Description

Medicaid Transportation Program Manager (HCPM/MPD)

71028910

The salary advertised reflects the 2% GWI for employees on July 1, 2026.

This is a great opportunity for a strategic, detail-oriented professional to serve as the statewide policy expert for Washington’s Non-Emergency Medical Transportation program (federal and state program ensuring Medicaid clients can access medical care). The ideal candidate brings strong data analysis skills (Excel, Tableau, Power BI), experience managing large transportation systems and statewide projects, and familiarity with the laws governing non-emergency medical transportation. The Medicaid Transportation Program Manager (Health Care Program Manager) will also have the ability to manage complex budgets and communicate effectively across all levels.

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 Medicaid Programs Division (MPD) within the Health Care Authority (HCA) is to provide high quality administrative services to assist in the purchase and delivery of medical assistance program services to clients and members. MPD works across the agency and in partnership with the health care community and community stakeholders to develop and manage high-quality, evidence-based health care programs, and purchase services that enhance Medicaid clients’ ability to access appropriate, quality health care. This supports the mission of providing quality services that enhance our clients’ ability to obtain and access health care.

About the position:

Within MPD the Community Services Section, the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program (NEMT) provides the assurance of access to medical services, as required by federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This assurance of access is one of the conditions placed on the State of Washington to receive federal fiscal participation in the delivery of healthcare services for citizens of this state on Medicaid. As a result, the NEMT program is involved in all Medicaid health care programs that include a transportation benefit, requiring staff to have an exceptionally broad base of knowledge to be successful. Within the NEMT unit, this position is designated as the statewide policy and planning subject matter expert.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. 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. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Ongoing statewide policy development activities for the NEMT program primarily determine policy application and exceptions
• Policy Development and WAC/State Plan writing to update program rules when necessary.
• Process monthly invoices and quarterly performance incentive/penalty calculations. Confirm proper account coding, confirm 100% FMAP coding for eligible tribal trips.
• Develop focused pilots to test viability of policy adjustment to improve service delivery.
• Develop and maintain clear Memorandums of Understandings/Working Agreements with internal stakeholders that utilize NEMT program for client access to services.
• Design and develop new incentives/disincentives to improve contractor performance.
• Contract Amendment development and execution.
• Contract Procurement, development, and management activities for the NEMT program.
• Participate as needed in internal/external workgroups; provide expert program oversight and consultation to HCA staff, medical providers, constituents and advocates, and all issues related to the federal NEMT programs
• Review and evaluate proposed legislation; review and interpret federal Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and state Washington Administrative Code (WAC), and other regulations as needed; amend, as necessary, the State Plan, Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and WAC; analyze and prepare bill analysis.
• Interpret Medicaid scope of care, eligibility for services and applicability of RCWs, WACs, State Plan and state policies, and share this information as appropriate with other parties, including Brokers, State Legislators, and clients.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive program monitoring plan to ensure broker contract compliance meets the terms and conditions of these statewide contracts; performs on-site and desk monitoring reviews of statewide broker contracts to ensure services are provided according to all contractual terms and conditions.
• Maintain and update Internal Knowledge Base.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

Master’s degree or higher in public health, behavioral health, public administration, business administration, social work, or closely related field and three (3) years of professional consultative or supervisory experience in health services, social services, Medicaid, behavioral health, or other health care programs.

Option 2:

Bachelor's degree in a field identified above, and five (5) years of professional consultative or supervisory experience in health services, social services, Medicaid, behavioral health, or other health care programs.

Option 3:

Associate degree in a field identified above, and seven (7) years of professional consultative or supervisory experience in health services, social services, Medicaid, behavioral health, or other health care programs.

Option 4:

Nine (9) years of professional consultative or supervisory experience in health services, social services, Medicaid, behavioral health, or other health care programs.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Effectively organize and prioritize in a multi-task, multi-priority environment, balance competing demands, and advance assigned projects from inception to completion. This includes the ability to make decisions independently or as a team member.
• Organize and prioritize a wide range of responsibilities, utilize available resources efficiently and negotiate agreement with stakeholders with differing demands and expectations.
• Think strategically and operate in an environment that includes active legislative and judicial partners and a variety of collaborative stakeholders.
• Experience formulating, interpreting, and implementing policy within large systems.
• Experience implementing and managing large statewide projects across programs and administrations.
• Experience working directly with applicable CFRs, RCWs, WACs, and State Plan governing non-emergency transportation.
• Experience managing a complex budget with multiple funding streams and accounting codes.
• Experience formulating, interpreting, and implementing policy.
• Experience with managing or operating within a large transportation system.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing across a broad spectrum of professional/managerial levels, with medical care providers, contractors, and with public assistance clients.
• Experience conducting contract negotiations and developing monitoring plans.
• Strong data analysis skills using programs such as MS Office, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, SQL, and Snowflake.
• Strong presentation skills.

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 in separate files:

• 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.
• 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.

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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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026