Description

This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on 04/04/2023 and applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

This position leads a newly developed team of program staff who manage state and federally funded programs and policies which seek to increase supportive services for persons who use drugs while directing systemic change in the broader community behavioral health system. The ideal candidate will bring supervisory experience and an understanding of the principles of harm reduction, the State’s substance use disorder treatment system, and overdose response strategies to a unit whose work supports historically under-represented communities while focusing on efforts which increase health equity and reduce barriers to accessing care.

Division philosophy statement:
The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) values and seeks diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral to the behavioral health field. We support, embrace, and celebrate everyone’s uniqueness, promote inclusion, and commit to remove systemic barriers that affect our workforce, our providers, and the people that receive prevention, treatment, and/or recovery support services.

About the position:
This position is responsible for overseeing system-wide development and implementation of division, agency, and legislative initiatives, programs, and policies which address the continuum of treatment, treatment support, supportive services, and overdose response for individuals who use drugs. This position is accountable for the management and supervision of the Substance Use and Overdose Response unit. This unit develops policy for adults who use drugs, who have and SUD, and those at-risk of overdose. This position manages federal and private foundation grants, and develops strategic program and research collaborations. The position is also accountable for the review of proposed legislation and meeting program requirements set forth in state and federal law.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.

Duties

Some of what you will do:
Support implementation of services that address the needs of individuals who use drugs with a focus on improving health, quality of life, and access to SUD treatment, treatment support, and harm reduction services.

• 
  Review behavioral health system needs and provide leadership about state and federal regulations that support SUD treatment and overdose response within the Medicaid State Plan, rules and policies pertaining to SUD and harm reduction, SAMHSA federal block grant requirements, and other state- and federally-funded initiatives.
• Develop strategies related to SUD programming, structure, policy, training, and the Washington State Opioid and Overdose Response plan and the State Opioid Response grant.
• Direct the development of new or expanded substance use disorder services as required by state or federal law, or departmental policy. Create and execute project plans that address the intent of the law/policy in a timely manner.
• Determine and approve strategies for system change and development, utilizing management information and work with consumers, advisory committees, system partners and other stakeholders to form the basis for contracting and rules.
• Communicate on budget or major policy issues with federal officials or Congressional elected officials.
• Provide leadership, empowerment, and supervision to unit team members while delegating appropriate authority to assist team members to carry out their responsibilities.
• Provide general oversight of the DBHR efforts in carrying out objectives and implementation of departmental initiatives related to the SUD treatment system and overdose response efforts, including oversight and management of procurement processes and negotiation of terms with contractors.
• Provide guidance for politically sensitive issues, significant incidents or reported actions that may have a negative impact on the DBHR or HCA.
• Develop grant applications to address emerging substance use disorder needs in Washington State.
• Manage awarded grants, including negotiating and monitoring program and evaluation contracts, writing required grant records, and ensuring grant deliverables are met in a timely manner.
• Develop and facilitate stakeholder and oversight committees as required by grants, and actively participate in federal/foundation grantee meetings.
• Provide routine supervision and coaching to team members, reviewing status of current projects, initiatives, and reports.
• Review and approve contracts and other formal correspondence drafted by the Substance Use and Overdose Response Unit.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualified candidates will meet one of the three criteria options below:

• 
  Master’s or other advanced degree in social services, behavioral health services, criminal justice, public administration, or another relevant field AND five years of experience working in a public behavioral health with specific duties related to substance use disorders, administration, and/or managed behavioral healthcare,
• Bachelor’s degree in the disciplines listed above AND seven years of experience as described above.
• Note: Additional related professional experience may substitute year-for-year for the degree requirements.

Qualified candidates will also have the following experience:

• Extensive experience recruiting, developing, and supervising staff with diverse assignments.
• Grant writing and management experience.

Required competencies:

• Understanding of evidence-based clinical strategies to address adult substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of Washington State’s community substance use disorder treatment system, including outpatient and residential care, medications for addiction treatment, and withdrawal management.
• Comprehensive understanding of recovery support services and the state involuntary treatment system and laws.
• Knowledge of federal and state substance use disorder statutes, rules, and regulations including Medicaid regulations.
• Knowledge of the Washington State Centennial Accord and the Government-to-Government relationship with tribes.
• Knowledge of behavioral managed care principles and contract issues, access, medical necessity, resources management, quality improvement, cultural competency, and provider contracting including priorities and rules related to federal funding.
• Knowledge of protocols and processes of the executive and legislative branches of state and local government.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders including consumers, advocates, providers, state and local government officials and/or legislators, and legislative staff in the analysis/development of policies and procedures, WAC, and statutes for management of publicly funded behavioral health services.
• Ability to collaborate to plan, analyze, and problem solve with clear goals and objectives regarding system or service gaps/policy needs.
• Ability to maintain relationships, coordinate, and build consensus among internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work across systems to develop improved coordination of care for individuals with multiple needs.
• Knowledge of and experience in project management, tools, process, leadership, and execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to develop and conduct presentations to a variety of audiences demonstrating effective organization, communication, and technical skills.
• Ability to make data-informed decisions and conduct data-based program planning and service recommendations.
  

Preferred qualifications:

• Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP)
• Leadership and coaching training
• Training in LEAN principles and/or the change management process
• Experience in the provision and supervision of outpatient behavioral health services within Washington's public behavioral health system. Experience in the provision and supervision of SUD treatment services in Washington.
• Project management skills

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position you will need to complete your profile and attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position.
• Current resume
• Three professional references

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

About HCA:
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, and the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• Tuition reimbursement
• And free parking!

Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at 360.725.0945 or jake.nelko@hca.wa.gov.