Remote Criminal Justice Behavioral Health Lead

State-of-Washingto; Olympia (WA); Remote; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work with flexible schedules

Medical, dental, vision, and basiclife

Job summary

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) seeks a Criminal Justice Behavioral Health Administrator to lead statewide strategy for substance use disorder treatment within the criminal legal system, across jails, prisons, courts, and law enforcement. This is a full-time, remote role that may require occasional in-person meetings, with Washington state residency required on day one.

You will oversee the CJTA, influence policy changes, translate legislation into actionable plans, and

Qualifications

• Translate organizational priorities, legislative direction, and policy into measurable program objectives.
• Assess program quality, outcomes, risks, and performance with clear controls.
• Identify and manage significant programmatic risks and establish corrective actions.
• Build consensus with cross-system partners while maintaining accountability.
• Knowledge of national/local best practices in behavioral health for criminal legal system.
• Proficiency in mental health and substance use disorder concepts.
• Commitment to equity for justice-involved individuals.
• Knowledge of Washington State drug policy landscape.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative leadership and training to counties, regions, and agencies receiving CJTA funds.
• Update statewide CJTA policy and contract language, monitor budgets, and guide implementation.
• Plan and facilitate quarterly CJTA panel meetings (RCW 71.24.580).
• Lead data improvement efforts with county and regional BH-ASO contractors.
• Facilitate related workgroups addressing overdose and SUDs in the criminal legal system.
• Advise on Medicaid waivers and policy changes; respond to legislative inquiries.
• Map sequential intercept model with courts to identify service gaps.
• Identify federal grant opportunities and manage performance-based contracts.
• Promote national best practices for MOUD in courts and jail settings.
• Provide expertise to statewide workgroups and tribal/public safety collaborations.
• Manage cross-agency efforts to reduce disparities in therapeutic courts.

Skills

Strategic planning

Policy translation

Risk management

Cross-system collaboration

Behavioral health knowledge

Equity and diversity

Washington policy landscape

Job description

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) seeks a Criminal Justice Behavioral Health Administrator to lead statewide strategy for substance use disorder treatment within the criminal legal system, across jails, prisons, courts, and law enforcement. This is a full-time, remote role that may require occasional in-person meetings, with Washington state residency required on day one.

You will oversee the CJTA, influence policy changes, translate legislation into actionable plans, and