Behavioral Health Crisis Response Coordinator (MA4/OTA)

Full Job Description

Behavioral Health Crisis Response Coordinator (MA4/OTA)

71105757

This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on 2/2/2026 and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

Are you looking for an opportunity to ensure Tribal voices inform crisis response in Washington?

The Health Care Authority is in search of a coordinator to ensure this happens through the construction of regional crisis plans and protocols.

The ideal candidate will bring experience with government-to-government processes, Tribes, and crisis response to a position implementing Section 3 of SB 6251, bringing critical services to Tribal communities.

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 Office of Tribal Affairs supports the entire Health Care Authority (HCA) staff in meeting its government-to-government obligations outlined in RCW 43.376 Government-to-government relationship with Tribal governments.

HCA is focused on partnering with Tribes to ensure the highest quality of health services for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals, as outlined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

Priorities of OTA include addressing significant health disparities for AI/AN individuals, and partnering with Tribes to honor Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and increase health resources and funding to Tribal communities expanding health services to their Tribal members.

About the position:

The purpose of this position is to support the implementation of Section 3 of SB 6251, coordinating regional behavioral crisis response services with Tribes to improve the services for AI/AN individuals, including Tribal members.

Key elements of this bill include collaborating with Tribes and other behavioral health partners to coordinate care for individuals with a history of frequent crisis system utilization.

This will include ensuring completion of Tribal/State Crisis Coordination Protocols, updating protocol templates as needed, and creating a process for accountability when protocols are not followed.

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. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.

Requirements

Some of what you will do:

Provide direction and coordinate Tribal engagement for SB 6251

• Coordinate any Tribal engagement activities with HCA’s Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR).
• Provide senior level analysis and consultation to DBHR management, staff, and Tribal health partners regarding complex issues that impact behavioral health programs and policies for the AI/AN community.
• Develop strategic forums to gather regular feedback from Tribes and IHCP representatives to improve the coordination of regional behavioral health crisis response services activities.
• Support HCA divisions, State agencies and other partners on Tribal engagement recommendations and Tribal priorities.
• Partner with DBHR to analyze Behavioral Health - Administrative Services Organization and managed care contract issues.

Ensure the development and oversight of the regional coordination, cross-system, and cross-jurisdiction is in coordination and collaboration with Tribal governments

• Coordinate government-to-government meetings with Tribes to establish Tribal Crisis Coordination Protocols between Tribe/State that outline protocols for the delivery of crisis services within Tribal communities.
• Review Tribal Crisis Coordination Protocols plans with key regional crisis partners.
• Track and document Tribal Crisis Coordination Protocols and provide statewide reports.
• Research, create, and formalize processes for monitoring and resolution of concerns brought forth by Tribes.
• Analyze and update strategic and long-range planning activities regarding Tribal Crisis Coordination Protocols. Establish and document formal protocol development processes.

Coordinate Tribal Crisis Workgroup and participate in all 988 workstreams

• Participate in all 988 implementation workstreams and committees, including the Tribal 988 subcommittee.
• Liaise information gathered by Tribal and IHCP partners through all subcommittees to all 988 and crisis response committees.
• Coordinate and organize the Tribal 988 Subcommittee and Tribal Centric Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.

Qualifications

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, social work, or closely related field,
• Four years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, which includes
• One year or more experience working in or with an Indian Health Service (IHS)-funded program, including direct service IHS programs and Tribal health programs operating under Title I or Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, or urban Indian organizations, including urban Indian health programs receiving IHS funds.

Option 2:

• Associate degree in a related field,
• Six years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, which includes
• One year or more experience working in or with an Indian Health Service (IHS)-funded program, including direct service IHS programs and Tribal health programs operating under Title I or Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, or urban Indian organizations, including urban Indian health programs receiving IHS funds.

Option 3:

• Eight years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, which includes
• One year or more experience working in or with an Indian Health Service (IHS)-funded program, including direct service IHS programs and Tribal health programs operating under Title I or Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, or urban Indian organizations, including urban Indian health programs receiving IHS funds.

Required competencies:

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

Preferred qualifications:

• A master’s degree with major study in public health, public administration, social work, or closely related field and two years’ experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
• One year or more experience working in behavioral health crisis services, including direct involuntary crisis services or as a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) or mobile crisis staff person or supervisor.
• Five years or more experience working in or with an IHS-funded program, including direct service IHS programs and Tribal health programs operating under Title I or Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, or urban Indian organizations, including urban Indian health programs receiving IHS funds.
• Personal knowledge and understanding of tribal government operations of Washington state government operations.
• Experience in overseeing, implementing, or practitioner on a mobile crisis program or other related crisis service.
• Ability to be self-directed and manage multiple and often times competing priorities.
• Experience in one or more of the following:
  • Managing or implementing government contracts, including managing federal grant awards.
  • Grant management.
  • Project management.
  • Grant writing.

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.

Additional 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 jake.nelko@hca.wa.gov or 360.725.0945.

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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