SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM MANAGER

Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY DEFINITION

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plan, organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate the clinical and rehabilitative services of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division; coordinate and act as liaison between Substance Abuse Services Division , and other County agencies; assist the Substance Abuse Program Administrator in the over-all administration of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division; supervise the work of professional and technical staff; and do other work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class receives direction from the Substance Abuse Program Administrator and is responsible for the management and over-all quality/ effectiveness of the Substance Abuse Services Division, a division with multiple programs providing direct client services as well as contracted services. This position requires strong management and communication skills as well as problem-solving skills and the ability to participate effectively in the decision-making process. A high degree of professional knowledge in the area of alcohol and drug treatment/support services is required to be successful in this position.

This class is distinguished from the next higher level of Substance Abuse Program Administrator in that the latter has full administrative responsibility for policy and program development, budget planning, grant writing, and advocacy at the State and Federal levels and planning for local community needs.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plan, organize, direct and manage assigned major program areas and client services for the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Division of the Countys Health Services Agency. Participate with and assist the Substance Abuse Program Administrator in the planning, implementation, and on-going evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of client care and support services. Participate in case conferences and team meetings to review individual needs and service plans. Provide ongoing liaison with human service providers around issues of treatment and care. Negotiate and enact inter-agency service agreements. Offer technical assistance and support to other service providers and work with these agencies to identify and develop needed Alcohol and Drug Treatment support services. Develop, in conjunction with the Substance Abuse Program Administrator, program budget, staffing and resource needs, and clinical as well as administrative procedures. Act as liaison and major resource person for assigned program areas in the community and with other agencies/organizations. Monitor and evaluate program quality and effectiveness in terms of client services, Agency goals and objectives, monetary and regulatory constraints. Compiles and analyzes pertinent data and presents conclusions. Attend and participate in a variety of inter and intra- agency meetings, State conferences/workshops, and other professional exchanges representing Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and assigned program areas. Negotiate and develop service components and contracts with outside organizations and companies to provide necessary substance abuse services to Agency clients. Prepare proposals for various grant and funding sources in support and en hancement of assigned program area. Conduct staff meetings, training, work shops and conferences. Promote, communicate and initiate established policies and procedures. Advise staff in clinical professional and administrative matters. Interview, hire and evaluate professional and support staff. Plan and oversee the proper orientation, training, development and supervision of all assigned program staff.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of alcohol and drug recovery and preven tion.
• Social aspects, attitudes, characteristics and behaviors of alcohol and drug abuse.
• Principles and practices of planning, organizing and supervising alcohol and drug abuse programs.
• Current developments in the field of community alcohol and drugs.
• Cultural, socio-economic and language factors that affect service delivery to ethnic populations, as assigned.
• Principles of supervision and training.

Working knowledge of:

• Laws and regulations as they relate to clients legal rights.
• Program development and evaluation techniques.
• Current trends in Federal and State alcohol/drug programs.

Some knowledge of:

• Program budgeting and financial management.
• Community resources available to alcohol and drug programs.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of a multi-disciplinary profes sional staff providing alcohol and drug treatment, including case management services.
• Identify the need for and develop proposed changes in current program prac tices, policies and procedures.
• Provide professional consultation to community organizations on effective alcohol and drug treatment modalities.
• Direct and coordinate alcohol and drug program activities.
• Analyze, evaluate and develop specialized programs or grant or contract requests.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms expressing complex and technical terminology and concepts in an understandable manner .
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with others.
• Prepare and present a variety of periodic and professional and administrative nature both orally and in writing.
• Develop and monitor short and long range budget plans that accurately reflect program needs.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Four years of experience in a professional capacity in directing, managing, and supervising an alcohol and drug treatment program which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and abilities.

  AND

• Completion of academic course work and training as defined in one of the following:
  • Bachelors Degree from an accredited school in Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Counseling, Counseling or a related field.
  • Masters Degree from an accredited school in PsyWork, Marriage and Family Counseling, Counseling or a related field.
  • Ph.D. from an accredited school in Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Counseling, Counseling or a related field.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

• License Requirements: Possession of a valid California class C driver license.
• Special Working Conditions: May require working evenings and weekends to attend meetings, or provide or attend training; may have contact with poten tially hostile or violent individuals.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES:
Bargaining Unit:11
EEOC Job Category: 02
Occupational Grouping: 85
Workers Comp Code: 0290