Behavioral Health Crisis Response Coordinator (MA4/OTA)

Remote, USA • Full-time • Posted 2026-05-31

Salary: $69,744.00 - $93,804.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2026-00690
Department: Health Care Authority
Division: OTA
Opening Date: 01/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Behavioral Health Crisis Response Coordinator (MA4/OTA)

71105757

This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on 2/2/2026 and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

Are you looking for an opportunity to ensure Tribal voices inform crisis response in Washington? The Health Care Authority is in search of a coordinator to ensure this happens through the construction of regional crisis plans and protocols. The ideal candidate will bring experience with government-to-government processes, Tribes, and crisis response to a position implementing Section 3 of SB 6251, bringing critical services to Tribal communities.

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 Office of Tribal Affairs supports the entire Health Care Authority (HCA) staff in meeting its government-to-government obligations outlined in HCA is focused on partnering with Tribes to ensure the highest quality of health services for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals, as outlined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Priorities of OTA include addressing significant health disparities for AI/AN individuals, and partnering with Tribes to honor Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and increase health resources and funding to Tribal communities expanding health services to their Tribal members.

About the position:

The purpose of this position is to support the implementation of Section 3 of SB 6251, coordinating regional behavioral crisis response services with Tribes to improve the services for AI/AN individuals, including Tribal members. Key elements of this bill include collaborating with Tribes and other behavioral health partners to coordinate care for individuals with a history of frequent crisis system utilization. This will include ensuring completion of Tribal/State Crisis Coordination Protocols, updating protocol templates as needed, and creating a process for accountability when protocols are not followed.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. 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:

Coordinate any Tribal engagement activities with HCA's Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR).
Provide senior level analysis and consultation to DBHR management, staff, and Tribal health partners regarding complex issues that impact behavioral health programs and policies for the AI/AN community.
Develop strategic forums to gather regular feedback from Tribes and IHCP representatives to improve the coordination of regional behavioral health crisis response services activities.
Support HCA divisions, State agencies and other partners on Tribal engagement recommendations and Tribal priorities.
Partner with DBHR to analyze Behavioral Health - Administrative Services Organization and managed care contract issues.

Coordinate government-to-government meetings with Tribes to establish Tribal Crisis Coordination Protocols between Tribe/State that outline protocols for the delivery of crisis services within Tribal communities.
Review Tribal Crisis Coordination Protocols plans with key regional crisis partners.
Track and document Tribal Crisis Coordination Protocols and provide statewide reports.
Research, create, and formalize processes for monitoring and resolution of concerns brought forth by Tribes.
Analyze and update strategic and long-range planning activities regarding Tribal Crisis Coordination Protocols. Establish and document formal protocol development processes.

Participate in all 988 implementation workstreams and committees, including the Tribal 988 subcommittee.
Liaise information gathered by Tribal and IHCP partners through all subcommittees to all 988 and crisis response committees.
Coordinate and organize the Tribal 988 Subcommittee and Tribal Centric Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.

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

Bachelor's degree in public health, public administration, social work, or closely related field,
Four years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, which includes
One year or more experience working in or with an Indian Health Service (IHS)-funded program, including direct service IHS programs and Tribal health programs operating under Title I or Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, or urban Indian organizations, including urban Indian health programs receiving IHS funds.

Associate degree in a related field,
Six years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, which includes
One year or more experience working in or with an Indian Health Service (IHS)-funded program, including direct service IHS programs and Tribal health programs operating under Title I or Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, or urban Indian organizations, including urban Indian health programs receiving IHS funds.

Eight years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, which includes
One year or more experience working in or with an Indian Health Service (IHS)-funded program, including direct service IHS programs and Tribal health programs operating under Title I or Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, or urban Indian organizations, including urban Indian health programs receiving IHS funds.

The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

A master's degree with major study in public health, public administration, social work, or closely related field and two years' experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
One year or more experience working in behavioral health crisis services, including direct involuntary crisis services or as a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) or mobile crisis staff person or supervisor.
Five years or more experience working in or with an IHS-funded program, including direct service IHS programs and Tribal health programs operating under Title I or Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, or urban Indian organizations, including urban Indian health programs receiving IHS funds.
Personal knowledge and understanding of tribal government operations of Washington state government operations.
Experience in overseeing, implementing, or practitioner on a mobile crisis program or other related crisis service.
Ability to be self-directed and manage multiple and often times competing priorities.
Experience in one or more of the following:
Managing or implementing government contracts, including managing federal grant awards.
Grant management.
Project management.
Grant writing.

How to apply:

A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
Current resume

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.

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.
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 Jake Nelko at or 360.725.0945.

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 01-07-2026
01

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

I do not have this experience.
Less than 4 years
More than 4 years, but less than 6 years
More than 6 years, but less than 8 years
More than 8 years

I do not have this experience
Less than 1 year
More than 1 year

If you indicated you have the experience noted in the above two questions, 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.
05