State of Washington

  • Olympia, WA


  • Permanent

  • Full-time
Description

Medical Program Specialist 3 (MPS3/MPD)

71082727

This announcement will be used to fill multiple positions

About the Division:

The Mission of the Medicaid Programs Division (MPD) and Integrity in the Health Care Authority (HCA) is to provide high quality administrative services to assist in the purchase and delivery of medical assistance program services to clients and members. MPD works across the agency and in partnership with the health care community and community stakeholders to develop and manage high-quality, evidence-based health care programs and purchase services that enhance Medicaid enrollees’ ability to access appropriate, quality health care.

In addition to the Medicaid services MPD also purchases Behavioral Health (BH) services that are provided through an integrated system of care for children and adults with substance use disorders and/or mental illness that are enrolled in the Washington State Medicaid system or are low-income eligible.

About the position:

The primary purpose of these two positions is to serve as experts in the implementation of the Recovery Navigator Programs established though SB 5476 that each BH-ASO is to establish to provide community-based outreach, intake, assessment, referral, and long-term intensive case management services to individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) who are referred to the program from various sources, and the creation of the uniform program standards through which these programs will adhere. These positions will also work to support the creation of the substance use recovery service advisory committee, collaborate in the development and implementation of the substance use recovery services plan, establishment of Rules, managing and develop contract language to ensure compliance with requirements established for the substance use recovery services plan.

Some of what you will do:

Serve as the subject matter expert for the creation of the statewide Recovery Services Advisory Committee providing support in the development of the Recovery Navigator plan and establishment of rules for the implementation for the Blake legislation.

  • Support the establishment of the substance use recovery services advisory committee in the development of the substance use recovery services plan.
  • Provide expert consultation in the design, development, and implementation of uniform statewide program standards for the recovery navigator program. The standards will focus on law enforcement, first responders, and consider other community response programs.

Serves as the primary point of contact to coordinate work necessary to establish uniform program standards for the BH-ASO’s in design and development of each regional recovery navigator program.

  • Serve as subject matter expert in the implementation and creation of the recovery navigator programs uniform standards developed by the substance use recovery services advisory committee which the navigator programs will adhere to.
  • Manage and review BH-ASO submissions of their Recovery Navigator Programs Plan ensuring uniformity and compliance with established program standards.

Required Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree with major study in psychology, sociology, public health, public administration, social work or closely related field and 5 years of experience in the health care field.
  • At least 2 years of work experience in public behavioral health system with duties and responsibilities in the specialized field of drug and alcohol treatment. Work experience must include increasingly challenging duties and performance that establishes an advanced level of expertise in this field.
  • Knowledge of the State of Washington’s behavioral health and criminal justice/legal system.
  • History of working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including other government agencies, county commissioners, municipal leaders, community-based providers, criminal justice/legal system staff, and advocates.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • At least 2 years’ experience in providing outreach and education about behavioral health programs in a community setting, including working with providers, tribal entities, and Urban Indian Health Organizations, MCOs, BHOs and other stakeholders who are participants in the implementation of Integrated Managed Care.
  • Knowledge of national and local best practice in behavioral healthcare in criminal justice/legal settings including evidence based and research-based practices.
  • At least two (2) years’ experience in program development, implementation and evaluation of health care programs in a community setting.
  • Project management, including team facilitation and process improvement methods.
  • At least five (5) years of experience working with diverse client populations with chronic illness, especially clients with behavioral health issues; including cultural competency in working with an ethnically diverse population.
  • Knowledge of the structure and function of the various sub-divisions of the Health Care Authority and the Department of Social and Health Services, including experience in cross system collaboration, team building and aligning internal and external resources in support of program development to ensure the delivery of quality health care services to high-risk clients.
  • At least two (2) years’ experience in participating in and facilitating meetings and task forces involving internal and external stakeholders at the state and local level.
  • Computer literacy for programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Health services program development: Procure contracts for programs that serve Medical Assistance clients, including but not limited to managed care. Work with contract development and management, including contract monitoring.

Competencies:

  • Knowledge of state and federal laws, policies, regulations and procedures on Medicaid and healthcare both within and outside the Health Care Authority.
  • Familiarity with Apple Health and Integrated Managed Care contract terms and processes.
  • Excellent communication skills, including written and oral presentations for a wide variety of audiences, community members, provider groups, clients, and client advocates.
  • Ability to facilitate timely communication and interchange between diverse groups of internal and external departments, agencies, and the public.
  • Experience in technical and non-technical report writing for both low-literacy audiences and others, such as executive leadership, internal staff, contractors and interested stakeholders.
  • Excellent public relations and customer service skills, including conflict resolution and negotiating techniques, especially relating to client/provider interactions.
  • Creative problem-solving skills in working with medical, community services and other health care providers in multiple systems that provide services for low-income clients.
  • Ability to collaborate across systems, build teams and work cooperatively with internal and external resources to support program development.
  • Skill in planning, negotiation, strategic planning, data management, and conducting research into trends, utilization patterns and use of services by high-risk clients.
  • Knowledge of HCA medical programs and ADSA/DBHR programs and payment mechanisms; managed care operations; policy development related to health and behavioral health care delivery; and integration of quality measurement and program evaluation.
  • Ability to work independently.

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.
  • Infants in the workplace
  • 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!

About HCA:

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) purchases health care for more than 2 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, and, beginning in 2020, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program. Our agency is committed to whole person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

About Olympia and Washington State:

Washington State offers a total work/life package of pay, benefits, flexibility, and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and out of life. Washington State is a great place to work, play, and be a part of a community, offering quality of life that is unsurpassed. From the high energy urban center of Seattle, one of the nation’s top ranked cities, to the more relaxed pace of our rural communities, Washington’s distinctive Northwest lifestyle blends a progressive, creative culture with a casual nature.

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 and attach:

  • A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position.
  • Current resume.
  • Three professional references, including a minimum of one past supervisor.

If you have questions about the process, or need reasonable accommodation, please contact the recruiter before the posting closes.

Washington State is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources Office at 360.725.1723 or email

*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 but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

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