Behavioral Health Policy Program Manager (HSC 4) DOH8747

DescriptionBehavioral Health Policy and Program Consultant – Health Services Consultant 4Office of Community Health SystemsPermanent Full-time Home-basedThe OpportunityThe Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works to protect and improve the health of all people in our state. The Division of Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) oversees the health care delivery system, licensing and regulating over 400,000 professionals and 7,000 facilities.We’re seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative professional to provide oversight and support for behavioral health services licensing and regulation. This position plays a key role in shaping behavioral health policy, interpreting and developing rules, coordinating across agencies, and providing subject matter expertise to ensure safe, effective, and equitable care for Washingtonians.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as the primary point of contact for behavioral health facility programs, offering expert guidance on policies, licensing, and regulatory requirements.Coordinate the licensure process for new facilities, ensuring alignment across HSQA offices and resolving issues collaboratively.Develop and manage contracts, memoranda of understanding, and competitive bid processes related to assigned facility programs.Provide subject matter expertise to Tribal partners in collaboration with the DOH Tribal Liaison, including participation in consultations and agreement implementation.Anticipate and communicate emerging issues, risks, and opportunities to leadership, offering clear and timely context.Prepare executive-level correspondence, legislative analyses, and reports.Lead public hearings, partners workshops, and outreach efforts to communicate rule and policy updates.Manage program communications through web and digital platforms (e.g., GovDelivery).Support budget development and monitoring for assigned facilities programs.Why You’ll Love This RoleIn this position, you’ll help shape the future of behavioral health care in Washington State. You’ll collaborate with leaders across the Department of Health, other state agencies, Tribes, and community partners to strengthen systems that impact thousands of people. Every day brings opportunities to make meaningful policy contributions that improve access, safety, and quality of care statewide.Deliver high-quality policy and regulatory work with accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail.Build effective partnerships across agencies, professional associations, and Tribal governments.Communicate complex issues clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally.Lead projects from concept to completion, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.Demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to identify and solve problems proactively.The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a thoughtful policy professional with experience in behavioral health systems, program management, or regulatory oversight. They bring strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a collaborative mindset. A background in public health, behavioral health, or government operations is highly valued.You thrive in a dynamic environment where every day offers the chance to make a tangible impact on health policy and service delivery across Washington State.Location and Flexibility We value work-life balance and offer the convenience of remote work with occasional in-person collaboration opportunities. Attending events or working in the office is rarely required and would be scheduled in advance. This is a remote/home-based position available to applicants residing anywhere in Washington State, as well as those living near the Oregon/Washington border and the Idaho/Washington border.Required QualificationsWe value all relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. You must meet at least ONE of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. While “Preferred Experience” is not required, these skills or experiences can help you stand out as a candidate.Option 1: Five (5) or more years of professional management or consultative experience in a health services program. (Examples of a health services program include, but are not limited to, healthcare administration, reimbursement, planning, rule or legislative implementation, government programs, etc.)Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree; AND two (2) or more years of professional management or consultative experience in a health services program. (Examples of a health services program include, but are not limited to, healthcare administration, reimbursement, planning, rule or legislative implementation, government programs, etc.)Option 3: A Master’s degree or higher; AND one (1) or more years of professional management or consultative experience in a health services program. (Examples of a health services program include, but are not limited to, healthcare administration, reimbursement, planning, rule or legislative implementation, government programs, etc.)AND Demonstrated Experience With The FollowingWorking with behavioral healthcare professionals and behavioral healthcare facilities. Working directly with partners on complex and high-visibility regulatory issues. Facilitating workshops, rulemaking, or other collaborative projects.Managing complex projects that involve multiple internal and external partners, contentious political topics, and critical timelines.Preferred/Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And ExperienceMaster’s degree in public health, health care administration, public or business administration, or an allied field.One or more years of experience in the following areas: Rule or policy drafting and development. Representing a government or nonprofit organization to the public by responding to complex regulatory or public health questions. Working directly with partners on complex and high-visibility regulatory issues. Directly providing behavioral health services. We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. To learn more about the DOH please visit doh.wa.gov and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , and our blog, Public Health Connections .Benefits And LifestyleWe prioritize your work-life balance and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages nationwide, tailored to support your lifestyle. Discover more about "Why DOH" by visiting Work@Health .Conditions Of EmploymentThis position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.I am prepared, with or without accommodation, to do the following:Commit to a full-time 40-hour workweek schedule (flexible work schedule requests must be approved supervisor).Communicate through applications such as MS Teams and MS Outlook, and by phone while working remotely.Adjust my work schedule occasionally to align with business needs, which may entail working evenings and weekends.This position is eligible for teleworking Perform my job duties either remotely from home or in person at the designated DOH site location.Occasional travel may be necessary, sometimes requiring overnight stays or trips out of state. You must be able to legally drive a vehicle or arrange alternative transportation for state business.Engage in emergency response exercises and high-priority assignments as assigned during emergency events. Application DirectionsTo apply, click "Apply" and complete the application. Attach your resume, and cover letter.In your Applicant Profile, include at least three professional references (including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led, if applicable). Please do not include private information such as social security number or year of birth.Do Attach The FollowingResumeCover letterDD-214 (if applicable)Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year Do not include or attach the following – these documents or details will not be reviewed:REMOVE personal photos – do not submit any documents containing personal photos. Transcripts (unless specifically requested in the Application Directions)Certifications or DiplomasProjects or PortfoliosLetters of RecommendationEquity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.DOH is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference the assigned “DOHXXXX” recruitment number listed in the title.Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts Supplemental InformationThis recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.