WDVA Counseling and Wellness Programs Senior Manager, Full-Time - Permanent, Olympia Central Office
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary : $79,944.00 - $142,512.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-01776
Department: Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Division: Vet Services, Counseling and Wellness
Opening Date: 03/07/2025
Closing Date: 3/28/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Counseling and Wellness Programs Senior Manager
WMS Band III
Full-Time - Permanent
Olympia Central Office
Are you passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of Veterans and their Families? Here is your opportunity! We are seeking a dynamic Counseling and Wellness Programs Senior Manager to lead and oversee six statewide programs dedicated to advocacy, support, and mental health services for Washington's 525,000 Veterans and their loved ones.
In this role, you will provide strategic leadership, manage daily operations, and ensure the long-term success of programs that directly enhance community well-being. With oversight of 40+ contract therapists and subcontractors, you will play a key role in contractor selection, supervision, fiscal management, and program development. You will also supervise, mentor, and lead a team of four direct reports and a total of 21 full-time employees.
If you have a strong background in leadership, program administration, and mental health services, and are ready to drive meaningful change in Washington state - we encourage you to apply now!
Please Note:Standard business hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday in-office at our Central Office in Olympia. This position requires regular local travel for meetings and to WDVA locations throughout the state. A hybrid remote work schedule may be approved at the supervisor's discretion, with the understanding that components of the Counseling and Wellness Programs Senior Manager's role require in-person, face-to-face communication.
At the , we are passionate about our mission of "Serving Those Who Served." As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.
Duties
Some of what you'll do:
*Complete Position Description available upon request*
Qualifications
Required:
Preferred/Desired:
Special Requirements:
Supplemental Information
Application Process:
Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.
Please include the following documents with your application: 1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Other Information:
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency's greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
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 (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 (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 , 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
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
01
Do you have a master's degree from an accredited university?
02
How many years of demonstrated leadership and management experience do you have in a professional business setting?
03
Please describe your experience providing direct services to your community, including your experience managing programs that facilitate mental health services directly to the community. Please note, if your response does not demonstrate the Required Qualifications, your application may not be moved forward for consideration. Responses such as "see resume" for this and subsequent questions will not be considered and will result in an incomplete application. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
04
Please describe your experience in leadership and management, including your experience in a supervisory role and the functions you performed/oversaw. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
05
Please describe your knowledge of evidence-based practices, including your experience in navigating and facilitating access to a variety of social and mental health services based on client need. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
06
Please describe your experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs, including your demonstrated ability to assess needs, design effective interventions, and measure program outcomes. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
07
How did you learn of this opportunity?
08
If you answered "other" or "employee referral", please list below. If neither, please type "N/A".
Required Question
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-01776
Department: Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Division: Vet Services, Counseling and Wellness
Opening Date: 03/07/2025
Closing Date: 3/28/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Counseling and Wellness Programs Senior Manager
WMS Band III
Full-Time - Permanent
Olympia Central Office
Are you passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of Veterans and their Families? Here is your opportunity! We are seeking a dynamic Counseling and Wellness Programs Senior Manager to lead and oversee six statewide programs dedicated to advocacy, support, and mental health services for Washington's 525,000 Veterans and their loved ones.
In this role, you will provide strategic leadership, manage daily operations, and ensure the long-term success of programs that directly enhance community well-being. With oversight of 40+ contract therapists and subcontractors, you will play a key role in contractor selection, supervision, fiscal management, and program development. You will also supervise, mentor, and lead a team of four direct reports and a total of 21 full-time employees.
If you have a strong background in leadership, program administration, and mental health services, and are ready to drive meaningful change in Washington state - we encourage you to apply now!
Please Note:Standard business hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday in-office at our Central Office in Olympia. This position requires regular local travel for meetings and to WDVA locations throughout the state. A hybrid remote work schedule may be approved at the supervisor's discretion, with the understanding that components of the Counseling and Wellness Programs Senior Manager's role require in-person, face-to-face communication.
At the , we are passionate about our mission of "Serving Those Who Served." As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.
Duties
Some of what you'll do:
- Represent community advocacy and support services throughout Washington state.
- Report directly to the Assistant Director and provide leadership and oversight of six distinct programs, including the Outpatient Counseling Program, Veterans Conservation Corps, Vet Corps, Suicide Prevention Program, Brain Injury and Recovery Program, the Veterans Training Support Center, and the Veterans Farm Program.
- Ensure all managed programs address identified needs found among Veterans and promote posttraumatic growth and wellness through either professional counseling, professional development and training, peer-to-peer mentoring, and/or case management.
- Oversee program management, fiscal, and clinical oversight of 40-plus contract therapists and their subcontractors, contractor selection, supervision, education, contract creation, and contract monitoring for compliance.
- Lead and manage all personnel, contractors, and funding of Counseling and Wellness Programs.
- Manage the recruitment and selection of Counseling and Wellness staff.
- Assist the Assistant Director with preparing major decision packages to continue and supplement program services, research alternative funding sources, initiate funding proposals, and develop grant requests for federal funding.
- Serve as the subject matter expert on policy issues involving a wide range of programs and services provided to Veterans and their Families, including complex programs such as Post-Traumatic Growth, Suicide Prevention, Military Sexual Trauma, and other military service behavioral health challenges.
- Oversee conference planning and budget.
- Actively guide and consider how the Counseling and Wellness Program can best offer consultation and support to the WDVA Homes' program.
*Complete Position Description available upon request*
Qualifications
Required:
- A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Experience must be relevant to the position.
- Master's degree from an accredited university.
- Five (5) years of demonstrated leadership and management experience in a professional business setting.
- Experience in:
- Providing Direct Services to the Community: Managing programs that facilitate mental health services directly to the community.
- Leadership and Management: Supervising and managing staff, developing and implementing programs, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical guidelines.
- Evidence-Based Practices: Navigating and facilitating access to a variety of social and mental health services based on client need.
- Program Development and Evaluation: Developing, implementing, and evaluating programs with a demonstrated ability to assess needs, designing effective interventions, and measuring program outcomes.
Preferred/Desired:
- Education:
- Master's degree from an accredited university in psychology or a related field.
- Experience:
- Experience in the management of mental health providers or related social services program where clinical oversight was required.
- Knowledge and awareness of:
- Military culture and the unique stressors and resilience factors that Veterans and their Families experience.
- PTSD modalities and treatment, MST, TBI, Veteran suicide, LGBTQ+ issues, and women Veteran issues; experience working with groups impacted by these issues.
- Competencies:
- Demonstrated senior-level skills in project management, strategic planning, budget development/execution, contracting, and reporting.
- Strong understanding of government operations, including ethical standards, customer service, business operations, and interpersonal relation and coalition building.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize need for process and performance improvement and ability to develop and implement requisite process improvement techniques.
Special Requirements:
- Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. 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 position.
- Must maintain regular and reliable attendance.
- Must successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual in-service and other required training.
- Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
- In an emergency, employees may be asked to stay for an extended period of time and perform duties appropriate to the situation.
- Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
- Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
- Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
Supplemental Information
Application Process:
Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.
Please include the following documents with your application: 1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Other Information:
- This position is non-represented.
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency's greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
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 (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 (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 , 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
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
01
Do you have a master's degree from an accredited university?
- Yes
- No
02
How many years of demonstrated leadership and management experience do you have in a professional business setting?
- I do not have this experience.
- I have less than five years of experience.
- I have between five and six years of experience.
- I have seven or more years of experience.
03
Please describe your experience providing direct services to your community, including your experience managing programs that facilitate mental health services directly to the community. Please note, if your response does not demonstrate the Required Qualifications, your application may not be moved forward for consideration. Responses such as "see resume" for this and subsequent questions will not be considered and will result in an incomplete application. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
04
Please describe your experience in leadership and management, including your experience in a supervisory role and the functions you performed/oversaw. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
05
Please describe your knowledge of evidence-based practices, including your experience in navigating and facilitating access to a variety of social and mental health services based on client need. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
06
Please describe your experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs, including your demonstrated ability to assess needs, design effective interventions, and measure program outcomes. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
07
How did you learn of this opportunity?
- Careers.wa.gov
- Indeed or other online job site
- Career or job fair
- WDVA Employee Referral
- Military transition event
- Other
08
If you answered "other" or "employee referral", please list below. If neither, please type "N/A".
Required Question