DSHS DDA SOLA Housing Specialist

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), State Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA) program operates 24/7 residential programs for adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including those with mental health and the DDA Community Protection program support needs and the program has an opportunity for you to make a significant impact in the lives of those with specialized treatment needs.

Join us in Transforming Lives! 

In this role, as a SOLA Housing Specialist, you will be a statewide lead and subject matter expert on all housing-related matters related to DDA's State Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA) and other community-based residential services as needed. You will work closely with DDA regional SOLA leadership, the Department of Commerce, local housing authorities, affordable housing developers, and other organizations key to affordable/accessible housing options. You will provide extensive expert analysis and guidance to DDA upper management on affordable housing issues as they affect people with developmental disabilities seeking community-based residential support, including SOLA. You will formulate statewide policy and strategic direction by providing subject matter expertise and contributing a broad understanding of community residential regulations and principles related to housing development and partnerships needed to increase access to and availability of affordable and accessible housing. You will be a subject matter expert for routine and complex housing challenges in urban and rural areas across the state.

Some of what you will do 

• Increase affordable state housing capacity for SOLA and other community-based residential service settings.
• Work with the headquarters team, SOLA administrators, resource manager administrators, and data systems to gather information on the statewide demographics for affordable housing needs
• Work with a state-level team, and regional leadership to design and draft a strategic affordable housing plan.
• Network with housing providers in local communities across the state.
• Provide input to the SOLA team and DDA management teams about training needs, specialized rates and incentives contracting assistance, consultative services, and other housing assistance.
• Assess training needs regarding assisting individuals in locating and maintaining affordable and accessible housing options.
• Coordinate with local housing authorities the Department of Commerce, non-profit and for-profit housing developers/providers, the DDA Residential Policy team, Residential Care Services, and others to develop necessary housing resources.
• Propose, coordinate, and develop alternative models of community-based living such as shared housing, housing with services, and long-term care supportive living models. Implement models statewide.
• Act as a consultant to field staff and contracted providers about housing and program issues.
• Partner with housing developers, including affordable and market-rate developers and landlords/property managers to expand existing affordable housing.

Who should apply
 Professionals with the following:

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a closely related field. AND four years' professional experience in the following areas in any combination; real estate, affordable housing governmental funding entities or private programs, program management, project management, facilitation, education, and data analysis.
• Strong facilitation skills and experience with planning and executing results-oriented group discussions and training.  
• Able to explain complex or technical information using plain talk principles and good oral and written communication skills.
• Actively listen to others, paraphrase, and ask clarifying questions, and clearly and concisely emphasize the key message.

Preferred education, knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Work experience in the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Experience networking with and navigating through complex governmental and private organizations especially related to real estate and public and private affordable housing.

To Apply

• Completed Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

 Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
  
 If you have questions about job number 04998 at raoa@dshs.wa.gov.  

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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