Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Benefits Program Manager, Project/Program Manager III

Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Benefits Program Manager, Project/Program Manager III

Salary

$110,087.54 - $139,542.21 Annually

Location

Chinook Building 401 5th Avenue Seattle, WA

Job Type

Term-Ltd

Job Number

2026PX28015

Department

DCHS - Community & Human Srvcs

Division

Behavioral Health and Recovery

Opening Date

10/02/2026

Closing Date

10/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines

Full- or Part-Time

Full Time

Hours/Week

40 hours/week

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

King Countys Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.

At King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), we believe in working as one team that solves problems-striving to be customer-focused and drive for the best results. We envision a welcoming community that is racially just. We believe the field of human services exists to undo and mitigate unfair structures. We seek to lead the way by working as respectful and responsible stewards for our community.

The Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Benefits Program Manager, Project/Program Manager III, in the Utilization Management and Clinical Coordination section of the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD), plays a critical role in helping King County residents access Medicaid and non-Medicaid Behavioral Health benefits and stewarding King County's behavioral health investments for non-Medicaid mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) outpatient services.

This position supports King County Behavioral Health providers by organizing resources and delivering technical assistance to help them guide individuals through Medicaid and non-Medicaid benefit processes. The role focuses on assisting providers with activities such as helping individuals qualify for initial Medicaid coverage, supporting individuals in meeting federal requirements for Medicaid renewal, facilitating "spenddowns" to initiate Medicaid eligibility, and connecting individuals to non-Medicaid benefits. They are a critical connector across providers, BHRD internal teams, and system partners-facilitating alignment, resolving operational issues, and ensuring consistent implementation of policies, procedures, and contract requirements related to Medicaid and non-Medicaid enrollment. The position will entail highly detailed and technical work, assisting with development and monitoring compliance with complex processes and system navigation, allowing for improved access to critical benefits for those with significant behavioral health care needs.

This position also oversees the MIDD funded non-Medicaid program, with an annual budget of more than $12 million. This position ensures that these limited non-Medicaid resources are used effectively, equitably, and in alignment with King County's commitment to a racially just, person centered behavioral health system. This role is responsible for managing and monitoring the non-Medicaid outpatient budget, overseeing program operations, and ensuring providers have the guidance, tools, and support needed to deliver non-Medicaid services.

The position reports to the Utilization Management and Clinical Coordination Section Manager and functions as a subject matter lead for Medicaid enrollment and non-Medicaid program operations, provider support, and internal coordination. The Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Benefits Program Manager, Project/Program Manager III ensures that program expectations are clear, workflows are consistent, and spending aligns with established strategic priorities and contractual obligations.

This recruitment is to fill a Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) position that is anticipated to be three (3) years in duration. If filled by a King County employee who has passed their initial probation, the TLT will be as a Special Duty Assignment (SDA).

Job Duties

To be considered minimally qualified applicant must demonstrate a background that provides the knowledge, skills and ability to:

• Develop job aids that support consistent staff and provider workflows.
• Develop, maintain, and implement program policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain scope within the Provider Manual to ensure clear and current operational guidance and contract compliance requirements.
• Monitor and enforce contract requirements to ensure program compliance.
• Oversee and monitor local BH provider performance in obtaining Medicaid coverage for eligible clients (including initial enrollment, re-enrollment, and accomplishing spenddowns)
• Oversee and document internal non-Medicaid approvals.
• Facilitate steering committee sessions to drive alignment, decision-making, and program direction.
• Coordinate and facilitate internal meetings to ensure cross-team clarity and progress.
• Collaborate with other sections to align processes, resolve issues, and support integrated program operations.
• Provide continuous technical assistance to support provider performance, program fidelity, and Medicaid enrollment/re-enrollment.
• Lead provider-facing meetings to communicate expectations, gather feedback, and resolve operational issues.
• Manage the non-Medicaid inbox to ensure timely, accurate responses to provider inquiries.
• Serve as the division's subject matter expert on Medicaid eligibility rules, coverage pathways, and qualifying criteria.
• Guide providers and internal staff on how to support individuals through Medicaid enrollment and re-enrollment processes.
• Track, manage, and communicate spenddown processes and expectations.
• Provide expert consultation on spenddown requirements, documentation, and best practices for minimizing gaps in coverage.
• Create and maintain tools, guides, and training materials that help providers understand spenddown processes.
• Act as a liaison with state Medicaid partners to clarify policy, resolve systemic issues, and communicate updates to providers.
• Monitor trends in Medicaid eligibility, enrollment challenges, and spenddown utilization to inform program improvements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

WE ARE LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WHO HAVE:

• Knowledge of federal and Washington state Medicaid rules and law.
• Minimum three years of experience in supporting or managing programs in behavioral health, public health, human services, or a closely related field.
• Experience with state Medicaid systems such as ProviderOne.
• Experience developing or contributing to updates of policies, procedures, or operational guidance.
• Experience developing materials and providing training and technical assistance experience with providers, community partners, or internal staff.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely-written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Interest in state Medicaid eligibility policy, development of routes for accessing benefits and navigating complex systems, and highly detailed and technical work.
• Proven ability to embody principles of equity, race, and social justice in the workplace
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice in program design and implementation.
• Analytical and improvement mindset with the ability to evaluate successes and failures and adapt to change.
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of Washington State BH-ASO and KCICN structures and related regulatory frameworks.

• Experience with King County behavioral health providers or contracted agency operations.

• Medicaid eligibility and enrollment expertise, including spenddown processes, coverage pathways, and navigation of complex cases.

• Experience resolving Medicaid enrollment barriers or supporting complex eligibility cases.

• Experience managing budgets or financial processes.

• Experience facilitating meetings with diverse stakeholders, including providers, internal teams, and system partners.

• Experience conducting contract compliance monitoring for behavioral health providers.

• Quality improvement or process redesign experience.

• Program data analysis experience to inform operational decisions.

• Qualified behavioral health credential - Current and active Mental Health Professional (MHP) as defined in WAC 71.34, 18.225, 18.19, and 18.83 and RCW 71.05.020; or a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) as defined in WAC 246-811-010 and RCW 18.205.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

• This position has been designated Non-Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visit HR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situations and the King County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.
• This Utilization Management and Clinical Coordination Section of BHRD works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is Chinook, 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the departments hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

• This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime. Typical hours are Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.
• This position is not represented by a union.
• Classification: Project/Program Manager IV

WHO MAY APPLY:

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. Interviews for this selection process will take place on or around November 4, 2026. Candidates who wish to be considered for this position must submit an online King County application and respond to the supplemental questions. Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the requested and relevant information in the online application and supplemental questionnaire. Applications and/or supplemental questionnaires that state, "see my resume" are considered incomplete and will not be considered to be competitive. If you have any questions, please contact Phitsamai Xaxouthep, phxaxouthep@kingcounty.gov.

Supplemental Information

Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nations best places to live, work and play.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County's vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Phitsamai Xaxouthep, phxaxouthep@kingcounty.gov.

King Countys Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the persons sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01

Are you applying to this position as an eligible Priority Placement Program Participant who is a current or previous King County Employee impacted by layoff? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.

02

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

03

How many years of experience do you have in supporting or managing programs in behavioral health, public health, human services, or a closely related field?

• I dont have this experience, but am willing to learn
• Less than one (1) year
• At least one (1) year, but less than two (2) years
• At least two (2) years, but less than three (3) years
• Three (3) or more years

04

Please briefly describe any experience, direct or indirect, that you have in supporting or managing programs in behavioral health, public health, human services, or a closely related field. Please include organization name(s) and date(s). If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.

05

Do you have working knowledge of federal and Washington state Medicaid rules and laws?

• Yes
• No, but Im willing to learn

06

Please briefly describe any experience you have with Medicaid processes at the individual level. This may include eligibility, coverage pathways, spenddowns, or assisting with enrollment or reenrollment. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.

07

Please describe any experience you have working with behavioral health funding at the program or system level, including Medicaid and/or non-Medicaid funding. Please include organization name(s) and date(s). If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.

08

Do you have experience developing/contributing to updates of policies, procedures, or operational guidance?

• Yes
• No, but Im willing to learn

09

King County has transformed its work on equity, race, and social justice, in which the principle of "fair and just" are applied intentionally throughout our work to achieve equitable opportunities for all people and communities. What does equity, race, and social justice mean to you and why is it important to embody these principles in this role?

Required Question

Employer King County

Address King Street Center

201 South Jackson Street

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Phone 206-477-3404

Website http://www.kingcounty.gov/