To learn more about the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and our Assistant Secretary role, please see our Executive Brochure.

About the Role

Every day, the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) staff deliver care and safety in Washington’s most complex behavioral health and habilitation settings, from state hospitals to secure community facilities. Behind every program are Washingtonians whose recovery, dignity, and well-being depend on us.

The Assistant Secretary reports directly to the Secretary of DSHS and leads one of the state’s largest 24/7 systems, overseeing state hospitals, forensic services, secure commitment facilities, and habilitation programs. Because these facilities operate around the clock, the Assistant Secretary carries on-call responsibility, providing visible, decisive leadership whenever critical issues arise. With nearly 8,000 staff and a biennial budget of $2.7 billion, the Assistant Secretary must bring both operational discipline and cultural leadership to ensure stability, accountability, and trust across the system.

What Success Looks Like

• Clear crisis management protocols are in place and consistently applied.
• Visible cultural progress is underway, with staff reporting stronger trust and accountability.
• Headquarters and field operations are aligned, with silos broken down, and communication strengthened.
• The Secretary and leadership team count on this role as a trusted advisor, someone who brings solutions forward and anticipates risks and opportunities.
• BHHA’s leadership is recognized by labor, tribal, and community leaders as credible, transparent, and collaborative.

The Type of Leadership DSHS Needs

• Calm and decisive in crisis, with the judgment to act quickly and the composure to inspire confidence.
• Inclusive and unifying, able to bridge divides and bring diverse voices into shared purpose.
• Strategic and forward-looking, balancing immediate operational demands with long-term system transformation.
• Authentic and transparent, modeling accountability and trust in every interaction.

Key Priorities

• Strengthen Operational Stability and Crisis Readiness- Ensure BHHA’s 24/7 facilities are prepared to manage high-stakes incidents and safety concerns with consistency and confidence. This role carries on-call responsibility, requiring sound judgment and visible leadership at all hours.
• Lead Cultural Renewal- Build a respectful, accountable culture by addressing workplace concerns directly, strengthening engagement, and increasing leadership visibility. Model the values of trust, inclusion, and transparency to unify a large, mission-driven workforce.
• Reconnect Headquarters and Field- Break down silos and foster alignment between headquarters and field operations. Strengthen communication, build shared goals, and foster unity across diverse service areas.
• Build Executive Presence and Strategic Influence- Represent BHHA with clarity and confidence in legislative, external, and senior-level forums. Work in close partnership with communications teams, agency leaders, and external partners to align messaging, elevate BHHA’s external presence, and project a strong, consistent voice. Provide timely, solution-focused briefings to the Secretary and DSHS leadership on emerging priorities, risks, and opportunities.

Supplemental Information

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Competencies and Leadership Capabilities

• Executive Leadership in Complex Systems
• Crisis Management and Decision Making
• Organizational Change and Culture Building
• Strategic Communication and Influence
• Political and Stakeholder Acumen
• Collaboration and Partnership
• Operational and Financial Stewardship

Education: A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, Social Services, Health and Human Services, or related fields is preferred but not required.