WDVA Grant Program Manager, Full-Time, Permanent Project, Olympia

WDVA Grant Program Manager, Full-Time, Permanent Project, Olympia

Salary

$78,504.00 - $102,996.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-05705

Department

Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Division

Vet Services, Counseling and Wellness

Opening Date

07/10/2026

Closing Date

7/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Grant Project Manager

Staff Sergeant Parker Gordan Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program

Full Time, Permanent Project

Are you ready to really make a difference in peoples lives? We are now accepting applications for a Grant Program Manager for our SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program Project. At WDVA, our program focuses on suicide prevention through non-clinical assessments and screenings, connecting service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF) to early intervention services, benefits, and other support systems. The grant program will evaluate new and innovative approaches for veterans benefit outreach and enrollment, suicide prevention and early intervention services and have a long-term statewide impact on WDVA programs and services.

Please note: Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Your location and time may be spent in other remote office locations, at military installations, government agencies, or other private partners. Flexibility to manage schedules to complete off-site, as well as evening and weekend work is required. This position is expected to adjust the work schedule to meet the needs of the program. A flexible schedule or hybrid telework schedule is subject to supervisory approval.

• This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules. This salary range reflects increases effective July 1st, 2026

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of "Serving Those Who Served." As a national leader in our advocacy for nearly 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

As the Grant Program Manager (PM), you will serve as WDVA's designated grant program leader and supervisor, with responsibility for:

• Grant program administration, including research and analysis, reporting, budgeting and accounting.

• Managing implementation of all initiatives within the grant's scope.

The PM has independent organization-wide and statewide development and management responsibilities for all components of the grant program. In addition to grant program administration and management, this position is considered an expert on veteran benefit and suicide prevention services. It also provides consultation and advice to leaders in WDVA, other state, federal, and local agencies, elected officials, and private partners.

This position reports to the Counseling and Wellness Program Manager. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this grant project, the PM and staff work closely with all programs within Veterans Services and Counseling and Wellness (VSCW).

This position requires the ability to take action to learn and grow, meet the needs of others, and includes occasional statewide and out of state overnight travel.

Duties

Some of what youll be doing includes:

• Support outreach activities, provide education, resources, and referrals.
• Assist SMVF with the enrollment in benefits and other support services.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of regionally based staff.
• Arrange and ensure training within the standards of WDVA Suicide Prevention and veterans benefit enrollment programs.
• Collaborate with WDVA Veteran Services Outreach and Suicide Prevention Programs, Regional VA offices, and other regional partners to develop and implement a community outreach strategic plan.
• Collaborate with partners to develop and publish outreach and training materials as required.
• Oversee benefit enrollment services in target regions within WDVA and VA standards.
• Collaborate with regional stakeholders to develop a referral network and resources for services not available through WDVA.
• Support the WDVA Suicide Prevention Program in developing and implementing non-clinical suicide assessment training and tools (e.g., Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale); this program utilizes screening tools during outreach and provides benefits enrollment case management services.
• Research, analyze, and develop a framework for assessing the effectiveness of suicide early intervention and prevention strategies funded by a grant.
• Develop stakeholder engagement strategies and monitor program performance metrics.
• Work collaboratively with, advise, and make recommendations to senior leaders, executives, and staff across agency, state, federal, and local agencies and with allied national and community-based organizations.
• Manage reporting and compliance with the federal funding agency in accordance with grant requirements.
• Collect, compile, and analyze program performance data.
• Collaborate with WDVA IT Division on modifications to and utilization of Enterprise Veterans Case Management System (EVCMS) to enter, track, compile, and track program data.
• Develop and publish grant program performance reports in accordance with agency standards and federal funding authority requirements.
• And much more!
• Please request a full copy of the Position Description!*

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Services, Social Work, Public Health, or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent.
• Please Note: A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Experience must be relevant to the position.
• Two (2) years of experience providing services to vulnerable population.
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, including experience with data management systems and mobile application software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, community members, partner organizations and customer groups.
• Must be proficient in the English language.

Demonstrated experience in the following areas:

• Conducting research
• Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
• Conducting business analysis and developing requirements
• Leading business projects
• Managing business operations
• Business policy development
• Agency Required Competencies for all positions:
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired:

• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Services, Social Work, Social Science, Healthcare, or Liberal Arts/Sciences from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience providing services to Service Members, Veterans, and Families (SMVF's); including understanding of and experience with Federal and State veteran benefits and health services.
• Familiarity with peer-to-peer programming. Experience with Service Organizations providing services to Veteran's and their families
• Experience with State contracts, grants, State fiscal processes
• Experience coordinating with Federal, State and community organizations on service programs
• Demonstrated experience interacting with, and providing services to, clients who have experienced war trauma, substance abuse, homelessness and chronic mental health diagnosis.
• Working knowledge of statewide governmental policies, laws and regulations for the State of Washington, as it applies to programmatic service delivery.
• Demonstrated experience Project Management, including understanding of and experience with principles and methods of strategic planning, project design and implementation, and group facilitation.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to travel throughout the state to WDVA facilities.
• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory, annual, in-service, and other required training.
• Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
• Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted drivers license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Supplemental Information

Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!

Application Process:

Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.

2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Other Information:

• This position is non-represented.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency's greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.

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

Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Services, Social Work, Public Health, or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent?

• Yes, I attest that I possess a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Services, Social Work, Public Health, or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent.
• No

02

If you answered; "No" to the above question, then do you have a combination of education and experience that may be considered on a year-for-year basis with experience that must be relevant to the position?

• Yes, I attest that I have a combination of education and experience that may be considered on a year-for-year basis, and my Experience is relevant to the position as noted in my application and resume.
• No

03

Do you have Two (2) years of experience providing services to vulnerable population.

• Yes, I attest I have Two (2) years of experience providing services to vulnerable population.
• No

04

Do you have at least One (1) year of supervisory experience?

• Yes, I attest that I have at least One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• No

05

Do you have Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, including experience with data management systems and mobile application software?

• Yes, I attest that I have Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, including experience with data management systems and mobile application software.
• 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