SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general direction to plan, organize, coordinate, direct and evaluate the alcohol and drug abuse rehabilitation programs; to negotiate contracts and monitor the services of substance abuse providers; and to perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class functions as a Division Chief in the Health Services Agency. It has full administrative and supervisory responsibility for the Substance Abuse Program subject to the policy and direction provided by the Health Services Administrator.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, coordinates and implements a comprehensive County-wide program directed toward the prevention and treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse; negotiates and administers contracts with alcohol and drug abuse services providers; negotiates and administers state revenue contracts; monitors contracts according to established State standards in both fiscal and service areas through special studies, utilization reviews, and site visits; recommends funding priorities and development of resources to the Board of Supervisors; writes annual plans for alcohol and drug abuse programs, develops and administers substance abuse program budget including description of services and planned expenditures; serves as staff to Alcohol Advisory Board and Drug Abuse Commission; oversees the Drinking Driver Program and supervises staff in meeting goals and objectives of program; makes presentations to community groups and responds to requests from media and others interested in substance abuse matters.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of planning, program development and administration as applied to the field of public health or medical care and monitoring, or drug or alcohol prevention;
• Working knowledge of drug abuse patterns, alcoholism and the psychological effects of alcoholism-,
• Working knowledge of budget preparation and monitoring;
• Some knowledge of the principles of supervision and training.
• Some knowledge of contract negotiation, administration and monitoring procedures;
• Some knowledge of federal, state and local laws, policies and procedures governing the administration of a substance abuse program;
• Some knowledge of community and state-wide resources available to substance abuse programs;

Ability to:

• Determine the needs and priorities of alcohol and drug services in the community;
• Evaluate substance abuse program proposals and recommend contract provider;
• Negotiate, interpret, administer and audit contract services;
• Accurately interpret and apply policies, procedures and federal and/or state regulations related to substance abuse services;
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports;
• Effectively organize work flow and establish priorities to meet frequent deadlines;
• Effectively advise boards, commissions, community groups and others on substance abuse matters;
• Gather and analyze a variety of technical data related to substance abuse programs;
• Supervise and train staff.

Training and experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledges and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledges and abilities would be:

• Three years of broad and extensive administrative or management experience involving planning, organizing and coordinating health care services programs including some experi ence with substance abuse and treatment and rehabilitation programs.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License or must be able to provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.