - $6,735.00 Monthly
Location :
Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type:
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
2026-03467
Department:
Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division:
HCLA
Opening Date:
04/23/2026
Closing Date:
4/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information:
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
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 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 or 360-725-5810 and reference #03467. Learn more about .
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.
Supplemental Information
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note:
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note:
Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note:
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt
employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
$5,011.00 - $6,735.00 Monthly
Location :
Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type:
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
2026-03467
Department:
Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division:
HCLA
Opening Date:
04/23/2026
Closing Date:
4/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information:
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
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 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 or 360-725-5810 and reference #03467. Learn more about .
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.
Supplemental Information
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note:
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note:
Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note:
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt
employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026