Opioid Response and Policy Coordinator

Manatee County Government; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatee County Government in Bradenton, FL is seeking a seasoned analyst to lead opioid response planning and behavioral health initiatives, coordinating data systems, grants, contracts, and cross‑agency collaboration.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree, 3+ years in healthcare/public health, and strong policy development and communications skills; a Master's degree is preferred. This position is based in Bradenton.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Nursing, Behavioral Health, Public Policy or closely related field.
• Master's degree preferred in a related field (MPH/MPA/MSW, etc.).
• 3+ years in healthcare, public health, strategic planning, policy development, or opioid initiatives.
• Experience preparing executive reports, grant applications, and policy briefs.

Responsibilities

• Develop policy recommendations, ordinances, and briefing materials.
• Coordinate with community partners, counties, and state agencies.
• Monitor opioid prevention, response, and recovery programs and outcomes.
• Manage contracts, grants, and performance reporting.
• Analyze data to inform strategy and funding decisions.

Skills

Public health knowledge

Behavioral health

Data analysis

Grant management

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Statistical software

BI tools

MS Office

Job description

Work Location: 2101 47th Terrace E, Bradenton, FL 34203

Work Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Expected Starting Salary Range: $71,556.54 - $94,812.41

Coordinates Manatee County's Opioid Response Program, opioid settlement initiatives, and related behavioral health planning efforts. Monitors the community opioid response system, behavioral health service continuum, and related community partnerships to identify service gaps, emerging trends, and opportunities for system improvement. Gathers, analyzes, and interprets demographic, epidemiological, programmatic, and service-utilization data to evaluate community needs, assess service-delivery models, and support evidence-based policy and funding recommendations. This role requires a strong understanding of public health, behavioral health, substance use disorders, and policy development to develop effective strategies that encompass prevention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and community engagement. Collaborates with community groups, governmental agencies, and internal departments to advance system improvements and oversees opioid-related service agreements, including procurement support, contract development, performance monitoring, and evaluation of measurable outcomes.

Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.

Working Conditions

The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds independently and up to 50 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. The role involves sitting for extended periods while working on a computer. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as the ability to hear and identify sounds. Periodically required to work other than normal business hours.

During an emergency or crisis situation, such as hurricanes or floods, you will be expected to respond and carry out recovery responsibilities as assigned by your immediate supervisor. All employees are required to contribute before, during, and after emergencies. In such instances, you might temporarily undertake tasks beyond the usual scope of your role, location, and work schedule, all geared towards meeting the needs of the County and its residents.

Essential Functions:

• Maintains close working relationships with community agencies, professional organizations, and service providers in the County to gather and share information, including best practices and program designs focused on improving the delivery of opioid prevention, response, and recovery system.
• Assists with developing and implementing recommendations for improvements, including prevention, response, and recovery services and programs.
• Leads strategic planning and systems improvement initiatives to strengthen the County's behavioral health and opioid response continuum by identifying gaps and barriers, recommending policy and operational changes, and facilitating cross-sector implementation.
• Researches, develops, and drafts public policy recommendations, ordinances, resolutions, strategic initiatives, and briefing materials.
• Reviews, analyzes, and enhances reporting systems, dashboards, and data visualization tools that support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Analyzes statistical data to measure the effectiveness and efficiencies of current programs and prospective partners.
• Uses quantitative and qualitative data, performance measures, epidemiological trends, and evidence-based practices to develop policy recommendations and guide strategic investments.
• Develops long-range strategic plans and implementation strategies that align County priorities with state and federal initiatives, funding opportunities, and community needs.
• Drafts strategy documents and fiscal reports regarding opioid settlementinvestments and behavioral health initiatives.
• Identifies potential grant funding opportunities for opioid and substance use disorders. Develops grant applications with system stakeholders.
• May provide technical assistance and staff support to advisory board, workgroups, community partners, County Administration, County Commissioners, and other state and local stakeholders regarding opioid response and recovery issues.
• Coordinates, tracks, and distributes program resources to the community, including medication, harm reduction, and overdose prevention materials.
• Facilitates new and unconventional partnerships between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives meant to speed the execution of demonstration projects, expand successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities throughout the County.
• Creates contact networks and coalitions to promote community collaboration and community input and enhance partnerships in the system.
• Administers contractual agreements with nonprofit agencies, healthcare providers, and governmental partners, including monitoring performance, compliance, and measurable outcomes.
• Coordinates local harm reduction programs and reports on programmatic outcomes.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting their area of expertise. Upon approval, attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and otherwise benefit the County.
• Conducts community needs assessments and evaluates emerging behavioral health trends to support long-range planning and future County investments.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and appliable federal and Florida law.

Bachelor's degreefrom an accredited college or university in Public Health, Public Administration, Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Nursing, Behavioral Health, Community Health, Public Policy, or a closely related field.

Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in healthcare, public health, behavioral health, strategic planning, policy development, program administration, contract management, grant administration, or initiatives related to opioid prevention, response, and recovery. Experience preparing reports, strategic plans, policy recommendations, grant applications, executive briefings, presentations, or other written materials for executive leadership, governing boards, elected officials, or community stakeholders is highly desirable.

Valid driver's license required, with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

Master's degree preferred in Public Health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Social Work (MSW), Nursing (MSN), Business Administration (MBA) with a healthcare concentration, Public Policy, or a closely related field.

Professional certifications preferred such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified in Public Health (CPH), Certified Prevention Professional (CPP), Lean Six Sigma, or similar certifications related to public administration, healthcare, behavioral health, or project management are desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines.

Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to analyze and resolve difficult situations and problems.

Thorough knowledgeof community health assessments and evidence-based public policy development.

Thorough knowledge of behavioral health systems of care, including prevention, early intervention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery support services, crisis response, diversion programs, and social determinants of health.

Good knowledge and understanding of population health management concepts.

Good knowledge and understanding of grant and contract management.

Good knowledge of substance use, harm reduction strategies, and available drug treatment resources.

Good knowledge of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.

Good knowledgeof data analysis, statistical software, business intelligence tools, data visualization platforms, and Microsoft Office applications necessary to perform job duties.

Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public presentation skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, health care providers, community groups, and other stakeholders.

Able to engage with a diverse population of varying cultural, ethnic or socioeconomical backgrounds.

Ability to explain facts, policies, and practices.

Ability to work independently with general supervision.