Behavioral Health Program Manager

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve. 

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector?  If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to join our hospital’s team!   

The DMHAS, Office of the Commissioner (OOC) seeks qualified individuals for the position of Behavioral Health Program Manager within the Evaluation, Quality Management and Improvement Division (EQMI).  The location is 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. This is a full-time, forty (40) hours per week position.  The work schedule is 1st shift, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The position number is 125996. 

The mission of EQMI is to serve as the primary information and data resource center for DMHAS regarding services provided and people served.  We provide a planning function for DMHAS by managing the federal block grant program. 

Discover the opportunity to: 

• Serve as the State Planner for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) block grants;
• Assist the EQMI Department in data related initiatives that support the block grant activities; 
• Coordinate completion and submission of federal block grant applications, annual reports, and other related requests from SAMHSA as well as block grant allocation plans for Connecticut; 
• Work effectively with the Department of Children & Families (DCF) State Planner, the Governor’s General Counsel, the DMHAS Prevention and Fiscal Units, as well as other DMHAS managers to fulfill various block grant related duties and activities; 
• Ensure that all arrangements are made for the efficient and effective functioning of the Adult and Joint Behavioral Health Planning Councils, including scheduling, agendas, minutes, and presentations, and that appropriate representation and ratios of the Council membership are maintained in collaboration with the DCF State Planner; 
• Serve as a liaison with SAMHSA on block grant-related business, including arranging both formal and informal visits to Connecticut, data requests, and other requests; and 
• Assist the DMHAS Prevention Unit in their work with the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization (RBHAO) and the annual priority setting process as needed to organize data collection and reporting.

We participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off!  We encourage a healthy work-life balance to all employees.

In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for assisting in the management of a statewide program in a geographical area; accountable for assisting in the management of a specific behavioral health program or serving as a clinical team leader.

Provides administrative direction for special programs; assesses staff needs for delivery of services; assists in formulating policy and procedures relating to general administration of a managed service system; develops and maintains appropriate fiscal and programmatic mechanisms to ensure continuity of care to a defined population and appropriate allocation of resources; carries out policies and directives of department; assists in coordinating, planning and managing administrative and/or fiscal and clinical activities; prepares and administers facility and community grant budgets; interprets and administers laws pertaining to program; maintains contact with individuals, groups and other organizations which might impact on program operations; ensures compliance with internal agency and accrediting bodies' standards; trains and evaluates staff; may assume a leadership role for agency system wide program development and administration activities; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of public administration; considerable knowledge of principles of mental health treatment and program design; considerable knowledge of managed care system principles and practices; considerable knowledge of clinical treatment methodologies and programs for psychiatric clients; considerable knowledge of community resources; knowledge of assertive treatment programs; knowledge of quality assessment and/or improvement techniques and accreditation body standards; knowledge of relevant federal, state and agency laws and regulations; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to analyze and prepare budgets; ability to prepare and administer grants.

Seven (7) years of experience in business or health care administration or program development involving responsibility for financial management, budget development or grants management or professional health care or social services experience.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a professional supervisory level in a behavioral health care program.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) years of experience to a maximum of four (4) years.
2. A Master's Degree in public or health care administration or a Master's Degree in business administration with a specialization in health services or hospital administration, a Master’s Degree in social work or a Master's Degree in a related health care discipline may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

Our ideal candidate will possess experience in the following: 

• Connecticut's behavioral health service system, quality assessment and/or improvement techniques; 
• Relevant Federal and State laws and regulations; 
• Preparing and administering grants; and
• Block grants and their management.

Incumbents in this class may be required to possess appropriate current licenses or certifications.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.