DSHS BHHA Quality Assurance and Improvement Manager

Full Job Description

Help safeguard quality care in Washington's behavioral health system.

Strong systems create better outcomes.
This role helps make that happen.

The Behavioral Health Administration is seeking a Quality Assurance & Improvement Manager to lead accreditation, compliance, and continuous improvement efforts across the Behavioral Health Treatment Center (BHTC) program.

In this role, you will help ensure that treatment programs meet rigorous regulatory standards while continuously improving care and safety for residents. Your work will influence program operations, executive decision-making, and system-level improvements that directly affect vulnerable individuals receiving behavioral health treatment.


Role Impact | What You'll Accomplish
In this role, you will:

• Lead the quality assurance program that supports accreditation, licensing, and regulatory compliance across the BHTC program.
• Establish and manage audit schedules, monitoring systems, and reporting processes that ensure ongoing compliance.
• Translate quality metrics and audit findings into actionable improvement initiatives adopted by program leadership.
• Guide corrective action planning following audits, accreditation surveys, and performance reviews.
• Strengthen continuous improvement practices that enhance treatment quality and resident safety.
• Provide data analysis and reports that inform leadership decisions and program improvements.
• Support sustainable systems that maintain accreditation readiness and operational accountability.

Our Team
You will collaborate with program leaders, treatment teams, policy groups, and executive leadership across the Behavioral Health Administration. This position works closely with governance bodies responsible for quality oversight and plays a central role in connecting compliance requirements with real operational improvements that strengthen care delivery.


Work-Life Balance
DSHS is committed to supporting work-life balance for our employees. Telework and flexible scheduling options may be available depending on operational needs. This position is located in Washington State and may require periodic onsite collaboration or program engagement.


Interested? We encourage you to apply.


Who Should Apply
Professionals who meet the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:

• A bachelor's degree in public administration, social services, behavioral health, healthcare administration, or a closely related field
  

AND

• Five years of management-level experience with a public behavioral health or healthcare system that includes quality assurance, compliance monitoring, or performance improvement responsibilities.

Candidates must also demonstrate experience:

• Interpreting and implementing regulatory requirements, policies, or accreditation standards.
• Analyzing operational or program data and translating findings into corrective actions or process improvements.

Some of What You Will Do

• Lead accreditation coordination and ensure ongoing readiness for regulatory reviews and licensing requirements.
  
• Develop and manage the BHTC quality assurance framework, including annual quality assessment planning and monitoring systems.
• Design and execute internal audit schedules to evaluate compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards.
• Analyze quality and performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for system improvements.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action planning when quality gaps or compliance deficiencies are identified.
• Collaborate with program leadership and treatment teams to implement evidence-based practices and improved standard work.
• Prepare reports and briefings that inform leadership decisions and program oversight.
• Support policy updates and compliance initiatives that align with evolving regulatory requirements.

What We're Looking For | Required Competencies

• Analytical Decision-Making – uses data, audit findings, and performance indicators to identify risks and guide improvement strategies.
  
• Regulatory & Compliance Leadership – understands complex regulatory environments and translates requirements into operational processes.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset – applies structured problem-solving methods to improve program performance and quality outcomes.
• Collaborative Influence – builds effective working relationships across leadership teams, treatment staff, and oversight bodies.
• Communication & Reporting – presents complex information clearly through written reports, briefings, and data presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating accreditation processes or regulatory audits in healthcare or behavioral health settings.
  
• Knowledge of Washington State behavioral health systems, including relevant RCW, WAC, or CFR regulations.
• Experience applying continuous improvement methodologies such as root cause analysis or structured performance improvement programs.
• Experience working in residential treatment, hospital, or behavioral health care environments.
• Experience preparing executive-level reports or program performance briefings.

To Apply
Submit you application through the Washington State careers portal. Please include:

• A completed application profile
  
• A resume outlining relevant experience
• Any additional required supplemental materials listed in the job posting

Questions? Email kris.george@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 01645.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work.

It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.

We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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