Behavioral Health Capacity Manager (HCPM/DBHR)

About the Department

Behavioral Health Capacity Manager (HCPM/DBHR)

71114357

The Behavioral Health Capacity Manager position provides strategic oversight of behavioral health facility capacity across Washington State, including maintaining facility inventories and assessing community impact of facility locations. The role leads internal steering committees, manages capacity planning projects, and advises on state funding in coordination with financial, Tribal, and cross-agency partners. This is a great opportunity for a collaborative, strategic thinker with a background in behavioral health systems to make an impact in communities in need of behavioral health services.

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) provides support for substance use treatment, mental health services, and problem gambling services through prevention, treatment, peer, and recovery support. Programs promote strategies that support healthy lifestyles by preventing the misuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, supporting recovery from substance use, promoting recovery and resiliency, reducing stigma, and mitigating the effects of problem gambling on the individual and family. DBHR brings operational elements such as substance use and mental health into closer working relations to serve individuals more effectively and efficiently.

About the position:

The Behavioral Health Capacity Manager (Health Care Program Manager) tracks and evaluates behavioral health facilities across Washington, maintaining an up-to-date inventory and analyzing how the location and number of those facilities affect communities and regional services in the areas. The position leads internal and external planning committees, coordinates with state financial staff on funding new facilities, and works across multiple agencies including Dept of Commerce and Dept of Health to anticipate gaps within behavioral health service capacity. This role also represents HCA in external forums with State and County officials, serving as a liaison through quarterly statewide planning committees.

This position is eligible to telework but is occasionally required to report on-site to meet business need.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. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location. 

Position Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Lead recurring cross-agency meetings and workgroups to support planning and preparation for new or expanded behavioral health services within regional service areas.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with the Department of Commerce, Department of Health, tribal partners, and other state agencies to support behavioral health facility planning and coordination efforts.
• Identify and monitor behavioral health capacity needs, regional service gaps, and emerging issues affecting access to behavioral health services throughout Washington state.
• Lead internal planning discussions and steering committee activities to support behavioral health capacity planning efforts aligned with agency priorities.
• Act as a primary point of contact for communication and coordination with the Department of Commerce regarding behavioral health facility development and expansion activities.
• Work closely with the Financial Services Division staff to support planning activities related to behavioral health facility capacity and service expansion.
• Represent the agency during coordination efforts with Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BH-ASOs), Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), provider organizations, tribal partners, and other stakeholders involved in behavioral health service delivery.
• Coordinate with the Office of Tribal Affairs (OTA), Medicaid Programs Division (MPD), and other internal partners regarding implementation activities and planning efforts related to behavioral health services and system capacity.
• Develop work plans, timelines, implementation strategies, and status updates for assigned projects and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain tracking tools and reports related to existing and planned behavioral health facilities, including Commerce-funded projects. 
• Respond to inquiries and requests from internal staff, providers, advocates, community organizations, and partner agencies regarding behavioral health capacity initiatives and planning activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1: 

Master’s degree or higher in public health, behavioral health, public administration, social work, or closely related field and three (3) years of the required experience below

Option 2:

Bachelor's degree in a field identified above, and five (5) years of the required experience below

Option 3:

Associate degree in a field identified above, and seven (7) years of the required experience below

Option 4: 

Nine (9) years of the required experience below

Option 5: 

One (1) year as a Health Care Program Specialist in state service.

The required experience includes the following: 

• Consultive or supervisory experience in community behavioral health services, social services, and/or Medicaid.
• Direct knowledge of Washington State's community behavioral health system, including outpatient and inpatient care, systems and coordination of treatment (e.g.: MCOs, Behavioral Health Agencies, Dept. of Corrections, DCRs and involuntary treatment, Aging and Long-Term Services Administration, and Developmental Disabilities Administration)
• Demonstrated understanding of crisis and commitment services, community psychiatric hospitalization, and state hospitals.
• Knowledge of state and federal rules, policies, regulations related to health care programs, current trends and economic problems related to health care providers and clients, principles of individual and group behavior, social behavior, social and economic conditions and their effects upon individuals. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing, work effectively with program staff, providers, clients, members of the community, external organizations, and state and federal partners.
• Complex project management experience with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Ability to appropriately interpret and apply complex state and federal regulations, analyze information, and identify modifications to improve program performance.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Possess an understanding of the behavioral health delivery system in Washington.
• Experience in the provision and/or supervision of outpatient behavioral health services within Washington's public behavioral health system.
• Experience in development or assisting in development of new behavioral health service capacity.
• Knowledge of the legislative process, project management, and contract management. Possess the ability to write and develop statewide policies.
• Possess an understanding of behavioral health funding streams.

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 which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

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

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. 

Other Qualifications

About HCA: 

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

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. 
• 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. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at [email protected].Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or [email protected]

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov