Regional Tribal Liaison, North Sound Region (HCPS/OTA)

The Opportunity: The Office of Tribal Affairs is seeking a Regional Tribal Liaison to represent HCA to Tribes, Indian Health Care Providers (IHCPs), and non-Tribal providers in the North Sound Region. By delegation from the HCA Tribal Liaison under chapter 43.376 RCW, you will support government-to-government relations with Tribes in the region and serve as the primary point of contact and ombudsperson for concerns affecting Tribes, IHCPs, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals. You will also help implement the Washington Indian Health Improvement Act by providing consultation on Medicaid and related federal requirements.

Key Responsibilities Include: Serve as HCA's primary point of contact in the North Sound Region for Tribes, Indian health care providers, and AI/AN applicants and recipients of HCA services. Act as ombudsperson by connecting concerns with the right HCA staff, tracking them to resolution, and identifying their causes. Analyze issue data to identify systemic barriers to services, and prepare reports and recommendations, including for the Governor's Indian Health Advisory Council. Facilitate care coordination and affiliation agreements between the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribes, and non-IHS/non-Tribal organizations to implement the Washington Indian Health Improvement Act. Train and provide technical assistance to IHS and Tribal staff on achieving 100% federal financial participation in compliance with CMS requirements, and monitor data for compliance. Develop and maintain a government-to-government work plan with each Tribe in the region and facilitate meetings between Tribal and HCA staff. Train non-Tribal organizations and agencies on state-Tribal intergovernmental relations, Tribal sovereignty, and Indian health care systems. Prepare materials and minutes for HCA meetings with Tribes and other Indian health care providers. Why You’ll Love This Role: You'll strengthen the government-to-government relationship between Washington State and the sovereign Tribal Nations of the North Sound Region. You'll help remove barriers to care and improve access to health services for AI/AN people in your own region. Your work brings in additional Tribal funding that is reinvested through the Indian Health Improvement Reinvestment Account. You'll work from home in the North Sound Region, with regular opportunities to connect in person with Tribes and partners.

What You Bring: You build trust through respect, cultural humility, and a genuine understanding of Tribal sovereignty and government-to-government protocols. You listen carefully to people from diverse backgrounds, including AI/AN communities, and can translate what you hear into clear recommendations for policymakers and decision-makers. You write clearly and concisely, follow complex issues through to resolution, and are comfortable facilitating meetings that bring together Tribes, health care providers, and state agencies.

Required Qualifications: Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and application. The ability to learn, manage, and anticipate Government-to-Government protocols in daily work. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Suite software, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Demonstrated ability to engage, interact, and work with people from diverse backgrounds, including diverse American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) backgrounds, with cross-cultural humility and respect. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing, using plain English, bullets and parallel structure, and good grammar, and without using the passive voice. Demonstrated ability to write accurate and concise summaries or descriptions of events or discussions. Demonstrated ability to read and summarize policy or regulatory documents.

Required Competencies: Equity lens – All HCA employees are required to consider equity in their decisions, processes, and day-to-day work, including how their work may affect the people and communities we serve. The ability to take action to learn and grow – You take action to learn and grow by seeking new perspectives, learning from experiences, and using what you’ve learned to continuously improve how you work and serve others. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others – You take action to meet the needs of others by listening, understanding different perspectives, and responding with care, respect, and solutions that support the people of the communities we serve.

Preferred Qualifications: While these are not required, having them may help you stand out as an applicant. Experience working in or with an Indian Health Service (IHS)-funded program, including direct service IHS, Tribal health programs under Title I or Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, and urban Indian organizations. Demonstrated supervisory or consultative experience in health services, social services, Medicaid, or social security disability programs. Personal knowledge and understanding of Tribal government operations and Washington State government operations. Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings of individuals from different organizations and/or diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to analyze laws, regulations, or policies and apply them to specific cases or situations One or more physical or behavioral health care professional licenses issued by a state or a Tribe. Demonstrated ability to actively listen to people from diverse backgrounds, including diverse AI/AN backgrounds, with a focus on understanding what they have to say and serving as a translator to policymakers and decision-makers. A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited university in physical or behavioral health care, public or business administration, public health, social work, or a closely related field. About the Office of Tribal Affairs (OTA) The Office of Tribal Affairs exists to support, strengthen, and honor our state's government-to-government relationship and unique partnership with Tribes. We work to ensure Washington State recognizes and protects the interests, rights, and sovereignty of Tribal Nations. The Washington State Health Care Authority: Better Health. Better Care. A Healthier Washington. At HCA, we work to ensure people across Washington have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. As the State’s largest health care purchaser and behavioral health authority, HCA serves nearly 3 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs, and behavioral health services. Through this work, HCA purchases and coordinated care coverage, supports behavioral health prevention, treatment, crisis response, and recovery and helps strengthen access to high -quality care across Washington. More than a benefits package: We want our employees to have the support, flexibility, and benefits they need to do their best work and build a career that works for their life. As a Washington State HCA employee, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Our benefits are designed to support you today while helping you plan for the future. Learn more about why HCA by visiting the Voices of HCA and the "Who we are" section of our website. Remote work and flexible schedules Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance Paid vacation, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays Paid Family and Medical Leave (PMFL) Retirement options to plan for the future Training and professional development opportunities Employee wellness programs Learn more about Washington State Employee Benefits Your total compensation is more than your paycheck: Work Location and Schedule: This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week home-based position. You must reside near the San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, or Whatcom County (the North Sound Region) to meet in person with Tribes, Indian health care providers, and non-Tribal entities, provide in-person consultation, and build professional working relationships. Occasional travel within the region is required, and a valid driver's license is required when operating a vehicle on state business. Our standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with alternative work schedules considered based on business needs and supervisor approval. All employees are required to report to our Olympia office on their first and final day of employment. Our commitment to an inclusive workplace The Health Care Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees are respected, included, and supported in bringing their experiences, perspectives, and ideas to work. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in how we work together and serve the people of Washington. HCA also supports five voluntary employee led Employee Resources Groups (ERGs), which create opportunities for connection, community, learning, and professional growth. Veterans We value the experience and skill veterans bring to the workforce and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Eligible veterans may qualify for veterans’ preference in accordance with Washington State Law. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must attach your applicable DD-214 documentation to your application. Please redact your social security number, date of birth, and any other sensitive information before uploading and attaching the document. 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. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.