Behavioral Health Data Liaison (MA5/DBHR)

About the Department

Behavioral Health Data Liaison (MA5/DBHR)

71113711

Join the Health Care Authority as a skilled data translation professional (Management Analyst 5) with expertise in behavioral health to serve as the critical link between our behavioral health programs and our technology infrastructure. In this role, you will apply your expertise to improve how behavioral health data is collected, analyzed, and shared across the agency, ensuring HCA can sustain accurate reporting that supports substance use treatment, mental health services, and recovery programs statewide. 

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:

This position functions as a subject matter expert tasked with improving behavioral health data infrastructure and critical collection processes within HCA. The MA5 will analyze and monitor complex behavioral health data needs and capacity to ensure accurate reporting and information sharing across the agency, including divisions such as Medicaid Programs, Policy, and Financial Services. This role requires extensive collaboration with internal leadership, Tribal nations, and external partners to establish strategies that improve data reliability for contract management and policy inquiries.

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:

• Provide expert consultation and training to DBHR Program Managers and external partners on division data collection and reporting strategies, including key actions needed to ensure data is collected and reported in a timely manner.
• Apply and lead a systematic process improvement approach to organize, document, and prioritize behavioral health data infrastructure and reporting processes, with a focus on increasing standardization, transparency, and organizational efficiency.
• Lead and direct project development and process improvement strategies for the Behavioral Health Data Infrastructure (BHDI) Portfolio Project, Improving Behavioral Health Source Data Quality.
• Direct and facilitate the production of a behavioral health data source map and data landscape analysis, in coordination with staff from across HCA, other state agencies, legislative workgroups, behavioral health service providers, community organizations, and others involved in data generation, collection, and acquisition processes.
• Oversee the production of comprehensive documentation of behavioral health data products, repositories, and collection streams across the Agency, including maintenance and updating processes, and facilitate review by DBHR program staff and leadership to ensure completeness. 
• Serve as a subject matter expert in the behavioral health data infrastructure and landscape across the span of behavioral health programs within HCA.
• Identify and problem solve issues related to data collection, completion, validation, and management, in coordination with the SPI/DATA Behavioral Health team and DBHR program managers.
• Lead and oversee the implementation of improved data ingestion methods and technology across the behavioral health continuum (prevention, intervention, crisis, treatment and recovery support services), with a focus on ensuring the data collected by the Agency is sufficient to meet Federal and State laws and funding provisos.
• Recommend and direct implementation of improved data collection and transmission processes for DBHR programs, including developing modifications for programs already collecting data as well as creating new processes for programs that have not yet started data collection.
• Incorporate internal feedback from HCA ETS and SPI/DATA divisions into analyses to produce actionable recommendations for improving data collection processes.
• Provide and apply subject matter expertise and develop data infrastructure operational plans for the DBHR Prenatal-25 Behavioral Health (P-25) section, focused on aligning P-25 specific processes with the Washington Thriving strategic plan as well as cross-divisional reporting needs.
• Identify and communicate key findings and recommended actions to DBHR leadership, Agency leadership, and other State Agency leaders, and community partners.
• Oversee the execution of DBHR data initiatives and provide regular reports to the DBHR Operations BHDT team.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external partners about related policies and procedures regarding data collection and reporting in the Health Care Authority.

Minimum Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1: 

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Services, Public or Healthcare Administration, Business or a related field and five (5) years of the required experience below

Option 2:

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

Option 3: 

Nine (9) years of the required experience below

The required experience includes professional public sector work in two or more of the following:

• Conducting research
• Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
• Conducting business analysis and developing requirements
• Leading business projects or managing business operations
• Business policy development
• Supervising staff

Additional requirements (all):

• Experience as a project manager, leading a team with complex assignments, and using project management techniques and strategies
• Experience managing public sector projects, including data collection and analysis
• Excellent communications skills, including technical writing, presentation development, public speaking, and small/large group facilitation
• Experience conducting research, analysis, and/or process improvement
• Advanced computer and quantitative analysis skills
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience helping translate data products and complex quantitative information to effectively inform business, policy, and programmatic needs, as well as experience operationalizing those needs into data collection requirements, data elements, and measurement concepts
• Understanding and experience working in Washington State community behavioral health programs and systems
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to CMS, SAMHSA, and other relevant agencies, including guiding rules and regulations related to behavioral health data collection and reporting requirements
• Master’s degree OR 2+ years of advanced education/training that included substantial study of data science, quantitative subdisciplines of public health (i.e. epidemiology, biostatistics), implementation science, or closely related fields

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the required 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:

• 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

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