Behavioral Health Crisis Response Coordinator; MA​/OTA

Behavioral Health Crisis Response Coordinator (MA4/OTA)

This recruitment is posted continuously and applications will be reviewed beginning 2/2/2026. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

The Office of Tribal Affairs supports the entire Health Care Authority (HCA) staff in meeting its government-to-government obligations outlined in RCW 43.376. 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.

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 services for AI/AN individuals and 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 HCA positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.

• Provide direction and coordinate Tribal engagement for SB 6251, including coordinating any Tribal engagement activities with HCA’s Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
• 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 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 crisis services delivery 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 work streams 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.

• 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 funded program, including direct service IHS programs and Tribal health programs operating under Title I or Title V of the Indian…