Prevention Supervisor, Development and Strategic Initiatives (WMS2/DBHR)

Description

Prevention Supervisor, Development and Strategic Initiatives (WMS2/DBHR)

71058874

The Legislature has also approved a 2% general wage increase for all state employees, effective July 1, 2026.

This Prevention Supervisor position helps shape statewide public health policies, directly combat the opioid epidemic, and lead critical mental health and substance use prevention efforts. You will lead the Washington State Prevention Plan, holding over 25 state agencies accountable for deliverables that shape and promote healthy lifestyles. This position offers high profile, meaningful work that supports state and local initiatives. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about promoting health and wellness, public service, and collaboration!

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) mission is to transform lives by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness through substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion efforts. DBHR provides support for substance use disorder, mental health, and problem gambling services. The substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs promote strategies that support healthy lifestyles by preventing the misuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and support recovery from substance use disorder.

About the position:

This position is responsible for administering and overseeing statewide promotion and prevention policy; budget of over $15 million; 4 major initiatives and 15 programs and projects; multiple federal, national and state partnerships and collaborations; and serves as the Point of Contact and Subject Matter Expert for the Division on SUD Prevention and MH Promotion for opioid use disorder prevention efforts, federal prevention grants and workforce development. This position is in the Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Section (SUD Prevention and MH Promotion Section) in the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.

This position is eligible to telework but is frequently required to report on-site to meet business need.Frequent travel may be required to meet with clients or partners, conduct business, or attend or provide training and/or conferences.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. 

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Plan, lead, organize, and supervise the work performed by the Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Section Development and Strategic Initiatives Unit. Assure appropriate and optimum use of the organization’s resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees and their professional development through timely appraisals. Support effective communications throughout the organization. Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct and support the state’s goals for a diverse workforce.
• Execute the 5-year multi-agency state substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion plan developed as part of the State Prevention Enhancement Grant.
• Establish efficient and effective substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion policies and services through the development of data driven resources and needs assessments, evidence-based program selection, evaluation, management information and workforce development processes. 
• Oversee the development and administration of Federal Grant Applications.
• Monitor and coordinate all related policies and activities for the federal Partnerships for Success (PFS) grant ($1.2M), SPF-Rx ($386K) and State Opioid Response Prevention grant ($6.3M). 
• Accountable for multi million dollars grants and all aspects of grant coordination and management. 
• Responsible for overseeing the development and execution of the statewide substance use disorder prevention system workforce development and training plan and associated reports.
• Negotiate performance-based contract deliverables. Develop statements of work and contract language for implementation of prevention services. 
• Administer and manage all aspects of budget development and spending by contractors. 

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1: 

• Master’s degree in public policy and administration, Prevention Science, Public Health, Community Health Education, Health and Human Services, Social Sciences, Communications, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of professional experience in behavioral health.

Option 2:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration, Prevention Science, Public Health, Community Health Education, Health and Human Services, Social Sciences, Communications, or a related field.
• Six (6) years of professional experience in behavioral health.

Option 3: 

• Ten (10) years of professional experience in behavioral health.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Current certification as a Certified Prevention Professional in Washington State or equivalent standing as recognized by a national accreditation body or the ability and plan to receive the Certification within 3 months of hire. 
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Mental Health Promotion and related fields. 
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience of employees, contractors, and volunteers. 
• Two (2) years of experience in budgeting, project management, and strategic planning that includes: program design and implementation, and data comprehension and evaluation. 
• Knowledge of the latest research and developments in substance use disorder prevention practice, including Strategic Prevention Framework, and ability to explain those developments to others. 
• Demonstrate skills 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. 
• Ability to facilitate small and large groups in community-based strategic planning. 
• Ability to form relationships with strategic partners, e.g., government agencies, non-profit agencies, schools, business, and faith-based communities. 
• Experience working successfully with community-based prevention efforts. 
• Knowledge of evidence-based environmental prevention strategies that can impact youth alcohol and drug use in communities. 
• Experience in developing and delivering trainings addressing adult learning styles. 
• Ability to speak effectively and professionally in public to a variety of audiences. 
• Experience with negotiating and managing performance-based contracts. 
• 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 an effective team member. 
• Strong interpersonal communication skills. 
• Intermediate proficiency in MS office products including Word, Outlook, and Excel. 

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with diverse communities. 
• Successful completion of the Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training (SAPST) or Washington Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (WA-SAPST). 
• Experience developing trainings using technology for distance learning and face-to-face. 
• Grant writing and editing experience. 
• Experience providing technical assistance to local communities on substance use disorder prevention planning, evidence-based program selection, and evaluation. 
• Experience analyzing legislation. 
• Experience developing and managing competitive procurements. 
• Advanced skill in MS Office programs. 

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 Angelic Matthews at Angelic.Matthews@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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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