Washington State ESD
Health Care Program Manager (HCPM/DLS)
71111255
Join the Health Care Authority’s Division of Legal Services as a senior program manager and subject matter expert shaping statewide health policy through rulemaking and provider guidance. In this impactful role, you’ll lead complex, high‑visibility projects, collaborate with agency partners, and ensure Washington’s healthcare programs are legally sound and effectively implemented. This position offers flexible telework options and comprehensive benefits, supporting both professional growth and work‑life balance.
All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.
About the division: Functioning as both the state’s largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. There are three pillars to our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.
The Division of Legal Services provides legal and professional support to all HCA divisions at all employee levels to mitigate risks, comply with changing state and federal laws, and assist HCA in accomplishing its goals.
About the position: The Health Care Program Manager serves as a subject matter expert within the Office of Rules and Publications (ORP) in the Division of Legal Services, providing expert consultation and guidance to HCA on rulemaking and provider billing information. This position oversees the full lifecycle of developing, maintaining, and publishing Washington Administrative Code (WAC or rules) and provider billing guides to ensure legal compliance, consistency, and alignment with legislative intent, federal requirements, and court decisions. The role involves leading complex, high‑visibility projects that often include interagency coordination, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation of meetings on controversial or politically sensitive rulemaking topics. The position also collaborates with partners such as DSHS, DOH, and other agencies to ensure statewide healthcare programs are legally sound and effectively implemented. Additionally, the incumbent supports the Long‑Term Services and Supports Trust Program (WA Cares), assists the Rules Coordinator, conducts public hearings, reviews rule filing packets, and contributes to special projects requiring research, analysis, and executive‑level reporting.
Telework and Travel This position is eligible to telework but is occasionally required to travel or report on‑site to meet business need. The default assigned work location of all HCA positions – both on‑site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out‑of‑state telework.
Some of what you will do:
Promulgate Washington Administrative Code (WAC) rules, including those with high political visibility, interagency involvement, and complexity, such as Medicaid programs administered with DSHS, DOH, and other agencies.
Independently plan, organize, facilitate, and manage multiple, simultaneous WAC and provider guide projects.
Identify, analyze, and provide recommendations for difficult or contentious issues.
Review, edit, and approve materials prepared by workgroup members to ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
Ensure stakeholder feedback on rules is appropriately solicited, addressed, and documented.
Research federal and state regulations to confirm statutory authority, understand program history, and prevent conflicts with other agency rules.
Identify, analyze, and recommend resolutions for potential rule conflicts.
Serve as a consultant to internal and external staff regarding rulemaking and provider guide processes.
Identify, analyze, and recommend solutions for complex or contentious issues.
Provide technical assistance to program staff to ensure accuracy and alignment in rules and provider billing documents.
Serve as back‑up to, and assist, HCA’s Rules Coordinator.
Train new ORP staff on processes for developing WAC, Washington Apple Health billing guides, and GovDelivery messages.
Represent ORP’s Section Manager as needed.
Required qualifications: Qualifying candidates will meet
one
of the following criteria options:
Option 1 : Master’s degree from an accredited college with major study in technical writing/English, public health, public administration, business administration, or related field and three (3) years of the required experience below.
Option 2 : Bachelor’s degree in a field identified above, and five (5) years of the required experience below.
Option 3 : Nine (9) years of the required experience below.
Option 4 : One year as a Health Care Program Specialist (HCPS) – formerly the MAPS classification.
The required experience includes the following :
Professional experience in rules, policy, technical, or manual writing, which includes the promulgation of health service, social service, or Medicaid WAC.
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Demonstrated knowledge, understanding, and application of the statutes and rules that regulate Washington State rule making, including the Administrative Procedures Act (Chapter 34.05 RCW), the Regulatory Fairness Act (Chapter 19.85 RCW), and the Code Reviser regulations in Chapter 1-21 WAC.
Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely, applying clear writing and “Plain Talk” principles.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including internal colleagues and top management, and external customers.
Demonstrated ability to de‑escalate conflict situations.
Demonstrated skills in negotiating, problem solving, consultation, and diplomacy.
Preferred qualifications:
Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.
Extensive knowledge of the requirements in chapter 34.05 RCW (the Administrative Procedure Act), chapter 19.85 RCW (the Regulatory Fairness Act), and Executive Order 05-03 on Plain talk.
Strong management and communication skills.
Experience writing and promulgating Washington Administrative Code for a state agency.
Demonstrated ability to organize, facilitate, lead, and manage multiple, simultaneous teams, work groups, and projects.
Demonstrated strategic planning skills to ensure appropriate rule and document development. Demonstrated computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Documented regular and reliable attendance.
How to apply: Only candidates who reflect the required 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 which includes three professional references and attach:
A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position.
Current resume.
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
Attach a copy of your DD‑214 (Member 4 long‑form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
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.
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!
Notes: 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.
HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee‑led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E‑Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Join the Health Care Authority’s Division of Legal Services as a senior program manager and subject matter expert shaping statewide health policy through rulemaking and provider guidance. In this impactful role, you’ll lead complex, high‑visibility projects, collaborate with agency partners, and ensure Washington’s healthcare programs are legally sound and effectively implemented. This position offers flexible telework options and comprehensive benefits, supporting both professional growth and work‑life balance.
All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.
About the division: Functioning as both the state’s largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. There are three pillars to our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.
The Division of Legal Services provides legal and professional support to all HCA divisions at all employee levels to mitigate risks, comply with changing state and federal laws, and assist HCA in accomplishing its goals.
About the position: The Health Care Program Manager serves as a subject matter expert within the Office of Rules and Publications (ORP) in the Division of Legal Services, providing expert consultation and guidance to HCA on rulemaking and provider billing information. This position oversees the full lifecycle of developing, maintaining, and publishing Washington Administrative Code (WAC or rules) and provider billing guides to ensure legal compliance, consistency, and alignment with legislative intent, federal requirements, and court decisions. The role involves leading complex, high‑visibility projects that often include interagency coordination, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation of meetings on controversial or politically sensitive rulemaking topics. The position also collaborates with partners such as DSHS, DOH, and other agencies to ensure statewide healthcare programs are legally sound and effectively implemented. Additionally, the incumbent supports the Long‑Term Services and Supports Trust Program (WA Cares), assists the Rules Coordinator, conducts public hearings, reviews rule filing packets, and contributes to special projects requiring research, analysis, and executive‑level reporting.
Telework and Travel This position is eligible to telework but is occasionally required to travel or report on‑site to meet business need. The default assigned work location of all HCA positions – both on‑site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out‑of‑state telework.
Some of what you will do:
Promulgate Washington Administrative Code (WAC) rules, including those with high political visibility, interagency involvement, and complexity, such as Medicaid programs administered with DSHS, DOH, and other agencies.
Independently plan, organize, facilitate, and manage multiple, simultaneous WAC and provider guide projects.
Identify, analyze, and provide recommendations for difficult or contentious issues.
Review, edit, and approve materials prepared by workgroup members to ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
Ensure stakeholder feedback on rules is appropriately solicited, addressed, and documented.
Research federal and state regulations to confirm statutory authority, understand program history, and prevent conflicts with other agency rules.
Identify, analyze, and recommend resolutions for potential rule conflicts.
Serve as a consultant to internal and external staff regarding rulemaking and provider guide processes.
Identify, analyze, and recommend solutions for complex or contentious issues.
Provide technical assistance to program staff to ensure accuracy and alignment in rules and provider billing documents.
Serve as back‑up to, and assist, HCA’s Rules Coordinator.
Train new ORP staff on processes for developing WAC, Washington Apple Health billing guides, and GovDelivery messages.
Represent ORP’s Section Manager as needed.
Required qualifications: Qualifying candidates will meet
one
of the following criteria options:
Option 1 : Master’s degree from an accredited college with major study in technical writing/English, public health, public administration, business administration, or related field and three (3) years of the required experience below.
Option 2 : Bachelor’s degree in a field identified above, and five (5) years of the required experience below.
Option 3 : Nine (9) years of the required experience below.
Option 4 : One year as a Health Care Program Specialist (HCPS) – formerly the MAPS classification.
The required experience includes the following :
Professional experience in rules, policy, technical, or manual writing, which includes the promulgation of health service, social service, or Medicaid WAC.
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Demonstrated knowledge, understanding, and application of the statutes and rules that regulate Washington State rule making, including the Administrative Procedures Act (Chapter 34.05 RCW), the Regulatory Fairness Act (Chapter 19.85 RCW), and the Code Reviser regulations in Chapter 1-21 WAC.
Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely, applying clear writing and “Plain Talk” principles.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including internal colleagues and top management, and external customers.
Demonstrated ability to de‑escalate conflict situations.
Demonstrated skills in negotiating, problem solving, consultation, and diplomacy.
Preferred qualifications:
Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.
Extensive knowledge of the requirements in chapter 34.05 RCW (the Administrative Procedure Act), chapter 19.85 RCW (the Regulatory Fairness Act), and Executive Order 05-03 on Plain talk.
Strong management and communication skills.
Experience writing and promulgating Washington Administrative Code for a state agency.
Demonstrated ability to organize, facilitate, lead, and manage multiple, simultaneous teams, work groups, and projects.
Demonstrated strategic planning skills to ensure appropriate rule and document development. Demonstrated computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Documented regular and reliable attendance.
How to apply: Only candidates who reflect the required 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 which includes three professional references and attach:
A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position.
Current resume.
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
Attach a copy of your DD‑214 (Member 4 long‑form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
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.
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!
Notes: 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.
HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee‑led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E‑Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
#J-18808-Ljbffr