Associate Director, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Health & Human Services; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) seeks an experienced Senior Planner to oversee mental health and substance use disorder services within Medicaid Direct and managed care. You will lead consultants, coordinate program operations, and drive strategic initiatives in partnership with the Division of Health Benefits.

This role emphasizes collaboration with internal leaders and external stakeholders, ensuring program design, evaluation, and quality management align

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expert-level experience directing clinical operations within mental health and substance use disorder service systems.
• Proven track record leading multidisciplinary teams with internal controls and quality management.
• Strong ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with division leadership and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations that support the delivery of mental health and SUD services within managed care and Medicaid Direct.
• Lead and direct a team of consultants to ensure coordinated and efficient program operations.
• Manage program administration activities that advance mental health and substance use disorder strategies for Medicaid.
• Implement systems that support clinical operations, program design, and program evaluation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Division, Department, and with external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Clinical operations

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in business or public administration

Job description

Health & Human Services Senior Planner (NS)

Position Number 60042789

Grade 31002876

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Associate Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders oversees a team of consultants and manages daily operations supporting the effective delivery of mental health and substance use disorder services within managed care and Medicaid Direct. The position functions within the Division of Health Benefits and supports the administration and strategic direction of mental health and substance use disorder programs. It operates in collaboration with the Chief Clinical Officer and works closely with internal leaders, employees, and external stakeholders across governmental and organizational partners. This role contributes to the development, implementation, and evaluation of services and program strategies to advance Medicaid mental health initiatives. The position ensures coordinated efforts that promote service effectiveness, operational consistency, and alignment with organizational goals.

Key Duties Include:

• Oversee operations that support the effective delivery of mental health and substance use disorder services within managed care and Medicaid Direct.
• Lead and direct a team of consultants to ensure coordinated and efficient program operations.
• Manage program administration activities that advance mental health and substance use disorder strategies for Medicaid.
• Implement systems that support clinical operations, program design, and program evaluation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Division, Department, and with external stakeholders.
• Apply leadership skills to guide and develop staff, ensuring strong internal controls and overall quality management.
• Coordinate collaboratively with internal and external partners to support program implementation and strategic initiatives.
• Communicate effectively through clear verbal and written communication to support program goals and stakeholder engagement.
• Utilize knowledge of Medicaid and managed care benefit programs to inform decision‑making related to mental health and substance use disorder services.
• Support division leadership in ensuring program activities align with the broader mental health strategies for Medicaid.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $1.00-$150,000.00

Recruitment Range: $75,925.00-135,000.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Demonstrated expert‑level experience directing clinical operations within mental health and substance use disorder service systems, including measurable contributions to program design and evaluation efforts.
• Proven track record leading and developing multidisciplinary teams through implementation of internal control systems and quality management processes that improve program oversight and operational consistency.
• Established success building and sustaining collaborative working relationships with division leadership, department stakeholders, and external partners to support cross‑functional program initiatives.
• Consistently produced clear, high‑quality written and verbal communications to support organizational decision‑making, stakeholder engagement, and program reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated advanced proficiency interpreting Medicaid and managed care benefit programs related to mental health and substance use disorders to inform program operations and strategic planning.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is Funded In Part Through Federal Funds

This Position Is Eligible For A Hybrid Work Option EHRA: Per G.S. 126-5(c1) (37), This Position Is EXEMPT From All Provisions Of NC General Statute Chapter 126 (State Human Resources Act) With The Exception Of Articles 6 And 7.

Physical Requirements

Fingering, grasping Talking Hearing Repetitive motions

About the NC Division of Health Benefits

The Division of Health Benefits (DHB) within NCDHHS is committed to advancing innovative solutions that improve health, promote well‑being and foster independence for all North Carolinians. DHB manages and oversees North Carolina Medicaid and other programs that provide access to services and supports for parents, children, seniors, people with intellectual / developmental disabilities, and behavioral health, substance use and traumatic brain injury disorders. With a budget over $27 billion in state and federal funds per fiscal year, DHB ensures that more than 108,000 enrolled providers are reimbursed for delivering covered services to 3.1 million beneficiaries. All positions in the Division of Health Benefits are exempt from the State Human Resources Act (G.S. 126) except for the provisions of Articles 6 and 7 per HB 372 Section 20.

Compensation and Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre‑tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits.

Supplemental Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/. DHHS uses the Merit‑Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Graduation from a four year college or university with a degree in business or public administration or in a field related to DHHS programs, and five years of managerial and/or administrative experience in the public or private sectors involving significant decision‑making authority in the planning, organizing, and directing in an area related to the above‑mentioned programs OR An equivalent combination of training and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].