DSHS HCLA Family & Kinship Caregiver Programs Manager

Salary: $93,249.00 - $124,332.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: HCLA
Opening Date: 11/13/2026
Closing Date: 11/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Family & Kinship Caregiver Programs Manager
State Unit on Aging |

Caregiving strengthens families, supports communities, and helps people remain connected to the people and places that matter most. You will guide Washington's statewide caregiver and kinship programs, helping shape policies, services, funding strategies, and partnerships that affect caregivers, Tribal communities, and service providers across the state.

As the Family & Kinship Caregiver Programs Manager, you will lead the planning, development, and continuous improvement of several statewide caregiver initiatives, including the Family Caregiver Support Program, Kinship Caregiver Support Program, Kinship Navigator and Tribal Kinship Navigator programs, Lifespan Respite initiatives, and related public-facing resources. You will oversee federal grant activities, including Lifespan Respite funding, and identify opportunities to expand support for caregivers across Washington. Working closely with Area Agencies on Aging, Tribal partners, state agencies, community organizations, and national networks, you will strengthen services and advance caregiver supports statewide.

Much of your work will involve building relationships, helping partners navigate requirements, answering questions, and working alongside local, Tribal, state, and national partners to improve caregiver services. You will become a trusted resource for Area Agencies on Aging, Tribal partners, contractors, and community organizations by providing guidance, training, and consultation that helps strengthen services for caregivers and Washington state families.

This role offers a hybrid telework schedule. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel may be available for trainings, conferences, presentations, and partner engagement activities.

During your first six months, you will build a solid understanding of the caregiver services, funding sources, and partner network. You will become a trusted resource to Area Agencies on Aging, Tribal partners, contractors, and program staff while learning the policies, systems, and reporting requirements that guide this work. Success in this role includes establishing productive working relationships, becoming confident in providing program guidance, and developing a clear understanding of how statewide caregiver services, contracts, grants, and public resources work together to support caregivers across Washington.

Some of what you will do

• Lead statewide planning, policy development, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts for family and kinship caregivers, kinship navigator, Tribal kinship navigator, and respite resources.
• Develop, update, and interpret program policies, procedures, standards, and guidance while helping partners apply state and federal requirements consistently.
• Build partner capacity through training, consultation, technical assistance, and ongoing support for Area Agencies on Aging, Tribal partners, contractors, and community organizations.
• Monitor contracts, grants, budgets, expenditures, and program performance, including federal Lifespan Respite initiatives and other funded projects.
• Review program information and trends to identify service needs, measure outcomes, guide planning efforts, and inform reports, recommendations, and improvements.
• Collaborate with state agencies, Tribal governments, advocacy organizations, community partners, and national networks to strengthen caregiver services and resources.
• Lead or assist compliance reviews, quality improvement activities, corrective action planning, and accountability efforts for contracted programs.
• Contribute to public awareness efforts, websites, grant applications, reports, presentations, and initiatives that improve access to caregiver support.

Who should apply

You are curious, adaptable, and eager to learn. You can manage multiple priorities, follow through on commitments, use information to identify trends and opportunities, and maintain a high level of accuracy in a complex and evolving environment.

You bring a combination of education and experience that has prepared you to lead complex programs and build productive partnerships. We will consider equivalent experience* in lieu of degree.

Required qualifications:

A bachelor's degree* in public administration, social sciences, health sciences, social work, human services, or a related field, and five years of experience managing, planning, coordinating, or administering community-based programs that serve older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, or families.

Work experience should include:

• Leading or supporting complex programs, grants, contracts, policies, or community-based services.
• Interpreting regulations and translating requirements into practical guidance.
• Providing consultation, training, or technical assistance to partners.
• Using data and information to inform decisions and improve services.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• A Master's in Social Work and/or Certified Public Manager certification.
• Caregiver, aging, disability, respite, kinship, Tribal, or long-term services and supports programs.
• Older Americans Act and community-based aging services networks, including Area Agencies on Aging.
• Managing federal or state grants, contracts, or publicly funded programs.
• Caregiver assessment, referral, or case management tools and data systems, such as TCARE.
• Developing training curricula, facilitating statewide workgroups, or leading multi-partner initiatives.

Why this work matters

You will help guide programs that serve caregivers across Washington, working with partners throughout the state to strengthen services, improve access to resources, and advance practical solutions for families. Your work will influence statewide policy, support innovation, and help caregivers receive the information and assistance they need to continue caring for loved ones and family members.

This statewide Caregiver Program Manager career offers the opportunity to contribute at both the strategic and operational levels while collaborating with dedicated professionals who share a commitment to equitable, person-centered services and meaningful community impact.
DSHS partners with people to access support, care, and resources. This role is classified as Washington Management Services 2 (WMS2). Interested?Please list 3 professional references' current contact information on your application and include your current resume and a letter of interest explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role.
Questions? Please contact the Recruiter, Jenny, at or 360-725-5810 and reference 2026-09329. 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.