Public Health Jobs in Washington
Public Health jobs in Washington are in strong demand, concentrated in state and county health agencies, large academic medical systems, and federally funded research institutions, with openings at every level from entry-level program coordinators to senior epidemiologists and health officers. Seattle, Olympia, and Spokane are the primary hiring centers, anchored by employers like Public Health Seattle and King County, the Washington State Department of Health, and UW Medicine. The most sought-after specialties include epidemiology, community health education, environmental health, and health policy analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Summary
Whatcom County Public Defender's Office is seeking an experienced professional to fill a grant-funded Temporary-With-Benefits Behavioral Health Specialist position. This position works with attorneys to identify defendants who would benefit from screening, consultation, support and referral to appropriate behavioral health services. The position will assist defendants to engage with services and will serve as liaison with community treatment providers.
Key job duties include:
- Screening clients for mental illness, substance use disorders, potential risk of harm and risk factors.
- Works with attorneys to create strategies that optimize defendant's ability to comply with all legal requirements and court orders. Consults with attorneys regarding clinical assessments/opinions, interpret records and to help arrange expert evaluations of clients when indicated.
- Testify in court.
- Develop alternative sentencing plans that may include treatment, supervision, residential placement, medication management, case management services, housing, vocational services, and transportation.
Supervisor: Chief Deputy Public Defender
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
For more information, please review the job descriptions:
Behavioral Health Specialist
Behavioral Health Specialist - PD.
Qualifications
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling or a closely related field
- 3 years of professional experience including interviewing, assessing and preparing client reports and dealing with a variety of client issues such as chronic mental illness or physical, sexual, alcohol and drug abuse.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- State licensure as a Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor preferred.
- Experience working within the criminal justice system desired.
- Driving record that meets County standards
- Possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment
- Background check must meet County criteria
Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!
Supplemental Information
Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
- Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
- Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
- $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
- Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
- Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Additional benefit information
Summary
Whatcom County Public Defender's Office is seeking an experienced professional to fill a grant-funded Temporary-With-Benefits Behavioral Health Specialist position. This position works with attorneys to identify defendants who would benefit from screening, consultation, support and referral to appropriate behavioral health services. The position will assist defendants to engage with services and will serve as liaison with community treatment providers.
Key job duties include:
- Screening clients for mental illness, substance use disorders, potential risk of harm and risk factors.
- Works with attorneys to create strategies that optimize defendant's ability to comply with all legal requirements and court orders. Consults with attorneys regarding clinical assessments/opinions, interpret records and to help arrange expert evaluations of clients when indicated.
- Testify in court.
- Develop alternative sentencing plans that may include treatment, supervision, residential placement, medication management, case management services, housing, vocational services, and transportation.
Supervisor: Chief Deputy Public Defender
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
For more information, please review the job descriptions:
Behavioral Health Specialist
Behavioral Health Specialist - PD.
Qualifications
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling or a closely related field
- 3 years of professional experience including interviewing, assessing and preparing client reports and dealing with a variety of client issues such as chronic mental illness or physical, sexual, alcohol and drug abuse.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- State licensure as a Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor preferred.
- Experience working within the criminal justice system desired.
- Driving record that meets County standards
- Possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment
- Background check must meet County criteria
Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!
Supplemental Information
Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
- Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
- Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
- $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
- Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
- Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Additional benefit information
See All 8 Public Health Jobs in Washington
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Find Public Health JobsPublic Health Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Public Health Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in public health jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a closely related field
- Washington State Department of Health program-specific credential or relevant professional certification where required
- Experience with community health assessment, data collection, or epidemiological surveillance methods
- Proficiency in public health data tools such as Tableau, SAS, SPSS, or PHIMS
- Demonstrated ability to design and evaluate health promotion or disease prevention programs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse community and stakeholder audiences
Public Health Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a public health in Washington?
Most public health roles in Washington require at minimum a bachelor's degree in public health, health sciences, or a related field, with many agency and research positions expecting a master of public health degree. Certain specialties carry additional requirements: environmental health specialists must obtain certification through the Washington Environmental Health Directors Association, and some epidemiologist positions within the Washington State Department of Health require registration as a credentialed epidemiologist. Gaining experience through county health department internships or AmeriCorps public health placements in Washington strengthens candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire public healths in Washington?
Washington public health roles are posted by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Whatcom County, and Jefferson County, WA and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Washington's dense network of county health districts, tribal health programs, and federally qualified health centers creates a wide and consistent hiring base well beyond the largest names.
Which Washington cities have the most public health jobs?
Tacoma, Bellingham, and Clark County have the most public health openings in Washington. Seattle dominates because of the concentration of King County public health programs, major academic medical centers, and global health nonprofits headquartered there, while Olympia draws consistent postings as the seat of state government and the Washington State Department of Health, and Spokane anchors eastern Washington hiring through its regional health district and hospital systems.
Are there remote public health jobs in Washington?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the specialty. About 33% of public health openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting a field that includes both desk-based and field-based work. Roles focused on data analysis, health policy, program evaluation, and epidemiological modeling are most likely to be fully remote, while environmental health, community outreach, and clinical roles almost always require an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a public health in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a practicum, internship, or AmeriCorps service placement with a Washington county health department or community health center, which regularly absorb new graduates through structured programs. Public Health Seattle and King County and the Washington State Department of Health both post entry-level program specialist and community health worker roles that serve as common first positions. A background in health education, social work, or environmental science provides a strong lateral bridge, and earning a Certified Health Education Specialist credential signals readiness to Washington hiring managers even before significant direct experience is accumulated.
Where can I find and apply to public health jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to public health jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings across state agencies, county health districts, hospital systems, and nonprofits. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 8 Public Health Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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