Job Description
DSHS DDS
Deputy Director The Department of Social Health Service (DSHS) Economic Services Administration, Division of Disability Determination Services ( DDDS), is hiring a Deputy Director who will be responsible for management and integration of diverse business functions, including budget and financial management, IT services and support, professional relations services, facilities management, disability hearings, contracted medical consultation, annual performance goal setting and monitoring, and achieving annual performance goals within funding authority. We're seeking an experienced leader focused on service to the public and constantly searching for better processes to improve the organization. The ideal applicant strives to build teams and effective collaboration with state agency and Social Security Administration partners to further the DDDS goal of providing accurate and timely disability determinations to ensure those who qualify have access to financial and medical resources. 3-5 days travel quarterly is required for this job, as well as a hybrid work schedule between telework and in office work. What This Role Is Responsible For:
Providing executive leadership and strategic oversight for all DDDS operations, including budgeting, financial management, IT, professional relations, facilities, disability hearings, and contracted medical consultation Supervising and developing leadership staff, including managers responsible for key operational areas such as Disability Hearings/Emergency, Fiscal Services, Medical Relations/Contracts, Strategic Initiatives, and IT Policy and Planning Act as the chief financial officer for the division, overseeing the development, management, and refinement of the division's annual operating budget (approximately $50-$60 million) and ensuring effective resource allocation for 300 FTEs Leading cross-functional operational improvements and modernization initiatives to enhance efficiency, consistency, transparency, and service delivery across all business functions Strengthening internal controls, audit readiness, compliance monitoring, and fiscal risk mitigation to ensure accountability and minimize audit risk Driving organizational change management and operational readiness for major statewide and federal initiatives, including strategic planning, process improvement, and system transformation Overseeing the development and use of business intelligence, dashboards, reporting tools, and performance metrics to support executive decision-making and continuous improvement Recruiting, onboarding, training, and evaluating managers; establishing performance criteria, monitoring progress, and ensuring ongoing staff development and compliance Coordinating and communicating with state and federal partners, including the Social Security Administration, DSHS/ESA officials, and other stakeholders, on all aspects of business operations, financial matters, audits, and reporting Overseeing facilities planning, contracting, and cost-benefit analysis for initiatives and projects to ensure optimal use of public resources and alignment with division needs Serving as the primary point of contact for all human resources and risk management matters, including investigations, training, classification/compensation, and compliance with state and federal policies Leading and managing the tracking of ongoing projects and initiatives, monitoring their cumulative impact on the division, and ensuring projects are appropriately resourced and implemented within established timelines Promoting a culture of trust, inclusion, and accountability, fostering strong partnerships, and supporting the division's mission, vision, and values What Success Looks Like:
Strong and sustainable internal control environment that minimizes audit risk and strengthens accountability Successful operational modernization efforts that improve efficiency, consistency, transparency, and service delivery Effective implementation of operational and compliance strategies supporting DDDS and ESA's long-term goals Accurate, reliable, and accessible financial and operational data that supports executive leadership decision-making Successful navigation of large-scale organizational and system transformations with minimal disruption Strong collaboration and alignment across divisions, administrations, and external partners Executive-level results delivered with a strategic outlook and continuous improvement mindset Positive impact on staff, division, and agency culture, supporting DSHS's mission and values Key Expectations of the Role:
Act as a strategic advisor to ESA and DDDS leadership on operational, financial, compliance, and organizational risks Lead through ambiguity and complexity in a fast-paced, high-accountability government environment Lead operational excellence, continuous improvement, and cultural transformation across the division Build strong partnerships and influence across multiple programs, administrations, and external stakeholders Lead high-impact initiatives involving operational redesign, automation, business intelligence, and compliance improvements Ensure DDDS remains compliant with federal regulations, state laws, and agency policies while supporting mission-critical services statewide What We're Looking For:
Ability to conduct in-depth financial and statistical analysis to determine workloads and resource needs within a multi-unit organization Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in complex situations across multiple subject matters Previous experience working with the Social Security Administration or related programs at the state or federal level Demonstrated knowledge and experience with change management, value stream mapping, process improvement, and LEAN principles and practices Demonstrated proficiency in the key competencies listed above Who should apply? Those with a bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or closely related field AND Ten years of paid, progressively responsible leadership experience that demonstrates the ability to effectively facilitate change, lead and develop managers, and build and maintain partnerships. Completion of a graduate degree in public administration, business administration, or closely related field may be substituted for two years of leadership experience. Relevant professional experience described above may substitute year for year for the required education. Why This Role Matters:
This job is critical to DDDS and ESA's operational stability, financial stewardship, compliance posture, and readiness for major statewide and federal changes. Decisions made in this role directly impact audit outcomes, federal funding stability, operational continuity, system transformation success, and the agency's ability to effectively deliver services to vulnerable individuals and families across Washington State. The role is especially important as DDDS navigates significant operational transformation efforts, evolving federal requirements, and enterprise-wide modernization initiatives that require strong leadership, coordination, and risk management. Questions? Please contact sean.brauner@dshs.wa.gov and reference #04193 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. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
