What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS Assistant Secretary of Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration position at State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...?
Description
DSHS Assistant Secretary, Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration
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 community 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 more than $1.7 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 create a sense of 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.
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.
Why Apply for This Role
This is more than an executive role, it’s a chance to shape statewide policy, influence national conversations and represent BHHA with clarity and confidence before legislators, tribal partners, and community leaders. At this defining moment, your leadership will not only stabilize crisis-prone systems but also elevate BHHA’s voice and rebuild a culture rooted in respect and resilience.
This is your opportunity to leave a legacy, strengthening systems and transforming lives across Washington State.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted through December 15th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Please email a resume and cover letter to tracie.kidd@dshs.wa.gov, highlighting your interest in the role and the competencies and leadership capabilities outlined in this profile.
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
Supplemental Information
