Legislative Manager (MA5/DBHR)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) is seeking a Legislative Manager to serve as its subject matter expert and agency representative on federal and state behavioral health legislative priorities. Located in DBHR's Operations section, this role tracks and analyzes legislation, leads the division's legislative work, and advises HCA and DBHR executive leadership on policy, budget, and implementation impacts affecting behavioral health services across Washington. The position is supervised by the Operations Manager. The role works with executive leadership, legislative staff, the Governor's Office, division employees, and state and federal partners. It is described as primarily remote in the role overview, with occasional in-person meetings or events as business needs require. The supplemental work-location information also describes a hybrid position based at the HCA office in Olympia, with in-person work and occasional travel potentially required. Employees must be Washington State residents by their first day and must report to the Olympia office on their first and final days of employment. The position is full-time and permanent. The stated schedule is 40 hours per week, with standard business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs. In-person work takes place in a shared, open-office environment. HCA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes remote work and flexible schedules, medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays, Paid Family and Medical Leave, retirement options, training and professional development, and employee wellness programs.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume legislative portfolio, including reviewing, analyzing, and synthesizing complex state and federal legislation, regulations, and budgets.
Demonstrated proficiency in developing, reviewing, and coordinating fiscal notes, bill analyses, and policy impact statements related to health and human services programs.
Demonstrated ability to compile, edit, coordinate, and submit required legislative reports and proviso-related deliverables while meeting established deadlines.
Demonstrated expertise in preparing and presenting concise, high-level briefing materials, policy memoranda, reports, and presentations for senior and executive leadership.
Demonstrated ability to lead partner workgroups, facilitate collaboration, and build consensus regarding policy development, implementation, and organizational priorities.
Ability to consider equity in decisions, processes, and day-to-day work, including how work may affect the people and communities served.
Ability to learn and grow by seeking new perspectives, learning from experiences, and using lessons to continuously improve work and service.
Ability to meet the needs of others by listening, understanding different perspectives, and responding with care, respect, and solutions that support communities.
Must be a Washington State resident by the first day of employment.
Applicants must submit a completed online application, a cover letter describing qualifications for the position, a resume detailing applicable experience and education, and three professional references, including at least one current or recent supervisor.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in public health, behavioral health, public administration, business administration, social work, law, or a closely related field.
Consultative or supervisory experience in health services, social services, Medicaid, behavioral health, or other health care programs.
Knowledge of the structure, governance, and operations of Washington State's public legislative system.
Knowledge of Medicaid programs, billing practices, reimbursement requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
Knowledge of governmental contracting processes, procurement requirements, contract administration, and regulatory compliance.
Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines governing behavioral health and social services programs.
Knowledge of behavioral health programs, service delivery models, and evidence-based interventions.
Knowledge of child, youth, and family-serving behavioral health systems, including available services, resources, and coordination of care.
Proficiency in public speaking, delivering presentations, facilitating discussions, and communicating effectively with diverse audiences, partners, and executive leadership.

Responsibilities

Research, analyze, and provide expert consultation on behavioral health policy related to legislative proposals, recommended strategies, and courses of action.
Direct and monitor division staff work on bill analyses, sunrise review proposals, and assigned legislative tasks to ensure quality and timely completion.
Produce and oversee agency request legislation for legislative sponsors and the Governor's Office.
Produce and oversee behavioral health budget decision packages aligned with federal and state priorities for delivery to the Office of Financial Management.
Produce and oversee complex reports to the Legislature on legislative tasks and project implementation.
Evaluate the impact of legislative proposals on the division and draft legislative amendments with division leadership and subject matter experts.
Represent the agency in legislative inquiries about the state behavioral health budget and program progress.
Develop and deliver presentations on legislative implementation to diverse groups at the state and federal levels.
Assess division legislative priorities and resource needs, and train division staff on agency legislative strategy.
Lead partner workgroups, facilitate collaboration, and build consensus regarding policy development, implementation, and organizational priorities.