Assistant Manager, Substance Use Prevention Program

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Public Health is seeking an Assistant Manager to oversee the Substance Use Prevention (SUP) program under the SUP Program Manager. The role supervises staff, manages daily operations, supports grant implementation, and ensures compliance with federal, state, local policies and HCPH procedures.

Collaboration with internal departments and community partners is essential. The position supports evidence-based prevention initiatives funded through the OD2A grant and other sources, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health or related field.
• At least 3 years in public health or grant-funded programs.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day SUP program operations and staff.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to meet grant deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with HCPH policies and grant requirements.
• Monitor program budgets, metrics, and reporting.
• Support recruitment, training, and staff development.

Skills

Data analytics

Communication

Time management

Confidentiality

Ethical standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Health / related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

This is a grant-funded position.

Our Values:

• Transparency - We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity - Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact -We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview

The Substance Use Prevention (SUP) Assistant Manager oversees the day-to-day operations, administration, and implementation of the Substance Use Prevention Program under the direction of the SUP Program Manager. This position provides direct supervision of program staff, manages daily operations, supports grant implementation, fiscal and contract administration, and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) policies and procedures. The Assistant Manager collaborates with internal departments, community partners, healthcare organizations, public safety agencies, and other stakeholders to support evidence-based substance use prevention initiatives funded through the CDC Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) cooperative agreement and other funding sources. In the absence of the Program Manager, the Assistant Manager assumes responsibility for the program's day-to-day operations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides direct oversight and direction to SUP program staff as it relates to assessment, planning, development, and implementation of the Substance Use Prevention operations. Directly covers all program operations in the absence of the SUP Program Manager.
• Directly work with the SUP Program Manager, department leadership, and external partners to design and deploy impactful approaches and framework that meet or exceed client and program requirements.
• Ensures compliance with guidelines as written in HCPH policies, procedures, program objectives and plans for the immediate community, including cost/inventory control.
• Monitors the progress of the programs' grant budget, metrics & goals, and notifies program leadership of progress toward achieving those goals on a regular basis.
• Assures proper program personnel development and direction, including activities related to recruitment, selection, training, professional development, effective communication, evaluation, and discipline within SUP.
• Participates in programmatic reporting, budget preparation and management of grant funds.
• Collaborates with partners (internal and external) to meet program deliverables.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, Health Education, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in public health, healthcare, behavioral health, substance use prevention, or the management of grant-funded programs.
• At least two (2) years of supervisory or team leadership experience, including personnel management, staff development, performance management, and budget or grant administration.
• Experience managing or supporting federally or state-funded public health programs and collaborating with community partners.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas Driver License upon hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written).
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain high ethical standards while working with clients & stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Substance addiction and mental health in underserved communities.

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills:Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.

• Communication Skills:This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

• Health Advancement Skills:This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.

• Community Partnership Skills:This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.

• Public Health Science Skills:This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time, grant-funded position.
• Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including after hours and weekends.
• Able to travel within Harris County as needed.

Work Environment:

• This job operates in a professional office & community environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computer, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

• This role requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull up to 20 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: 1111 Fannin St. Houston, Texas. 77002.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.