Director, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs

Director, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs

 

Position Purpose:


This is a highly responsible administrative and professional position, responsible for the management of the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

 

Decision Making:


Work is performed with considerable independence. Routine decisions necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Bureau shall be made independently. Decisions of a sensitive political nature and any significant policy decisions shall be made only after consulting with the Deputy Secretary, in collaboration with the Policy Director and/or Chief Counsel as appropriate. Work is assigned in the form of broad objectives and policy statements with the bureau director exercising considerable judgment in the rendering of technical and administrative decisions. Review of work is accomplished by the Deputy Secretary through periodical consultations, reports and meetings for effectiveness in accomplishing objectives.

 
Essential Duties:

·  Supervise admin/program staff activities

·  Interpret fed/state/local laws, rules

·  Analyze/evaluate/recommend state policy

·  Give oral presentations

·  Write/present reports re program issues

·  Write/present reports re program trends

·  Interview/ hire employees

·  Collect data for management decisions

·  Request /spend public funds efficiently

·  Request/spend public funds effectively

 
Description of Duties:


·  Develops, directs and coordinates all activities of the bureau, through subordinate division directors and managers in the Divisions of Prevention, Treatment and Program Monitoring

·  Responsible, through the divisions, for the planning, organization and administration of statewide programs in substance abuse prevention, treatment, and program monitoring

·  Responsible, through the Director of Treatment, for the planning and administration related to Act 71, which calls for the formation of a program, in consultation with appropriate organizations, to provide public education, awareness, training and treatment regarding compulsive and problem gambling. Conducting studies to identify adults and juveniles in this Commonwealth who are or at risk of becoming problem or compulsive gamblers is also required

·  Acts as the principal advisor to the Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and other decision-makers on drug and alcohol issues and other substantive program policy recommendations based on projected changes in physical, social, economic, fiscal or political factors affecting agency or Commonwealth programs in the areas covered by the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs

·  Develops and implements policies and procedures for efficient bureau operations

·  Integrates bureau planning priorities with the overall program priorities of the Department of Health, including State Health Improvement Plan principles

·  Determines program needs and objectives: proposes changes in program planning and content; and makes recommendations for further development or modification of policy

·  Directs and participates in the identification of target populations in need of specialized program information in the areas of drug and alcohol abuse

·  Prepares or directs the preparation of reports summarizing bureau activities and accomplishments on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis, as requested

·  Directs the bureau’s personnel, budgeting, contractual and other administrative activities

·  Plans and assigns work; determines work priorities; reviews work of subordinates; and completes employee performance evaluations

·  Establishes and maintains control mechanisms to evaluate program delivery and effectiveness

·  Represents the Department of Health at public meetings, hearings, educational settings to explain the program goals and respond to public concerns on drug and alcohol issues

·  Supervises professional, technical, and clerical employees

·  Directs through a subordinate division chief, the quality assurance monitoring of all Single County Authorities’ annual alcohol and other drug treatment, prevention activities and the provision of technical assistance to the SCA’s in the development of annual drug and alcohol treatment/prevention plans

·  Develops and maintains relationships with appropriate state and federal organizations, and external advocate and provider organizations, in order to further mutual program goals

·  Carries out essential job functions or assigned emergency duties which may involve assignments within the DOH Command Center, deployment to a field location to participate in public health activities or other duties as required during periods of emergency. If received emergency assignments may be performed under adverse conditions or continue for periods ranging from a few hours to several weeks.

 

Candidate Profile:


Candidate should be an experienced manager with at least three years of senior-level experience with a large, complex public or private sector organization. This individual should have direct experience providing oversight to a large multi-faceted healthcare or public health setting and have competence in understanding the complexity of the laws surrounding public health and their enforcement.  Particular expertise in drug, alcohol, and gaming addiction and treatment is requested. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.  Possession of a Master’s Degree in Public Health or Public Administration or similar background is desired.  Formal training in public health is necessary to perform day to day duties.

 

The successful candidate will be a strong leader and manager capable of providing direction to a large organization.  It is imperative that this individual is skilled at understanding the complex issues of drug, alcohol, and gaming addiction that surround the residents of the Commonwealth of PA.  This individual should be confident and secure and be able and willing to respond under situations of scrutiny whether from residents or from the legislature.  It is imperative that the successful candidate possess strong management and decision-making skills to be able to allocate time, money, and resources to the areas of greatest need. 

 

Pennsylvania is proud to be an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.