Prevention Policy and Project Manager; HCPM​/DBHR

Prevention Policy and Project Manager (HCPM/DBHR)

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.

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.

• 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 the agency’s fiscal impact, and supporting 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.
• Coordinate prevention systems, training, local services, and related contracts.
• Manage contract procurement, negotiate 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.
• Manage key interagency partnerships, including 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 with broad scope and significant impact for vulnerable youth and their families.
• Develop and deliver presentations and training on the status of deliverables required by related statutes (i.e., RCW 69.50).

• 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.
• One of the following options:
  • Option 1:
    Master’s degree from an accredited college 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, plus three (3) years of consultative or supervisory experience in public health/social services fields, behavioral health, substance use disorder prevention, or mental health promotion, including functions such as policy analysis, contract management, project management, communications, and grant management.
  • Option 2:
    Bachelor’s degree with major study in the same fields…