Description

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional to step into a leadership role within the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs, ensuring the accurate and effective administration of benefits for employees and their dependents. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of supervisory experience and a minimum of five years of expertise in policy analysis, business operations, or project leadership. In this role, you will oversee contracts, lead a team managing benefits accounts through the Benefits 24/7 system, and spearhead the development of comprehensive training programs. You will also manage business projects and deliver presentations to employer groups. With a background in healthcare project management, this position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the flexibility of teleworking and a comprehensive benefits package.

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 Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is the state's largest healthcare purchaser and behavioral health authority, dedicated to ensuring residents have access to comprehensive health care. Its three core pillars include Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), and the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB), along with behavioral health and recovery services. The Employees and Retirees Benefits (ERB) Division manages a $5 billion budget and provides insurance coverage for over 725,000 lives through PEBB and SEBB programs, offering health benefits to state employees, retirees, school employees, and their dependents. Both programs focus on value-based purchasing and align with the Triple Aim of better health, better care, and better costs.

About the position:
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to supervise and lead a team that assists Benefit Administrators (BAs) in the effective administration of employee benefits under the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs. In this supervisory role, you will oversee a team responsible for providing support and guidance to organizations purchasing benefits through the PEBB and SEBB Programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and enhancing operational efficiency. As a subject-matter expert, you will provide consultation on eligibility determination, benefits selection, and enrollment procedures. Key responsibilities include developing and refining standard operating procedures, collaborating with internal teams to correct subscriber account errors, managing the creation and dissemination of critical communications such as rate letters, and ensuring organizations have access to current tools and resources. Additionally, you will lead project and process improvement initiatives, supervise a team of staff members, and serve as the primary point of contact for employer groups. You will oversee employer group onboarding, including contract management and coordination with legal teams, and participate in strategic planning to align organizational practices with PEBB/SEBB standards. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

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. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Leads oversight, support, monitoring, and follow-up actions for organizations purchasing benefits through the PEBB and SEBB Programs.
• Acts as a subject-matter expert on PEBB and SEBB Programs, ensuring materials are accurate, clear, and compliant with prevailing rules, policies, and operational processes to maintain program integrity and clarity.
• Guides and provides consultation to BAs on emerging state or federal mandates, updates to PEBB and SEBB Programs, and initiatives impacting employee benefit accounts to foster continuous education and seamless implementation.
• Responsible for crafting, refining, and reviewing strategic standard operating procedures.
• Collaborates with the Error Correction team to identify and rectify errors in subscriber accounts, ensuring actions align with WACs, RCWs, and PEBB/SEBB policies and procedures to maintain subscriber data accuracy.
• Manages the timely creation, review, and dissemination of rate letters, ensuring spring rate letters are sent by May and fall rate letters by September to provide accurate information to stakeholders.
• Ensures PEBB and SEBB organizations are equipped with current tools and resources.
• Produces and oversees the production of complex reports for use by statewide State Agency, SEBB Organization, and employer group representatives responsible for administering the PEBB and SEBB programs, providing reports directly to organizations via upload in the Benefits 24/7 Data Depot.
• Maintains the accuracy and consistency of project tracking mechanisms to optimize internal communication and project management.
• Actively leads or contributes to project and process improvement initiatives to drive interdepartmental efficiency and effectiveness.
• Takes a central role in project improvement teams, focusing on the development and refinement of business processes.
• Efficiently coordinates and delegates project tasks to direct report staff, streamlining project execution and leveraging team expertise.
• Manages the timely and accurate processing of monthly reports, ensuring compliance with established standards.
• Strategically identifies and negotiates crucial project schedules and milestones.
• Offers onboarding support to qualified employers that opt to purchase benefits from the PEBB and SEBB Programs.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:
Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration or a related field, One (1) year of supervisory experience, and five (5) years of the required experience below

Option 2:
One (1) year of supervisory experience and Nine (9) years of the required experience below

The required experience includes two or more of the following:

• Supervising
• Managing business operations
• Conducting research
• Analyzing healthcare policies, laws, rules, or regulations
• Conducting business analysis and developing requirements
• Leading business projects
• Business policy development

In addition , two (2) years of concurrent professional experience will include:

• Performing project management oversight in a health care-related field or environment, including organizing and leading projects in a complex environment, motivating individuals and groups to action, tracking and reporting operational results, and developing business plans.
• Developing and presenting training programs, as well as researching and analyzing best practices in a training environment.
• Delivering presentations to large groups.
• Developing and maintaining constructive working relationships among individuals with differing interests and responding to the needs of external customers.
• Providing personnel management, including leadership and managing staff, setting goals, focusing resources, monitoring progress, and achieving success, as well as resolving difficult or complex problems.
• Monitoring customer compliance and developing and implementing corrective action plans.

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of agency and state rules regarding the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program.
• One or more years of experience using spreadsheet databases.
• One or more years of experience using presentation software such as Power Point and Web Casting.
• Two or more years of experience developing and implementing a marketing program.
• Demonstrated customer orientation, creativity, writing skills, and the ability to see how new technology could be applied to the PEBB Program.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum 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.

Supplemental Information

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:
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.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022