Growing our behavioral health workforce and investing in the people who treat people is a key part of the Crisis Care Centers Initiative. One of the first investments of the initiative this year is the recently released Behavioral Health Career Pathways Request for Proposals (RFP). This opportunity will help stabilize the workforce within our network of community behavioral health providers. 

Demand for workers in the behavioral health field continues to grow in King County as we add more treatment facilities, programs, and eventually open five crisis care centers. So do the demands on our workers currently providing the valuable treatment and care to help our community members through mental health or substance use challenges. 

This RFP released on August 12 will help stabilize King County’s network of behavioral health providers by making investments that help cover the cost of professional fees, training programs, development, clinical supervisor expansion, and also support the wellbeing of workers through activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional health. At least 25 percent of this investment will be used to increase the representativeness of community behavioral health workers within the network.   

This RFP is open to all King County Integrated Care Network and Behavioral Health – Administrative Services Organizations (BH-ASO). This is a unique opportunity for our community behavioral health agencies to secure vital resources to support current staff and grow their teams to better serve and represent our diverse communities.  

For full RFP details and to apply, visit: www.zoomgrants.com/zgf/ccclbhcp 

  • Letter of Intent Deadline: September 10, 2024, by 2pm PT 
  • Proposal Deadline: October 16, 2024, by 2pm PT 
  • If you have any questions, please email dchscontracts@kingcounty.gov and reference “Behavioral Health Career Pathways RFP” in your email. 

What is King County’s Integrated Care Network? A partnership between King County, Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO’s), and 40+ community behavioral health providers that makes it easier for Medicaid enrolled children and adults to get mental health and substance use treatment services. KCICN providers serve more than 60,000 King County residents per year. 

What is a Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization (BH-ASO)? Providing services to help people navigate mental health or substance use disorder treatment, these organizations are state and federally funded. BH-ASOs also provide certain services to low-income, uninsured individuals, or those not eligible for Medicaid. 

Here are some additional workforce resources for behavioral health agencies in King County to consider: 

  • Technical Assistance 
    Does your agency need technical assistance in workforce-related areas? Contact us at bhrdworkforce@kingcounty.gov. 
  • University or Community College Internship Programs 
    Need help connecting with a partnering University or Community College internship program? Email us at bhrdworkforce@kingcounty.gov for assistance. 
  • MSW to SUDP Credential 
    Do you have MSW staff interested in obtaining a dual SUDP credential? They can complete the program with just three online courses. See the attached flyer for more information or visit our partner’s page at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. 

Workforce development is a priority for the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) and will involve a multiyear, multi-funded effort. BHRD workforce strategies are funded by the Crisis Care Centers Initiative, The American Rescue Plan, and MIDD behavioral health sales tax and center around apprenticeship and training programs, promoting workforce development and increasing the diversity and cultural representativeness of the workforce through recruitment and trainings. 

Peer specialists and clients play cards at the Recovery Cafe in Seattle. Photo Credit: Eric Keto/KCTV