Behavioral Health Discharge Analyst (MA4/DBHR)

About the Department

Behavioral Health Discharge Analyst (MA4/DBHR)

71093933

The Behavioral Health Discharge Analyst focuses on collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, collecting, interpreting, and presenting data to professionals and program managers to improve how people transition out of State hospitals and behavioral health facilities into safe and stable living situations. This position serves as an expert on the discharge planning process statewide with a focus on state hospitals, state-contracted hospitals, and contracted long term civil commitment beds. The position leads strategy, project management, and performance measurement efforts while coordinating across multiple teams, agencies, and community partners to identify gaps and drive policy improvements. Collaborative professionals with experience in behavioral health systems, discharge planning, or reentry services are encouraged to apply. 

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.

Division philosophy statement:

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery 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 division:

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) is part of a cross-agency, interdisciplinary team of policy, community engagement, performance measurement, communications, and other specialists responsible for ensuring that Washington residents have access to continuum of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. 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, mitigating the effects of problem gambling on the individual and family. DBHR brings operational elements such as medical assistance, substance use and mental health into closer working relations to serve individuals more effectively and efficiently.

About the position:

The Behavioral Health Discharge Analyst (Management Analyst 4) is part of the Civil Community Reentry (CCR) team in the Diversion and Reentry (DAR) section within DBHR, reporting to the CCR Supervisor. This position acts as the subject matter expert related to development, planning, implementation, process improvement, and project management of activities related to stable transitions from state hospitals, state-contracted hospitals, long term civil commitment beds, and other behavioral health facilities statewide. The position holds a lead role in the development and oversight of performance measures, accountability structures, and new initiatives that improve transitions into safe and stable living situations. This position leads the strategic planning and project management processes, provides analysis and reports on federal, state, and local policies related to this work, and works with program managers, their provider teams and staff, and other internal and external partners to improve connection between hospitals and outpatient housing and behavioral health programming.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report onsite. 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:

• Ensure webpages and public facing documents are accurate and updated regularly including the Discharge Planners’ Toolkit by engaging with necessary program leads at IT and/or COMMS on a regular (at least quarterly) basis.
• Develop presentation materials including PowerPoints and give presentations to audiences at the national, state, and local levels, including key stakeholders, program managers, their provider teams and staff, leadership, and other external and internal partners.
• Manage the GHHI program concurrently with BH-ASO Contracts Team.
• Manage, continuously update, and work with IT to maintain and keep the Discharge Planners Toolkit both relevant to and utilized by community partners. Provide research, analysis, and strategic planning to develop policy and services related to statewide discharge practices, ensuring alignment with broader social determinants of health needs.
• Utilize data and information to provide analyses on key civil discharge agreement-related metrics, connecting directly with community-based programs at both DSHS and HCA, as well as their program manager(s) to share and develop strategies that might increase the chances of successful discharges.
• Provide leadership in the development and monitoring of processes and performance accountability, data analysis, research and reporting.
• Serve as the lead for provisos that effects patients discharging from state and/or other hospitals as well as implementation of related policies and procedures.
• Provide training and technical assistance to stakeholders on key policies, new initiatives, and use of funding from current and future provisos related to discharge practices and safe and stable transitions from state funded systems of care.
• Manage multiple projects and assignments concurrently with a considerable degree of self-directed initiative.
• Develop process improvement strategies and solutions for behavioral health transitions.
• Lead projects that support the implementation of behavioral health care policies that promote and improve quality, access, cost-effectiveness, and increase provider accountability for behavioral health care services. Projects can include cross-systems logic modeling, identifying service gaps, and program design and service integration.
• Lead and facilitate internal and external, cross-system, state and stakeholder workgroups focused on topics related to safe and stable transitions from hospitals and other behavioral health facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1: 

Bachelor’s degree or higher public administration, philosophy of human rights, law, writing, grant writing, public health, health administration, behavioral health, social work or a related field AND four (4) years of experience conducting research that includes data analysis and interpretation.

Option 2:

Associate degree in in public administration, philosophy of human rights, law, writing, grant writing, public health, health administration, behavioral health, social work or a related field AND six (6) years of experience conducting research that includes data analysis and interpretation.

Option 3: 

Eight (8) years of related experience conducting research that includes data analysis and interpretation.

Required competencies:

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

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of or experience with discharge practices from behavioral health settings and or housing supports.
• Knowledge of or experience with recovery support programs and/or evidence-based practices of supportive housing.
• Experience with continuous quality improvement approaches and change management techniques and practices.
• The ability to comprehend, describe, and actively participate in discussions regarding public health, health care administration, program administration, and allied fields in behavioral health, mental health, and substance use disorder programming.
• The ability to comprehend, describe, and actively participate in discussions regarding housing and behavioral health support settings after discharge.
• The ability to comprehend, describe, and analyze policies, laws, rules, and regulations
• The ability to conduct program logic modeling and analysis and to develop programmatic changes along with other subject matter experts
• The ability to lead projects and pull teams together to successfully complete a shared goal
• Policy research, data analysis and interpretation.

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