Prevention Policy and Project Manager (HCPM/DBHR)

Prevention Policy and Project Manager (HCPM/DBHR)

Salary

$80,496.00 - $108,228.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-05555

Department

Health Care Authority

Division

BHR

Opening Date

07/06/2026

Closing Date

7/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Prevention Policy and Project Manager (HCPM/DBHR)

71058927

Someone would want this job if they are passionate about public health, community advocacy, and policy development. It offers a rare chance to shape state-level cannabis and youth substance use policies and procedures while acting as the recognized subject matter expert for government leaders.

Here are the primary reasons this role is highly appealing:

• Direct Social Impact: You directly shape initiatives that improve the lives and health outcomes of vulnerable populations across Washington State.
• High-Level Influence: You serve as the go-to expert advising senior management and collaborating with other state and federal agencies.
• Policy Shaping: You get to guide the actual execution of state laws (like RCW 69.50), directly translating legislation into real-world prevention programs.
• Autonomy: The role functions above the first level of supervision, offering significant independent decision-making and judgment.

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:

The Policy and Project Manager is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for the prevention of substance misuse, specifically underage cannabis use through the execution of the Washington State RCW 69.50 and other key emerging legislative directives. This position has an exciting opportunity to lead the Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Section to ensuring Division fulfils Legislative directive, tracking legislation related to cannabis and other substance use.

This position is eligible to telework but is occasionally required to report on-site to meet business needs. Travel is required to meet with clients or partners, conduct business, 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:

Manage key cannabis policy for the Dedicated Cannabis Account (DCA) funds across HCA DBHR and other key emerging prevention legislative directives.

• Oversee and track the Dedicated Cannabis Account (approx. $6.2 million per year), making recommendations for policy development, mitigating agency's fiscal impact, and to support stakeholders statewide.
• Oversee and manage execution of RCW 69.50 prevention and Tribal initiatives, facilitating interaction between senior leadership, presenting recommendations to organization departments and sections, and preparing for legislative hearings.
• Oversee management of initiative directives with high-level interagency groups, including Washington State Institute of Public Policy (WSIPP).
• Provide expertise, technical assistance, and linkages to evidence-based programs for outcomes and implementation to DBHR leadership.
• Serve as the agency prevention representative for state and government entities and agencies related to substance use disorder prevention policy.
• Conduct legislative and hearing analysis for all cannabis legislation.
• Review legislation and policy to develop guidelines and directives for contractors and service providers.
• Provide expert level analysis to senior leadership regarding substance use prevention and treatment policies and procedures, that potentially impact provisos, legislation, or statutes.

Prevention system coordination, training and local services and related contracts.

• Responsible for contract management, including procurement (requests for applications), negotiating performance-based contract deliverables, program and fiscal monitoring, and on-time reporting.
• Provide recommendations for policy and programmatic development regarding emerging complex issues and initiatives.
• Report project outcomes, as required, to state and national funding partners, including SAMHSA, WA State Legislature, and other stakeholders.

Managing key state and national partnerships.

• Manage key interagency partnerships, including the development and sharing of research and analyses, status reports and performance improvement activities.
• Develop communication strategies, including the creation of multidimensional reports for management information and decision-making having broad scope and significant impact for vulnerable youth and their families.
• Developing and delivering presentations and training on the status of deliverables required by related statute (i.e. RCW 69.50).

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Current certification as a Certified Prevention Professional in Washington State or equivalent standing as recognized by a national accreditation body, or a plan to receive the Certification within 6 months of hire.

Qualifying candidates will also meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

• Master's degree from an accredited college with a major study in Public Policy and Administration, Prevention Science, Public Health, Community Health Education, Health and Human Services, Social Sciences, Communications, or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of consultative or supervisory experience in public health/social services fields, behavioral health, substance use disorder prevention or mental health promotion and related fields; with functions including analyzing policy, laws and rules, contract management, project management, managing workforce development, communications, implementing educational training programs, community engagement, technical assistance, grants management, or other comparable experience, including experience obtained during certification as a Certified Prevention Professional, if applicable.

Option 2:

• Bachelor's degree with major study in Public Policy and Administration, Prevention Science, Public Health, Community Health Education, Health and Human Services, Social Sciences, Communications, or closely related field.
• Five (5) years of the experience listed above in option 1.

Option 3:

• Nine (9) years of the experience listed above in option 1.

Option 4:

• One (1) year as a Health Care Program Specialist.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• 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.
• Ability to work collaboratively to plan, analyze, and problem solve, identify policy needs, develop goals and objectives and use data for decision making with multiple stakeholders including youth serving system partners, providers, state and local government officials and/or legislators and legislative staff.
• 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.
• Commitment to advancing health equity systemically and programmatically.
• 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 skills and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Experience working independently as well as an effective team member.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficient in MS office products including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with diverse, underserved, and/or priority populations.
• Plan, lead, organize and control the work performed by the organization.
• 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.
• Successful completion of the Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training (SAPST) or Washington Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (WA-SAPST). 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.
• Intermediate to 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 states 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 HCAs 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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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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 01-07-2026

01

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

02

Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

03

I acknowledge that this opportunity will require some travel and in-person site visits. I also acknowledge that telework is a privilege and may be revoked at any time.

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a current certification as a Certified Prevention Professional in Washington State or equivalent standing as recognized by a national accreditation body, or a plan to receive the Certification within 6 months of hire.

• Yes
• No

05

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

• High school graduation or equivalent
• Associate degree with a major study in Public Policy and Administration, Prevention Science, Public Health, Community Health Education, Health and Human Services, Social Sciences, Communications, or closely related field.
• Bachelors degree with a major study in Public Policy and Administration, Prevention Science, Public Health, Community Health Education, Health and Human Services, Social Sciences, Communications, or closely related field.
• Masters degree or higher with a major study in Public Policy and Administration, Prevention Science, Public Health, Community Health Education, Health and Human Services, Social Sciences, Communications, or closely related field.
• None of the above

06

Which of the following best describes your professional consultative or supervisory experience in public health/social services fields, behavioral health, substance use disorder prevention or mental health promotion and related fields; with functions including analyzing policy, laws and rules, contract management, project management, managing workforce development, communications, implementing educational training programs, community engagement, technical assistance, grants management, or other comparable experience, including experience obtained during certification as a Certified Prevention Professional?

• 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 7 years
• More than 7 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years, but less than 11 years
• More than 11 years

07

Do you have the ability to take action to learn and grow?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have the ability to take action to meet the needs of others?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov