Transforming School Culture with Empathy and Trauma-Informed Practices
Integrating Trauma-Informed Practices into School Policies
To effectively support students affected by trauma, school districts must embed trauma-informed strategies within policies, procedures, and daily operations. This includes revising discipline policies to avoid punitive responses that can re-traumatize students. For example, replacing zero-tolerance policies with restorative justice practices allows students to reflect on their behavior, make amends, and remain engaged in the learning environment. The U.S. Department of Education encourages districts to adopt trauma-sensitive approaches that emphasize relationships, trust, and equity in discipline and classroom management strategies1.
Implementation begins with leadership. School administrators must prioritize professional development that equips teachers, counselors, and support staff to recognize the signs of trauma and respond appropriately. Training should emphasize the importance of predictable routines, consistent support, and safe environments. Municipal education departments can support this by allocating funding specifically for trauma-informed training and by encouraging interdepartmental partnerships between schools, health departments, and social services. These collaborations are critical in building a network of care around each child2.
Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments
Children who have experienced trauma often display heightened sensitivity to changes in routine, authority figures, or perceived threats in their surroundings. Schools can respond by creating environments that are physically and emotionally safe. This includes designing classrooms with predictable routines, clear expectations, and visual cues that help students anticipate transitions. Teachers should be encouraged to use calming strategies such as mindfulness exercises or sensory tools that help students regulate their emotions3.
In addition, safe environments require a commitment to relationship-building. Research shows that students with at least one trusted adult in school are more likely to succeed academically and emotionally, even when experiencing adversity4. Schools should implement advisory periods, mentoring programs, or morning meetings to facilitate authentic connections between educators and students. Municipal leaders can support this by promoting funding models that prioritize smaller class sizes and full-time counselors, both of which enhance the capacity for individualized support.
School-Community Partnerships for Trauma Support
Schools cannot address trauma alone. Municipal governments have a direct role to play in facilitating partnerships between school districts and community-based mental health providers. These partnerships can take the form of school-based health centers, on-site therapists, or crisis response teams. Cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles have successfully embedded mental health professionals in schools through interagency agreements and shared funding models5.
To sustain these efforts, municipalities should convene regular cross-sector meetings that include educators, public health officials, law enforcement, and housing authorities. These meetings allow stakeholders to share data, identify gaps in services, and align strategies for student wellness. For example, if police or child protective services respond to a traumatic incident involving a student, school personnel must be informed immediately so they can provide appropriate support. This requires data-sharing agreements and strong protocols, all of which fall within the purview of municipal education and youth services departments6.
Monitoring and Evaluating Trauma-Informed Approaches
To ensure that trauma-informed practices are effective, school districts must establish systems for monitoring implementation and outcomes. Key performance indicators should include reductions in suspensions, improvements in attendance, and increases in student-reported feelings of safety and belonging. These metrics must be disaggregated by race, income, and disability status to ensure that interventions are equitably serving all students7.
Municipal governments can assist by offering data analysis support and sharing evaluation tools with school districts. Cities with centralized data systems can help track long-term student outcomes across agencies, such as mental health referrals, juvenile justice involvement, or housing instability. These insights allow school leaders to refine practices and demonstrate the value of trauma-informed investments to elected officials and the broader community8.
Professional Development and Workforce Capacity
Building a trauma-informed school culture requires more than occasional training sessions. Municipal education officials should advocate for sustained, embedded professional development that includes coaching, peer learning communities, and ongoing reflection. Topics should include the neurobiology of trauma, de-escalation techniques, and culturally responsive teaching strategies that affirm students’ identities9.
Additionally, workforce development strategies must address staff well-being. Teachers and school staff are often exposed to secondary trauma, which can lead to burnout and attrition. Municipal leaders can support initiatives that provide mental health support for educators, such as employee assistance programs or wellness stipends. Investing in the well-being of school staff not only improves retention but also models the kind of care that trauma-informed cultures seek to provide to students10.
Policy Recommendations for Municipal Leaders
Municipal leaders have several levers to advance trauma-informed education. First, they can incorporate trauma-responsive language and priorities into citywide education plans and funding allocations. Second, they can champion policies that promote stable housing, food security, and neighborhood safety, all of which reduce the likelihood of childhood trauma. These upstream measures are essential complements to in-school interventions11.
Finally, cities can serve as conveners and capacity-builders. By hosting joint trainings, issuing guidance documents, or launching pilot initiatives, municipal governments can help schools integrate trauma-informed principles into their everyday operations. When city and school leaders work in tandem, they can create an ecosystem of support that fosters resilience, equity, and academic success for all students.
Bibliography
U.S. Department of Education. 2021. “Supporting Child and Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Needs.” https://www2.ed.gov/documents/students/supporting-child-student-social-emotional-behavioral-mental-health.pdf.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 2014. “SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach.” https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network. 2017. “Creating, Supporting, and Sustaining Trauma-Informed Schools: A System Framework.” https://www.nctsn.org/resources/creating-supporting-and-sustaining-trauma-informed-schools-system-framework.
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. 2016. “From Best Practices to Breakthrough Impacts.” https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/from-best-practices-to-breakthrough-impacts/.
Los Angeles Unified School District. 2022. “School Mental Health Programs.” https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/12124.
Chicago Public Schools. 2020. “Office of Student Health and Wellness.” https://www.cps.edu/about/departments/office-of-student-health-and-wellness/.
American Institutes for Research. 2021. “Are Trauma-Informed Schools Realistic?” https://www.air.org/resource/report/are-trauma-informed-schools-realistic.
Urban Institute. 2018. “Integrating Data to Support Children Experiencing Trauma.” https://www.urban.org/research/publication/integrating-data-support-children-experiencing-trauma.
National Education Association. 2020. “Trauma-Informed Teaching and Learning.” https://www.nea.org/resource-library/trauma-informed-teaching-strategies.
Center for Great Teachers and Leaders. 2019. “Supporting Teacher Well-Being.” https://gtlcenter.org/sites/default/files/Supporting%20Teacher%20Well-Being.pdf.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation. 2022. “Preventing Childhood Trauma.” https://www.aecf.org/blog/preventing-childhood-trauma-key-to-healthy-development.
More from 3 Topics
Explore related articles on similar topics
Top Paying Jobs in Education PK-12, Healthcare, and Mental Wellness
Highest paying opportunities related to this article
ABOUT THE ROLE The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, is seeking a dedicated full-time or part-time Forensic Psychiatrist to support the mission of the Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI). This role offers a collaborative, supportive environment with potential for a hybrid work schedule, rotating on-call responsibilities, relocation assistance, and on-site housing in a single-family home for qualifying candidates. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide psychiatric and medical care through consultation, supervision, and partnership with mid-level providers such as Physician Associates and Nurse Practitioners. - Develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. - Prepare psychiatric and forensic evaluations for court submission in compliance with statutory deadlines. - Prescribe medications and determine when referrals to other providers or services are appropriate. - Document treatment and services through timely medical reporting. - Offer education, training, or conference instruction in psychiatry and general medicine. - Work with medical school graduates through CMHI's psychiatric internship program. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Graduation from an accredited school of medicine. - Completion of an internship program. - Licensure as a physician by the State of Iowa. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be available for rotating on-call responsibilities. - Hybrid work schedule may be available, but all work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur within the State of Iowa. - Must comply with federal Right to Work laws and pass E-Verify employment eligibility confirmation. SELECTION PROCESS - This is a non-merit position exempt from the standard screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. - Candidates will be evaluated based on their resume, cover letter, and qualifications for the forensic psychiatry role. - New hires must be verified through the federal E-Verify system. HOW TO APPLY - Send a resume and cover letter directly to the Point of Contact: Brad Wittrock. - Email: bradley.wittrock@hhs.iowa.gov EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: State of Iowa - Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care - Job Number: 27-00659 - Job Type: Full-time or Part-time - Location: Cherokee Mental Health Institute, Cherokee County, IA - Opening Date: 09/03/2026 - Closing Date: 10/04/2026 at 11:59 PM Central - Agency Address: Lucas State Office Building, 321 E 12th St, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319 - Benefits: Day-one eligibility for health, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, paid holidays); retirement plans (IPERS and Retirement Investors Club with state match); flexible spending accounts; life and free long-term disability insurance; Employee Assistance Program; and employee discount programs. Relocation assistance and on-site housing are also available.
ABOUT THE ROLE The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is seeking a full-time Medical Director for the Corrections Division at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. This role provides independent clinical oversight, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance monitoring for all healthcare services. Serving as the senior medical advisor, the Medical Director ensures correctional healthcare services are clinically appropriate, constitutionally adequate, fiscally responsible, and consistent with accepted standards. The position functions independently of contracted healthcare providers and may provide limited direct patient care to support operational needs, quality assurance, or emergency response. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Practice under an unrestricted medical license to provide independent medical oversight, consultation, quality assurance, utilization review, and clinical guidance. - Maintain all required professional licensure, certifications, and continuing medical education necessary to practice in Virginia. - Manage contracts according to County and Department procedures and maintain compliance documentation. - Manage and approve Division projects, develop and monitor project status reporting, and determine resource feasibility. - Support a culture that values and motivates staff while engendering the trust of the public and County leaders. - Monitor local, state, and national social indicators to identify service delivery gaps, conduct research, and report recommendations for best practices. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with completion of an approved residency. - Four (4) years of progressively responsible clinical, administrative, or executive healthcare leadership (may include residency and fellowship) in a comparably sized public or private organization. - Preferred experience in correctional healthcare, hospital medicine, emergency medicine, public health, healthcare administration, medical leadership, or comparable healthcare executive leadership. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Possession of, or ability to obtain, a current unrestricted license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia (MD or DO). - Current board certification or board eligibility in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, or Preventive Medicine through an ABMS-recognized board. Board-eligible applicants must obtain certification within three consecutive examination cycles following appointment. - Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration. - Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification. SELECTION PROCESS - Completion of a Screening Questionnaire and County employment application. - In-person interview(s). - Intensive background investigation including fingerprinting, credit check, driving record, and polygraph examination. HOW TO APPLY - All sections of the application must be completed in their entirety. - Resumes are considered supplemental information only. - Applications that are incomplete or indicate 'SEE RESUME' will not be taken into consideration. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: Loudoun County Government - Address: 1 Harrison Street SE, Leesburg, Virginia, 20175 - Location: Leesburg, VA - Job Type: Full-Time Salary W BN - FLSA Status: Exempt - Grade: 907 - Job Number: 27-00745 - Department: Sheriff's Office - Opening Date: 08/13/2026 - Closing Date: 09/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
ABOUT THE ROLE This role provides full psychiatric care for patients at Torrance State Hospital, supporting each patient's path toward stability. The position requires leadership, attention to detail, and collaboration with medical and clinical partners to lead treatment efforts and deliver high-quality care. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Patient Assessment: Conduct detailed psychiatric examinations and establish accurate diagnoses. - Treatment Planning: Develop individual treatment plans by directing team discussions and using interdisciplinary input. - Medical Interpretation: Review consultations, lab results, and clinical studies to determine appropriate treatment orders. - Emergency Response: Lead psychiatric and medical emergency actions, provide direction, and apply trained procedures. - Documentation Preparation: Produce reports, progress notes, treatment reviews, and competency assessments. - Court Participation: Testify at hearings related to commitments, competency, and guardianship. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Completion of a residency or training program in psychiatry which meets the certification requirements of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must possess a license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as issued by the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure, or the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners. - A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination. - This position falls under the Older Adult Protective Services Act, requiring submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including PA State Police and FBI clearance. - Pennsylvania residency requirement is currently waived for this title. - Must be able to perform essential job functions. SELECTION PROCESS - Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as the exam for this position. - No additional written exam at a test center is required. - Score is based on the detailed information provided on the application and in response to supplemental questions. - The score is valid for this specific posting only. - Applicants may only apply or test once for this posting. - Results will be provided via email. HOW TO APPLY - Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed. Eligibility information must be provided directly on the application. - Applications must be submitted by the closing date: September 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern. Late applications will not be accepted. - Generative AI tools may be used for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent information or assist during interviews is not permitted. - Contact for inquiries: Sandra Schleicher, saschleich@pa.gov. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time - Department: Department of Human Services, Torrance State Hospital - Location: 121 Longview Drive, Torrance, PA 15779 (Westmoreland County, PA) - Work Schedule: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Possible evening, weekend, and holiday on-call hours. - Telework: Not available for this position. - Union: PDA - Pennsylvania Doctor Alliance (Bargaining Unit T4) - Note: This is a reposting. Applicants from the previous posting (August 10, 2026 to August 29, 2026) cannot submit a new application.
ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Boston seeks a Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel III to represent the City, its officials, and its departments. This role involves advising City leaders on municipal law matters, representing the City in civil actions and administrative hearings, investigating claims, drafting ordinances, and conducting negotiations with third parties. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Mentor attorneys (ACC I, II) in litigation, contract review, contract negotiation, and departmental advising - Manage a caseload and represent the City of Boston in state and federal court, administrative proceedings, and other venues - Provide representation in matters including personal injury, torts, employment discrimination, civil rights claims, contract disputes, special education litigation, licensing appeals, and employee or student discipline appeals - Advise the City on policy matters, procurement, open meeting laws, public records law, student confidentiality laws, and state conflict of interest laws - Perform legal research, write legal opinions, and review or draft contracts, memoranda, ordinances, and other documents - Perform specialized municipal law functions, including research, analysis, advising, and litigation in areas such as workers' compensation, tax lien foreclosures, public construction, and public education - Perform related work as directed MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Juris Doctorate 2. Five to six (5-6) years of experience as a lawyer in a law firm or within a government agency 3. Licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with no disciplinary record 4. Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail 5. Excellent, clear, and effective writing and organizational skills 6. Accuracy and attention to detail 7. Highly motivated self-starter 8. Strong interpersonal and communication skills 9. Proficient with Microsoft Office, Westlaw, and Social Law Library SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Boston residency is strictly required - Supervisory legal experience is preferred - Reports directly to a First Assistant Corporation Counsel or Legal Advisor SELECTION PROCESS - Application and resume review evaluating minimum qualifications, relevant legal experience, and licensure - Interviews and assessments as determined by the Law Department and City of Boston HR protocols HOW TO APPLY - Apply for Req ID 2026-31963 through the City of Boston careers portal - Posting End Date: November 28, 2026 - Contact Email for inquiries: kristen.coveney@boston.gov EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Law Department, Boston, MA - Department: Law Department - Position Type: Regular Full-Time - Hours per week: 35 - Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-13 - Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Boston is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, considering qualified applicants regardless of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected categories.
ABOUT THE ROLE The Associate Director of Behavioral Health evaluates community needs while leading the development, implementation, monitoring, and analysis of the social work program. This professional role operates in a fast-paced environment, requiring collaboration with service providers, city officials, advisory groups, citizens, and government agencies. The incumbent works closely with Salt Lake City First Responder teams to supplement existing services, exercising independent judgment and discretion in handling confidential information while maintaining a positive, friendly, and professional manner with the general public. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Direct, oversee, and evaluate the department’s social work program addressing homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse issues - Supervise social workers, social work managers, case workers, and support staff, ensuring performance standards and accountability - Perform ongoing assessments of departmental and community needs and apply evidence-based practices to improve program outcomes - Serve as a liaison with community organizations, government agencies, and advisory groups - Develop and monitor budgets, approve expenditures, and oversee state and local grant funding - Create and implement program regulations, policies, and schedules, ensuring adherence to applicable rules - Deliver assessments, treatment plans, crisis counseling, therapy, case management, and referrals for individuals and families impacted by crime or social challenges - Collaborate with healthcare professionals and community resources to ensure holistic care - Maintain accurate records, reports, and mental health assessments, and provide expert testimony or serve as a court liaison when required - Address employee grievances and disciplinary issues, partnering with leadership to align processes with organizational mission and values MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Master’s degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling from an accredited college or university, plus three years of related work experience assessing physical, mental, social, and economic needs of a diverse population (must include a minimum of two years of social work case management or similar experience, and experience supervising others) - Current licensure with the State of Utah as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) - Alternative qualification: In lieu of the Master’s degree and current licensure, at least 10 years of experience in co-response and direct service delivery, including crisis management - Valid state driver license or Utah driving privilege card - Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate as part of a team - Strong evaluation, professional written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills - Preferred qualifications include experience working with multiple community organizations, fluency in Spanish, experience conducting community-based needs assessments, and Mental Health Officer Certification SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Operation of a city-owned vehicle may be required - Successful completion of a pre-hire physical fitness assessment - Working conditions include standing, walking, or sitting uncomfortably for extended periods - Moderate exposure to elements such as heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust, or grease - Considerable exposure to stressful situations resulting from human behavior, with considerable magnitude of occupational hazards in field operations - All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities SELECTION PROCESS - Review of application and qualifications against minimum and preferred criteria - Pre-hire physical fitness assessment - Standard background, reference, and licensure verification checks as per city hiring protocols HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application for job requisition ID JR6244 through the official city careers portal - Ensure all qualifications, licensure details, and relevant experience are clearly documented in the application EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: Salt Lake City - Department: Police - Location: Police Community Connection Center - Job Type: Full-Time - Scheduled Hours: 40 hours per week - Job Requisition ID: JR6244
ABOUT THE ROLE The Yakima Valley School Residential Habilitation Center is hiring multiple Registered Nurses to provide compassionate and skilled care for adults with developmental disabilities in a supported living setting. You will join an interdisciplinary team dedicated to giving individuals the dignity, safety, and support they deserve, helping them live healthier and more comfortable lives. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Administer medications and treatments as prescribed (e.g., enteral feedings, respiratory therapy, skin and bowel care, IM injections) - Assess changes in condition and report concerns to doctors, nurse practitioners, or supervisors - Communicate health updates with family members, guardians, and care teams - Chart medications, treatments, and health details accurately in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) - Document, transcribe, and implement verbal and telephone physician orders - Record observations and important health updates in residents' clinical records - Assist in different units around the campus as assigned - Respond appropriately to emergency situations MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Washington State - Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing - One year of professional nursing experience or college-level nursing education SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must specify shift preference in application (Night: 9:30 P.M. - 6:00 A.M., Swing: 1:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M., Day: 5:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M., or on-call) - Successful completion of a background check, including criminal record history - Valid driver's license required for state business; liability insurance required if using a privately owned vehicle - Mandatory disclosure of any relatives, household members, close friends, or romantic partners within the potential supervisory chain of command per DSHS Nepotism Policy SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be reviewed to determine applicant suitability and competence - Background check results will be considered in the final hiring decision - This job announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application through the official State of Washington jobs portal before the closing date - Indicate your preferred shifts within the application - For questions, contact DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 2026-05918 - Closing Date: 9/30/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Yakima County – Selah, WA - Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services (Division: DDA) - Job Number: 2026-05918 - Shift differentials are provided for Evening and Night shifts in addition to the standard compensation rate - Roles performed on-site at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay - The State of Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fairness, access, and social justice - E-Verify participating employer
ABOUT THE ROLE King County's Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD), is seeking a Hospital and Mental Health Residential (HMHR) Treatment Utilization Management Supervisor. This role holds direct responsibility for the overall utilization management operations of the HMHR Treatment Team. The Supervisor will lead a team of Mental Health Care Authorizers to ensure residents accessing mental health residential care and high-intensity programs receive appropriate services and support to step down to lower levels of care and progress in their recovery. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead a team of Mental Health Care Authorizers to ensure appropriate level of care and recovery progression for residents. - Participate as a key member of the BHRD Utilization Management Committee. - Lead quality assurance activities, including site visits, contract compliance reviews, invoice reconciliation, and monitoring. - Lead quality improvement activities to enhance oversight, care flow, and utilization management efficiencies. - Complete and direct continuing stay reviews based on Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) Assessment standards. - Supervise and monitor Mental Health Utilization Project-Program Manager II staff. - Lead collection, analysis, and reporting of utilization and care-transition data. - Develop coordination and communication within BHRD and other DCHS departments. - Ensure continuing stay reviews meet BHRD Quality team and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) timelines. - Communicate review outcomes with supervisors of contracted mental health residential facilities. - Develop and maintain working relationships with behavioral health providers. - Align team workflow to promote equity, social justice, and recovery-oriented care transitions. - Attend meetings, treatment conferences, and committees relevant to job functions. - Troubleshoot, advocate, and resolve issues among community members, providers, or governmental organizations. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or related field with independent license. - Qualify as a Mental Health Professional as defined in WAC 246-341-0200 and RCW 71.05.020. - Demonstrated leadership skills in daily operations, care-transition decision-making, and cross-department collaboration. - Experience working with publicly funded behavioral health service systems. - Knowledge of issues related to mental health residential treatment facilities and psychiatric hospital discharge planning. - Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of constituents. - Excellent verbal and written communication skills. - Experience gathering and utilizing data to generate reports for system improvements and management presentations. - Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in detail and meet deadlines. - Computer skills including MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be able to pass a criminal background check on a pre-hire and post-offer basis. - Designated as Mission Critical: expected to report to work or request leave during emergencies or inclement weather. - Must reside in Washington state within a reasonable distance to the King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. SELECTION PROCESS - Interviews will take place on or around the week of September 28, 2026. - This process will fill the current vacancy and create a pool of qualified candidates for additional Project/Program Manager III positions that may open within the next 6 months. HOW TO APPLY - Submit an online King County application and respond to all supplemental questions. - Applications or questionnaires stating "see my resume" will be considered incomplete and rejected. - For questions or accommodation requests, contact Alicia Larsen at alarsen@kingcounty.gov. - Closing Date: September 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Number: 2026AL27729 - Department: DCHS - Community & Human Services, Behavioral Health and Recovery Division - Location: Chinook Building, 401 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 - Work Model: Hybrid (combination of onsite and telecommuting, ratio dependent on business needs). County-issued laptop provided. - Schedule: Full Time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. - FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA overtime provisions (Note: initial header lists Non-Exempt, but detailed text specifies exemption from overtime). - Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines (Not represented by a union).
ABOUT THE ROLE The Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is seeking a Hospital and Mental Health Residential (HMHR) Treatment Utilization Management Supervisor. This position holds direct responsibility for the overall utilization management operations of the HMHR Treatment Team, leading a team of Mental Health Care Authorizers to ensure residents receive appropriate levels of care and the support needed to progress in their recovery. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead a team of MH Care Authorizers to ensure appropriate care levels and recovery progression for residents. - Participate as a key member of the BHRD Utilization Management Committee. - Lead quality assurance activities, including site visits of providers, contract compliance reviews, and invoice reconciliation. - Lead quality improvement activities to improve oversight, flow between levels of care, and utilization management efficiencies. - Complete and direct continuing stay reviews using the Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) Assessment. - Supervise and monitor Mental Health Utilization Project-Program Manager II staff. - Lead the collection, analysis, and reporting of utilization and care-transition data. - Develop coordination and communication within BHRD and other DCHS departments. - Ensure continuing stay reviews meet BHRD and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) timelines. - Communicate outcomes of reviews with supervisors of contracted mental health residential facilities. - Troubleshoot, advocate, and resolve issues between community members, providers, or governmental organizations. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or related field with independent license. 2. Mental Health Professional status as defined in WAC 246-341-0200 and RCW 71.05.020. 3. Demonstrated leadership skills in daily operations, care-transition decision-making, and cross-departmental collaboration. 4. Experience working with publicly funded behavioral health service systems. 5. Knowledge of issues related to mental health residential treatment facilities and psychiatric hospital discharge planning. 6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of constituents, including consumers, providers, and government officials. 7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 8. Experience gathering and utilizing data and generating reports for system improvements. 9. Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple tasks/projects and meet deadlines. 10. Computer skills, including knowledge of MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be able to pass a criminal background check on a pre-hire/post-offer basis. - Designated as a Mission Critical position; employees are expected to report to work or request leave during emergencies or inclement weather. - Hybrid teleworking model: must reside in Washington state within a reasonable distance to the worksite, maintain a home workspace with reliable internet, and remain responsive during scheduled hours. SELECTION PROCESS - Interviews for this selection process will take place on or around the week of September 28, 2026. - This process will fill the current vacancy and create a pool of qualified candidates for additional Project/Program Manager III positions that may open within the next 6 months. HOW TO APPLY - Submit an online King County application. - Respond thoroughly to the supplemental questions. - Note: Applications or supplemental questionnaires that state "see my resume" are considered incomplete and will not be considered competitive. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Number: 2026AL27729 - Department: DCHS - Community & Human Srvcs (Behavioral Health and Recovery Division) - Location: Chinook Building, 401 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 - Job Type: Career Service (Exec) - Hours: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM - FLSA: Exempt (not eligible for overtime) - Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines (Not represented by a union) - Opening Date: 08/28/2026 - Closing Date: 09/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific