Deputy Division Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery (EMS3/DBHR)
Salary
$83,988.00 - $149,724.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type
Exempt
Remote Employment
Remote Optional
Job Number
2026-05446
Department
Health Care Authority
Division
BHR
Opening Date
07/01/2026
Closing Date
8/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Deputy Division Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery (EMS3/DBHR)
71105105
The Deputy Division Director will shape statewide strategy across diversion & re-entry, prevention, and prenatal-to-25 programming. This position directs policy implementation, oversees staff and contract teams, and manages multiple funding streams including Medicaid, state, and federal grants. It's an ideal fit for a strategic leader passionate about expanding behavioral health access across diverse communities, including partnerships with Tribes and American Indian organizations 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:
The Deputy Director for DBHR reports directly to the DBHR Director and is responsible for developing and implementing strategic state and federally funded behavioral health treatment and recovery strategies and programs. This position provides high level policy analysis, direction, and supervises professional treatment and recovery staff. This position is responsible for interpreting and implementing broad division policies related to state and federal regulations (WAC, RCW, CFR) required to implement mental health and substance use disorder treatment and recovery programs. This position is responsible for ensuring behavioral health and recovery programs successfully navigate multiple funding sources to include Medicaid, State funding and federal grants, each with their own set of requirements. This includes directing the work of teams who oversee, plan, and develop contracts, as well as promoting and supporting the implementing and expanding behavioral health and recovery programs and coordination across multiple agency divisions, state agencies, 29 federally recognized Tribes, and six recognized American Indian organizations.
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.
Duties
Some of what you will do:
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
Master's degree or higher in social services, behavioral health, public health, public administration, or closely related field and four (4) years of the required experience below
Option 2:
Bachelors degree in a field identified above, and six (6) years of the required experience below
Option 3:
Associate degree in a field identified above, and eight (8) years of the required experience below
Option 4:
Ten (10) years of the required experience below
The required experience includes the following:
Required competencies:
Preferred qualifications:
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:
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
Supplemental Information
About HCA:
Functioning as both the states 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:
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 HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov.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 lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov
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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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. Thats 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
01
Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:
02
I acknowledge that this opportunity will require some travel and in-person site visits. I also acknowledge that telework is a privilege and may be revoked at any time.
03
Which of the following best describes your professional experience working with the Washington State Centennial Accord and/or within Government-to-Government work with Tribes?
04
Which of the following best describes your professional experience with Washington State outpatient and inpatient care systems, including coordination of treatment? (e.g. MCOs, BH-ASOs, Community Behavioral Health Providers, Corrections, DCRs, DDD, Department of Health, and the long-term care services and support system)
05
Which of the following best describes your professional experience working in the community-based public behavioral health system with specific duties related to mental health, problem gambling treatment, diversion & re-entry, prevention, prenatal-to-25 programming, and/or recovery support services?
06
If you indicated you have the experience(s) noted in the above questions, please explain how, where, and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see resume" or copy and paste that material. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
07
Do you have the ability to take action to learn and grow?
08
Do you have the ability to take action to meet the needs of others?
09
If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? The attached link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
10
Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?
11
I acknowledge that I have included at least three references, and that I have uploaded a cover letter and resume in the attachments section of my application.
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov