Occupational Nurse Consultant (ONC/CQCT) - Project

Occupational Nurse Consultant (ONC/CQCT) - Project

71108564

This is a project position funded through 6/30/2028.

The Occupational Nurse Consultant (ONC) serves as the program manager for Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) initiatives in Washington State. This position blends nursing expertise with program leadership to design and implement services that address both medical and social needs, ensuring equitable access to care for diverse and underserved communities. Ideal candidates bring the ability to analyze complex programs, foster cross sector collaboration, and apply Medicaid policy knowledge and health care delivery experience to lead initiatives that drive meaningful sustainable change. 

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:

The mission of the Clinical Quality and Care Transformation (CQCT) within the Health Care Authority (HCA) is to provide high quality health care through innovative health policies and purchasing strategies which assist in the purchase and delivery of health care services to qualified Washington citizens. CQCT staff work across the agency and between agencies (Department of Health, Department of Social and Health Services, etc.) and in partnership with health care providers and community stakeholders to develop, implement and manage high-quality, evidence-based health care programs that enhance clients’ ability to access appropriate, quality health care.

About the position:
This Occupational Nurse Consultant (ONC) serves as the Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) program manager and nurse consultant within the Health Care Services unit. In this role, The ONC provides clinical expertise and program leadership to develop and oversees services that address both health and social needs, ensuring care is medically appropriate and accessible. Key responsibilities include developing policies and billing guides, providing clinical oversight, and supporting programs related to nutrition, home modification and other needs. The ONC will work with the internal and external partners to advance health equity, strengthen care delivery and expand access to care for underserved communities.

This position is eligible to telework but is occasionally required to report on-site to meet business need. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (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:

• Lead the development and oversight of statewide Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) program expectations within the Apple Health delivery system, ensuring alignment with agency goals and health equity priorities.
• Provide expert clinical consultation and policy guidance to internal staff, providers, payers, community partners, and other stakeholders to support effective program implementation.
• Develop, revise, and implement agency policies, procedures, contracts, billing instructions, clinical criteria, and utilization management standards to ensure medically appropriate and accessible services.
• Collaborate across agencies, tribes, and external partners to align policies with program design and promote culturally responsive, community-driven solutions.
• Make evidence-based clinical and coverage decisions for Apple Health benefits, including interpretation of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and updates to provider guidance.
• Serve as a clinical resource and subject matter expert for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring consistent application of policy and regulations.
• Analyze clinical and program data to evaluate outcomes, monitor quality, and inform program improvements.
• Represent Medicaid in statewide initiatives, interagency workgroups, and quality improvement efforts, contributing to care model innovations and policy negotiations.
• Support legislative and regulatory processes by conducting bill analyses, preparing reports, and advising leadership on policy and cost implications.
• Provide technical assistance, training, and education to providers, staff, and community partners to strengthen program understanding and compliance.
• Support legislative activities, including bill analysis and preparing required legislative reports, while advising leadership on policy, cost, and utilization implications.

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1: 

Master’s degree in nursing, an active, unrestricted Washington State Registered Nurse license or Multi-State License, and two (2) years of the required experience below

Option 2:

Bachelor's degree in nursing, an active, unrestricted Washington State Registered Nurse license or Multi-State License and three (3) years of the required experience below

Option 3: 

An active, unrestricted Washington State Registered Nurse license or Multi-State License and (5) years of the required experience below

The required experience includes: 

• Clinical or functional nursing experience 
• Nursing or healthcare-related administrative, consultative, or case management experience 

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing or Bachelor's in closely allied field
• Functional nursing experience in Medicaid programs, including Fee for Service, Managed care and waiver services, and experience in care coordination.
• Knowledge of HCA structure, systems, communication methods, and forms
• Experience analyzing and drafting Medicaid State Plan Amendments, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Medicaid Provider Guides, and technical reports.

Required Competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors):

• Understanding of healthcare and social services delivery, nursing practice/administration, cultural competency, and equity principles.
• Experience working with diverse client populations and promoting inclusive, culturally responsive program development.

Skills and abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including technical and non-technical report writing, presentations, and meeting facilitation for a wide variety of audiences (e.g., legislature, managed care organizations, providers, and state agency staff).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively across systems.
• Independently manage competing timelines to meet critical deadlines and manage multiple projects concurrently.

Behaviors:

• Commitment to ethical conduct, HCA core values, inclusive work environments, and flexible approaches to work assignments.

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 DD214 (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. 

About HCA: 
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 of 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.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby. 
• Tuition reimbursement
• And free parking! 

Notes:

Please note, salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. Per State HR guidance, nursing salaries are considered a “special pay range” and details on that range can be found here: N Range details. The salary range listed in the job posting includes steps A-U. Step U is a longevity step and is typically gained six years into being assigned step T in your permanent salary range.

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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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