JOB Reliable emergency response begins long before an emergency happens.
The Behavioral Health Treatment Centers (BHTCs) are seeking a Safety & Emergency Preparedness Manager to lead emergency preparedness, workplace safety, and operational readiness across multiple treatment campuses. This role ensures the organization is prepared to respond effectively to emergencies while maintaining compliance with state safety regulations and accreditation standards.
Working closely with executive leadership, local emergency response partners, and regulatory agencies, you'll oversee emergency management planning, safety programs, workplace violence prevention efforts, and compliance activities that protect both residents and staff. Success means ensuring the organization is always ready - whether for an audit, an emergency drill, or an unexpected operational disruption.
You'll likely thrive in this role if you have a strong background in occupational safety, emergency management, or workplace safety and enjoy building systems that keep people safe. You're organized, proactive, and comfortable coordinating across multiple departments while balancing regulatory requirements with day-to-day operations.
If you have experience leading emergency preparedness and identifying opportunities to improve processes, you'll find meaningful work here.
Your first 90 days are about building relationships, understanding campus operations, and assessing the current state of emergency preparedness and safety programs. You'll become familiar with emergency plans, inventories, compliance requirements, and ongoing safety initiatives while working closely with leadership and external partners to ensure the organization remains prepared and audit-ready.
Interested? Here's what you'll be responsible for.
Some of What You'll Do-
Lead emergency preparedness and continuity planning across multiple campuses.
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Ensure required emergency drills, inspections, and safety exercises are completed.
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Maintain emergency management plans and annual emergency supply inventories.
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Coordinate workplace safety programs and respond to safety incidents and concerns.
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Oversee regulatory compliance with Department of Health, Labor & Industries, and other applicable standards.
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Coordinate audits and maintain ongoing readiness for regulatory inspections.
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Partner with local emergency response agencies, including the West Thurston County Fire Department and the Thurston County Sheriff's Office.
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Chair or participate in workplace violence prevention and safety committees.
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Supervise two Occupational Safety and Health Specialist.
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Prepare required monthly safety and workplace violence reports.
Who Should Apply-
Bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health, safety studies, emergency management, natural science, business or public administration, health sciences, or a related field and five years of professional experience in occupational safety and health or workplace safety programs.
OR
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Professional experience in a related field may substitute year-for-year for the educational requirement.
How to Apply
If this sounds like the role you've been working toward, we want to hear from you.
Submit your:
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Resume
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Letter of interest highlighting your relevant experience.
Questions?
Email
[email protected] and reference job number 05343.
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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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 Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. 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 job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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