Salary : $78,912.00 - $106,104.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2025-05152
Department: Health Care Authority
Division: BHR
Opening Date: 07/23/2025
Closing Date: 8/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Prevention Systems Manager (HCPM/DBHR) - Project

71058935

This is a project position funded through 9/25/2027.
Are you passionate about making a difference for families and children in the state of Washington? The Prevention Systems Manager oversees the implementation of opioid prevention projects, manages contracts, and collaborates with communities, healthcare providers, and state agencies to drive meaningful change. This role combines project management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Telework flexibility and a strong benefits package make this a rewarding and balanced career for experienced prevention professionals.
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.
Division philosophy statement:
The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) values and seeks diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral to the behavioral health field. We support, embrace, and celebrate everyone's uniqueness, promote inclusion, and commit to remove systemic barriers that affect our workforce, our providers, and the people that receive prevention, treatment, and/or recovery support services.
About the division:

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) at the Washington State Health Care Authority works to improve the health and well-being of Washington residents by supporting recovery, independence, and wellness. DBHR leads statewide efforts to prevent substance misuse, promote mental health, and provide treatment and recovery services for substance use disorders and problem gambling. Through these programs, the division helps individuals and communities build healthier lives and access the support they need to thrive.
About the position:
The (State Opioid Response Grant) Prevention Systems Manager (Health Care Program Manager) leads the planning, implementation, and oversight of statewide opioid prevention initiatives, serving as a key project manager for high-impact public health efforts. This role coordinates with healthcare providers, state agencies, and community organizations to ensure prevention activities are strategically aligned, evidence-based, and culturally responsive. With responsibility for managing contracts, ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements, and tracking project outcomes, the position is ideal for someone with strong project management skills and a commitment to preventing substance use disorders in Washington communities. This position is focused on primary prevention for substance use disorder.
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. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.
Duties
Some of what you will do:

• Manage and oversee projects assigned to support the SOR Grant prevention goals, such as:
  • Workgroups
  • Public education campaigns
  • Websites
• Provide progress reports to federal, state, and HCA leadership and staff.
• Manage and oversee projects that involve representation from other agencies.
• Develop and monitor the implementation of goals, objectives, and division administrative policies and procedures for assigned statewide projects.
• Negotiate and manage the development, preparation, implementation, and monitoring of provider contracts for projects.
• Monitor and document contract compliance.
• Manage contracts, including but not limited to:
  • Negotiating statements of work and budgets
  • Monitoring contracts for compliance
  • Documenting monthly compliance and conducting on-site reviews
  • Reviewing and processing monthly contract payment invoices based on compliance
  • Authorizing specific program expenditures
  • Tracking prevention contractor performance data and monitoring program outcomes
• Manage and monitor culturally based substance use disorder prevention services and contract execution.
• Review and approve annual and biennial plans for local prevention services.
• Conduct biennial on-site reviews.
• Write and develop programmatic policies and procedures.
• Lead agency efforts in developing, planning, and implementing prevention strategies and special meetings.
• Formulate statewide policy on complex prevention issues and procedural system improvements.
• Provide strategic direction and consultative expertise on statewide implementation and programmatic development.
• Provide consultative expertise to top-level management in determining priorities and quality improvements for the statewide prevention system.

Qualifications
Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:

Master's degree or higher in Public Policy and Administration, Prevention Science, Public Health, Community Health Education, Health and Human Services, Social Sciences, Communications, or closely related field and three (3) years of the required experience below
Option 2:

Bachelor's degree in a field identified above, and five (5) years of the required experience below
Option 3:

Current certification as a Certified Prevention Professional in Washington State (or equivalent) and nine (9) years of the required experience below
Option 4:

One year as a Health Care Program Specialist (formerly Medical Assistance Program Specialist - MAPS2)
Note: Travel may be required to meet with clients and partners to conduct business, or to present training/attend conferences.
The required experience includes the following:

• Current certification as a Certified Prevention Professional in Washington State (or a plan to receive the Certification within 6 months of hire).
• Consultative or supervisory experience in public health, social services, or behavioral health, within substance use disorder prevention or mental health promotion, including:
  • Contract management, project management, workforce development, communications, implementation of educational training programs, community engagement, technical assistance, grants management, and other comparable experience.
  • Experience obtained during certification as a Certified Prevention Professional, if applicable.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience or education in Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Mental Health Promotion and related fields, or a comparable combination of graduate education and experience.
• Two years of experience in budgeting, project management, and strategic planning that includes: program design and implementation, data analysis and evaluation, and developing operations and marketing plans.
• Knowledge of current prevention theories and technology, including risk and protective factor framework, the Strategic Prevention Framework, community needs and resource assessment, principles of effectiveness, and best practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of prevention planning and programming, particularly evidence-based and best practice programs, and principles of management including budget and program development, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
• Demonstrated skills in providing training and technical assistance to culturally diverse audiences on prevention and health promotion topics including coalition development, community organization, substance use disorder prevention principles and best practices, program planning and implementation, and program evaluation.
• Demonstrated skills to communicate effectively and persuasively with multiple audiences, both orally and in writing, including the ability to facilitate small and large groups in community-based strategic planning and form relationships with strategic partners (e.g., government agencies, non-profit agencies, schools, businesses, and faith-based communities).
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and manage complex statewide projects.
• Ability to interpret policy and guidelines and use independent judgment for critical decisions when faced with conflicting demands.
• Ability to analyze proposed state and federal legislation to assess the programmatic and fiscal impact on substance use disorder prevention programs in Washington State.
• Demonstrated skills to communicate effectively and persuasively with multiple audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to utilize electronic communication, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate prevention research and apply results to policy and program designs as appropriate.
• Ability to write clear, concise, and grammatically correct letters, reports, and other forms of communication.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Experience working independently as well as being an effective team member.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office products including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Preferred qualifications:

• A minimum of three (3) years' experience working successfully with community-based prevention efforts.
• Experience working with multi-ethnic and marginalized communities.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, requirements, and procedures of federal, tribal, and local governments related to substance use disorder, and regarding state and federal revenue sources and contract procurement, negotiation, and management.
• Possess a demonstrated knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, requirements, and procedures regarding state and federal revenue sources, and contract procurement, negotiation, and management.
• Experience with negotiating and managing performance-based contracts.
• Knowledge of agency and division policies, procedures, and guidelines governing contract procurement, negotiation, and management.
• Ability to interpret policy and guidelines and use independent judgment for critical decisions when faced with conflicting demands.
• Successful completion of the Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training (SAPST) or Washington Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (WA-SAPST).
• Intermediate to advanced skills in MS Office programs.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the required 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:

• 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
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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 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
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an All applicants with a in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025
01

In 500 words or less, (not AI generated) please describe your understanding of the current landscape of Substance Use Disorder Prevention and mental health promotion research and practice. When put into practice, what do you believe are the four most prominent and important components of substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion?
02

Do you currently hold your Certified Prevention Professional Certificate?• If yes, please share your Certified Prevention Professional number and expiration date.• If no, please review the PSCBW website https://www.pscbw.com/ and in 100 words or less (not AI generated), please state whether you understand the requirements and have the necessary pre-requisites to be able to obtain the Certified Prevention Professional certificate within 6 months of hire.
03

Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:

• High school graduation or equivalent
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher
• None of the above

04

Which of the following best describes your professional experience with consulting or supervising in the field of public health, social services, or behavioral health? (specifically within substance use disorder prevention or mental health promotion)

• I do not have this experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years

05

Which of the following best describes your professional experience with budgeting, project management, and strategic prevention programming, to include: program implementation, data analysis and evaluation, and developing marketing plans?

• I do not have this experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years

06

If you indicated you have the experiences noted in the above question, 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

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

• Yes
• No

08

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit?For purposes of this question "sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit" means "an H-1B visa petition, an O-1 visa petition, an E-3 visa petition, TN status and 'job flexibility benefits' (also known as I-140 portability or Adjustment of Status portability) for long-delayed adjustment of status applications that have been pending for 180 days or longer." (Please contact us at the email address on the bottom of this job posting if you are uncertain whether you may need immigration sponsorship or desire clarification.)

• Yes
• No

09

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.

• Yes
• No

Required Question