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Foundational Community Supports (FCS) is an initiative of Medicaid Transformation. It allows qualified providers to receive Medicaid reimbursement for delivering supportive housing and supported employment services for people with the greatest and most immediate social and health needs.
During the first full week of August, members of the Washington Health Care Authority Foundational Community Supports (FCS) joined our partners with Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) and Department of Commerce at the annual conference, "Annual Addressing Homelessness Through a Public Health Lens," in Washington, D.C.
During the conference, the Housing Related Social Needs Program (HRSN) was a highlighted focal point. The team learned that, along with the state of Arizona, Washington is farther along in the development of our waiver project, and we were supporting other states with ideas on how to further their programs.
This was a great opportunity for our program to share lessons learned, learn ways that other states are initiating and running their programs, and provided intentional time for all of us to strategize each of our programs moving forward.
Our FCS Team returned to Washington State feeling humbled by the progress we have made and even more hopeful for the continuation of our waiver project.
Letter of gratitude: FCS participants share journey of hope
My son and I had been homeless for over a year and, believe me, I tried every resource out there. We had to move from the shelter we were staying at, and if it wasn’t for a lady named Elke with JOB Community Services, my son and I would have been right back on the streets with all the progress we had made gone right down the drain.
Not long after we had to leave, Elke called and said she had an apartment that was opening up and would I like to go apply for it. Well of course, next thing I know, we got accepted and were moved in within a month. If not for Elke’s help in tracking down a place for us to go, we would have been knocked right back down to the bottom of the barrel. So from the bottom of my heart, Thank you Mrs. Elke for all our help.
Forever grateful, Dorothy and Cody
Technical career growth and workplace belonging
A participant with both justice involvement and mental health challenges secured a technical role in a supportive, inclusive workplace where, in his words, “they just let me do my thing.” On his first day, he was promoted to a higher-level position with greater responsibility and pay.
Still thriving in his position, he reports feeling genuine professional respect and stability for the first time in years, both financially and emotionally. These achievements and his continuing upward trajectory have strengthened his confidence, discipline, and motivation for long-term success.
Glidepath participant found encouragement, success
A 43-year-old Mexican American male was enrolled in the Glidepath program. Prior to enrollment, he had been receiving ABD/HEN services. He was interested in People Ready, because he was not sure he could commit to a full-time job. He was interested in pursuing his GED, believing it could open better job opportunities in the future. He enrolled in GED classes at Yakima Valley College, and a few months later he expressed a desire for more financial stability.
He decided to temporarily pause his GED studies and began seeking more stable employment to bring in more income. An appointment was made with a benefit planner to discuss potential impacts on his Snap and Medicaid benefits.
The case manager (CM) then refocused on their goals from education to employment support. The focus was on improving his digital literacy skills, including how to navigate job search platforms like Indeed, revamping his resume and discussing how a professional resume could increase employer interest and improve his chances of getting interviews. The client expressed a strong interest in becoming a street flagger, citing a passion for being outdoors, redirecting traffic, and traveling out of Yakima. With program assistance, he completed a street flagger certification course at YVC, which led to higher wages through People Ready.
Shortly after this conversation, he reached out for assistance with a job posting he found on Indeed. He was encouraged to apply since it was a great opportunity and exactly what he was looking for. He received assistance with submitting the Application and encouraged him to follow up within a few days after resume was submitted.
He was given an interview with a power company. Prior to his interview, he and his CM went over possible questions he might be asked. He was ready and confident he could get this job. And he did! He was offered a part-time position to begin with, and after several weeks on the job, he was offered a full-time position with a company vehicle.
“This is exactly what I wanted, I love my job."
He is so thankful for the Glidepath program, the assistance he received and the encouragement to keep moving forward. He has been employed for several months and is no longer on any benefits and has reengaged with family members and community and is happy where he is at this time.
Fidelity is more than a review process it’s a cornerstone of continuous quality improvement, helping programs learn, grow, and deliver the highest quality services. When we strengthen fidelity, we strengthen outcomes and that directly impacts the people we serve through more consistent support, stronger partnerships, and better paths to recovery and stability.
We would like to spotlight providers who bring fidelity to life in their work and share their stories across our network.
We’re inviting providers to submit short video clips (60-90 seconds) highlighting:
- Why you participate in fidelity, and/or
- How fidelity has supported continuous quality improvement and improved outcomes for the people you serve.
Simple, authentic videos recorded on your phone or computer are perfect no editing required.
Please submit your video by Tuesday, November 25, 2025, to hcafoundationalcommunitysupports@hca.wa.gov
Your story helps demonstrate how fidelity drives learning, collaboration, and lasting impact in supportive housing and supported employment.
We use evidence-based practices because they’re proven to work. Grounded in research and real-world results, these approaches help ensure our services are effective, equitable, and person-centered.
By following what’s been shown to make a difference, we can provide consistent, high-quality support that helps people reach their goals and build lasting stability. Evidence-based practices especially impact the following areas:
Clinical
Without knowledge and skills in proven practices, clinicians and program managers cannot fulfill their obligation to offer consumers and families the most effective services.
Quality improvement and accountability
When used strategically and for those conditions and people for which they were designed, evidence-based practices can improve outcomes for clients, families, and communities.
Administrative
Evidence-based practices can help identify barriers and complexities that prevent systems from performing optimally.
Financial
Evidence-based practices offer opportunities to shift resources away from ineffective or less effective services to those services that are more effectual for the people served.
Political/policy
By committing taxpayers' dollars to providing services proven to be effective, we can provide a higher level of assurance to the public that wise and valuable investments of public monies have been made.
We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of MyWABenefits, part of the Integrated Eligibility and Enrollment Modernization Program.
MyWABenefits is a mobile-friendly website that gives clients streamlined access to important information about their benefits, including food, cash, and Apple Health Classic Medicaid. This easy-to-use website can be accessed in English, Spanish, or Russian.
Formerly known as Product 1, this new eligibility and enrollment status tracker will improve the client experience by allowing them to view benefits, track their application and eligibility status, and access vital information anytime, anywhere. This increased transparency will help reduce call volumes and shorten wait times for these programs. A training video and other staff resources will be available in October, and additional reference materials are being developed to help clients navigate between MyWABenefits and their Client Benefit Account on Washington Connection. MyWABenefits will also have dedicated technology support by the DSHS TIA/ESA Application Support team.
Visit the MyWABenefits page on the IE&E Information Hub for more information. You can also contact the IE&E program team with any additional questions you might have.
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team is hosting a housing providers webinar in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) drug user health team member Chelsie.
Webinar: Wednesday, December 3, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Chelsie Porter (she/her) is a member of the Drug User Health team at the DOH. In her role as Syringe Service Program Coordinator, Chelsie helps promote programs and strategies that protect and improve the health of people who use drugs, including syringe service programs, overdose education, and naloxone distribution.
Objectives
- Learn about opioids and overdoses, including how to respond to opioid overdose using naloxone
- Identify practical strategies for preventing and responding to overdoses in housing and shelter settings
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) trainers are inviting you to join them in a six-part training series for The Golden Thread Documentation Training.
Webinar: Thursday, December 4, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Join us for a six-session training series that provides a comprehensive overview, with practical applications FCS documentation. Each webinar covers a specific type of documentation and addresses Medicaid requirements and the importance of the connection between assessments, service plans, and progress notes, known as the Golden Thread. The series will be presented with the newly developed Golden Thread Toolkit, a valuable new resource for FCS staff. It is recommended that participants attend all sessions in the series, as the information presented is cumulative.
This training is recommended for those who
- Are new to providing supportive housing and supported employment services
- Are interested in improving the standards of personnel or agency documentation standards
- Are considering participating in a fidelity review and would like more information on how to prepare for it
Objectives
- To use Medicaid-compliant documentation of Foundational Community Support services specifically the assessments, service plan, and progress notes.
- What the Golden Thread is, and its importance in providing quality services to participants.
- Writing documentation in a way that accurately and completely reflects a participant’s story in a person-centered way
This series continues into 2026 with webinars scheduled for March 5, May 7, and July 2, 2026.
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team are excited to invite you to an eight-part learning community hosted by Advocates for Human Potential (AHP)
Webinar: Friday, December 5, from 10 to 11 a.m.
FCS is convening a Learning Collaborative on Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) to strengthen the capacity of providers, community partners, and stakeholders in delivering high-quality housing and supportive services.
This collaborative will offer a structured forum for sharing best practices, addressing implementation challenges, and fostering innovation in PSH models. Through facilitated discussions, peer learning, and expert-led sessions, participants will gain practical tools to improve housing stability, health outcomes, and service coordination for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and behavioral health challenges across Washington State.
Topics
- Long-term solutions, not quick fixes: Supportive housing focuses on permanent stability, moving beyond temporary shelter to lasting change for individuals and communities
- Partnerships are essential: Successful supportive housing depends on collaboration between housing providers, health care systems, behavioral health services, and community organizations
- Community strengthening: Beyond ending individual homelessness, supportive housing builds healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities
- Housing is healthcare: Stable housing is foundational to improving health, recovery, and overall well-being
This is an eight-part series, occurring from 10 to 11 a.m. the first Friday of each month: Nov. 7, 2025; Dec. 5, 2025; Jan. 2, 2026; Feb. 6, 2026; March 6, 2026; April 3, 2026; May 1, 2026; June 5, 2026
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team in partnership with Rutgers Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions to present the December Supportive Housing webinar.
Webinar: Wednesday, December 10, at 11 a.m.
Working in supportive housing means being there for people at their most vulnerable, often with limited resources, high caseloads, and constant crisis response. It’s meaningful work, but it can be exhausting.
This 90-minute interactive webinar focuses on practical, realistic self-care skills designed specifically for frontline supportive housing workers. This session teaches skills you can use in the moment, even during a busy shift: stress resets, grounding tools, healthy boundaries, and micro-habits that help you recharge without needing a full day off.
Objectives
- Recognize personal signs of stress, compassion fatigue and burnout
- Apply in-the-moment grounding techniques to regulate stress during high-intensity moments
- Design a realistic self-care micro-plan
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) in partnership with Rutgers School of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions is hosting the December supportive employment webinar
Webinar: Thursday, December 11, at 9 a.m.
Introducing your employment services to an employer is a task that many Employment Specialists find daunting and uncomfortable. Yet, approaching employers in a businesslike and professional manner is important in establishing your employment services in the business community and essential to job development. Participants will develop and practice an elevator speech/introduction of their employment services to use when job developing.
Objectives
- Describe the importance of introducing your employment services in a business-like and professional manner
- Define the key components of introducing your employment services
- Identify the elements
Webinar: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports team in partnership with the IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Employment Center is hosting a virtual training series for new IPS practitioners and peer specialists.
These virtual trainings cover the eight practice principles of IPS Supported Employment. New staff in IPS programs, case managers, and clinicians are welcome to join. The 90-minute trainings are available at no cost, and each training session will cover the same material.
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) in partnership with Rutgers School of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions is hosting the December supportive employment webinar
Webinar: Tuesday, December 16, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Stigma around serious mental health conditions persist despite efforts to address the various myths and stereotypes. This stigma and the fear of discrimination are significant concerns for people with mental health conditions in the workplace. Examining work culture provides an opportunity to gather important information about a workplace to identify inclusive practices that support diversity and inclusion.
Work culture encompasses how employees interact with one another, the organization's values, and characteristics such as physical space and leadership structure. We will explore the effects of stigma in the workplace, examine the features that comprise an inclusive work environment, and review methods for assessing work culture.
Objectives
- Describe the effects of stigma in the workplace
- Identify features of inclusive workplaces
- Review strategies to assess work culture
- Conduct a work culture analysis
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team invites you to join them for the monthly FCS 101
Webinar: Wednesday, December 17, from 10 a.m. to noon
This training is intended to provide you with an introduction to the FCS program. We enthusiastically encourage providers to attend that would like to learn more about the variety of programs supported by FCS, and introduction to the Washington FCS team and answer questions you may have.
Objectives
- Introductory information about Foundational Community Supports
- Supported employment services
- Supportive housing services
Teams meeting information:
Meeting ID: 296 913 413 918 3
Passcode: Ns96LM2L
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) in partnership with Rutgers School of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions is hosting this Supervision with Purpose series
Webinar: Wednesday, December 17, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
FCS community-based staff often work remotely, spend most of their time in the field, and juggle community meetings with high administrative demands. As a result, they can feel isolated from their teams, disconnected from organizational goals, and uncertain about expectations for documentation, performance, and professional growth.
This interactive session explores practical, strengths-based strategies for supporting mobile and community-based teams. Drawing on Proctor’s three-prong model of supervision (normative, formative, and restorative), Nonviolent Communication, and Appreciative Inquiry, participants will examine how supervisory conversations and structures can increase connection, cohesion, and employee engagement. Through discussion and reflection, supervisors will identify concrete ways to keep staff “plugged in,” recognize and celebrate contributions, and foster a positive, resilient work culture that supports high-quality services in the community.
Objectives
- Explain how different types of supervision can help keep community-based staff engaged and connected
- Use clear, respectful communication to build cohesion, trust and safety within FCS teams
- Choose at least two specific ways to help field-based staff feel supported and part of the team
Find details and register for Part 4 on January 21, 2026.
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team in partnership with Rutgers School of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions is holding a Buried in Treasures learning community one Thursday a month from October through June
Webinar: Thursday, December 18, from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Join the Buried in Treasures Learning Community, a monthly interactive forum designed to help Washington State Foundational Community Supports (FCS) providers support individuals experiencing hoarding behavior. Grounded in the acclaimed self-help manual Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding, this learning community offers a respectful, harm-reduction-based approach that recognizes the emotional significance of belongings and the challenges of change.
Each session will explore practical tools, peer learning, and strategies rooted in cognitive-behavioral techniques, motivational enhancement, and trauma-informed care. Participants will gain real-world knowledge, skills, and resources to engage people with empathy, foster self-directed progress, and create supportive environments where individuals feel empowered, not judged, to take meaningful steps forward.
Whether you’re new to this subject or want to improve your skills in helping clients with complex needs, this community will help you build your ability to support individuals struggling with clutter, acquiring, and discarding. While access to Buried in Treasures (2nd edition) is recommended, it is not required to participate.
Objectives
- Recognize hoarding behavior's core features and complexities, including emotional, cognitive, and environmental factors
- Understand common motivations, ambivalence, and barriers individuals face when attempting to reduce or manage hoarding behaviors
- Apply trauma-informed, person-centered strategies from the Buried in Treasures approach to support individuals in their journey toward safer and more functional living environments
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) in partnership with Rutgers School of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions is hosting this January supported employment webinar
Webinar: Thursday, January 8, at 9 a.m.
You’ve introduced yourself and your services to the employer using your elevator speech and piqued their interest in learning more. Now what? Once you have gotten past the initial introduction with an employer, you can begin to strengthen the relationship.
In this session, we will discuss the next steps that job developers and employment specialists can take to continue engaging with and building relationships with employers. Additionally, we will spend time discussing your successes and challenges, and provide support to one another in addressing obstacles to job development and employment services.
Objectives
- Explore the benefits of building relationships with employers
- Identify the next steps, after the initial introduction, to strengthen relationships with employers
- Review challenges and successes with job development over the past month(s)
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) in partnership with Rutgers School of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions is hosting this Supervision with Purpose series
Webinar: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
This interactive training equips FCS supervisors and managers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to recognize, respond to, and reduce the impacts of stress on staff performance and program fidelity.
Participants will learn how stress affects documentation quality, engagement with employers and landlords, service planning, and Medicaid billable activity. Practical supervisory skills, like trauma-informed communication, stress-responsive supervision, prioritization strategies, and boundary modeling, that support staff resilience without compromising service will be a key focus.
Leaders will also develop tools and resources they can directly implement within Supported Employment (SE) and Supportive Housing (SH) programs, including stress-aware documentation practices, billable-time protection strategies, emotional regulation techniques for conflict situations, structured supervision scripts, and team-based routines that promote regulation and engagement. Participants will leave with leadership action plans and downloadable resources that align with evidence-based FCS principles, person-centered care, and Medicaid compliance expectations.
Objectives
- Differentiate stress and burnout and explain their impact on FCS fidelity and Medicaid compliance
- Identify stress in staff members and understand how they affect documentation, engagement and service delivery
- Use trauma-informed supervisory communication to support staff experiencing overwhelm, avoidance or emotional escalation
- Model healthy boundary-setting as a leadership behavior that supports program quality
- Implement stress-reducing team habits that fit SH and SE work—without sacrificing billable time or service expectations
Find details and register for Part 3 on December 17, 2025.
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team are pleased to announce the bi-monthly Medicaid documentation training series return.
Next training: Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m.
This training is recommended for those who:
- Are new to providing Supportive Housing and Supported Employment services.
- Are interested in improving personal or agency documentation standards, especially around Medicaid billing requirements.
- Are considering participating in a fidelity review and would like more information on how to prepare for it.
We hope participants will come away with a thorough understanding of:
- How to keep interactions billable and how to document them as such.
- How comprehensive documentation enhances participant outcomes.
- The following elements of Supported Employment/Supportive Housing:
- Career profiles
- Job search and job support plans
- Disclosure forms
- Eligibility assessments and housing assessments
- Participant logs
- Housing and employment plans
Dates are bi-monthly into 2026 as follows (all sessions are from 1 to 3 p.m.)
- September 4, 2025
- November 6, 2025
- February 5, 2026
- April 2, 2026
- June 4, 2026
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