Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06671

Department: Health Care Authority

Division: BHR

Job classification: WMS BAND 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Public Health, Management, Program Management

Involuntary Treatment Act Unit Supervisor (WMS2/DBHR)

71115129

This supervisor oversees a unit that includes Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) program managers and Mental Health Firearms Background Check analysts. The ITA supervisor uses their deep knowledge of behavioral health systems and RCW and WAC to perform complex bill analysis, inform policy, identify challenges and issues, support complex technical assistance, and work with statewide partners to progress their team’s work. This position does a significant amount of communicating and collaborating with a variety of audiences and triaging issues that arise. If you are adept and excited about navigating complex problems and communicating possible solutions, this may be the opportunity for you!

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 Involuntary Treatment Act Supervisor is responsible for overseeing system-wide development and implementation of division, agency, and Legislative initiatives for enhancement and management of the statewide involuntary treatment system. This position manages a team of behavioral health professionals responsible for ensuring the involuntary treatment system operates successfully and in accordance with RCW 71.05. Additionally, this position supervises the mental health firearms background check unit, who ensure individuals who are prohibited from legally purchasing a firearm due to mental health history are unable to do so. These programs and initiatives contribute to the Health Care Authority’s mission to provide high quality health care through innovative health policies and purchasing strategies.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. 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.

Examples of duties

Some of what you will do:

• Provide direct supervision to Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) team members, reviewing status of current projects, initiatives, and reports.
• Determine and approve strategies for involuntary treatment and policy, coordinating with crisis systems for continuity, and program implementation and development.
• Review involuntary treatment program policy enhancements.
• Direct and oversee the development and implementation of statewide ITA policies, practices, regulations, and procedures.
• Communicate with BH-ASOs, DCR provider organizations, and Designated Crisis Responder Association regarding ITA policy changes, statutory changes, and implementation of new systems.
• Serve as a content expert for development of state laws regarding ITA-related court decisions to include Single Bed Certifications, No Bed Available Bed Reporting, and psychiatric boarding.
• Make strategic decisions regarding psychiatric inpatient policy.
• Provide expert recommendations regarding statewide resource allocation for psychiatric inpatient and evaluation and treatment bed capacity to leadership.
• Direct, oversee, and monitor development and implementation of policies and programs related to the Unavailable Detention Facilities Report (No Available Bed Report), Single Bed Certifications, and other ITA-related procedures and data sources.
• Complete legislative bill analyses for ITA and crisis service-related bills.
• Provide guidance for politically sensitive issues, significant incidents, or reported actions that may have a negative impact on the division or the agency.
• Secure final approval of significant budgetary actions and new division level policy.
• Provide leadership, empowerment, supervision, and direction to ITA team members while delegating appropriate authority to assist team members to carry out their responsibilities.
• Develop and review official communication on budget or major policy issues with federal officials or elected officials.
• Direct and oversee the HCA’s Mental Health Firearms Background Check team. Ensure all staff are operating within defined protocol and procedure and interacting with counterparts at Washington State Patrol related to the cross functionality of the system.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

• Master’s degree in public health, behavioral health, public administration, business administration, social work, or closely related field and
• Four (4) years consultative or supervisory experience in health services, social services, Medicaid, behavioral health, or other health care programs.

Option 2:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, behavioral health, public administration, business administration, social work, or closely related field and
• Six (6) years consultative or supervisory experience in health services, social services, Medicaid, behavioral health, or other health care programs.

Option 3:

• Associate degree in public health, behavioral health, public administration, business administration, social work, or closely related field and
• Eight (8) years consultative or supervisory experience in health services, social services, Medicaid, behavioral health, or other health care programs.

Option 4:

• Ten (10) years consultative or supervisory experience in health services, social services, Medicaid, behavioral health, or other health care programs.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• 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)
• Experience and knowledge related to the role and function of DCRs and involuntary treatment. Understanding of crisis systems, continuum of care, and commitment services, evaluation and treatment facilities, community psychiatric hospitalization, state hospitals, RCW 71.05 and pertinent CFR, RCW, and WAC related to mental health and involuntary treatment.
• Knowledge of federal and state behavioral health statutes, funding, rules, and regulations, including Medicaid regulations.
• Knowledge of the roles, functions, responsibilities, and relationship with MCO’s and BH-ASO’s.
• Knowledge of crisis system funding structure, contracts, resource management, access, quality improvement, cultural competency, and provider contracting.
• Knowledge of the protocols and processes of the executive and legislative branches of state and local government.
• Knowledge of continuous quality improvement principles.
• Knowledge of state contracting, contract management principles, and contract compliance regulations.
• Knowledge of the Washington State Centennial Accord and the Government-to-Government relationship with Tribes.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders including individuals with lived experience, professional organizations, advocates, partner state agencies, providers, state and local government officials and/or legislators and legislative staff in the analysis / development of policies and procedures, WAC and statute for management of publicly funded mental health services.

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong preference is noted for candidates with prior experience as a Designated Crisis Responder in Washington State.
• Prior supervisory experience with supervising Designated Crisis Providers.

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.

Supplemental information

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 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 Jake Nelko at 360-725-0945 or jake.nelko@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.

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