Prevention and Harm Reduction Manager (Manager III), Grade M3

Montgomery County Government; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 95,788 - 152,859; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate and visionary leader for the role of Prevention and Harm Reduction Manager. This exciting opportunity involves directing operations for a dynamic unit focused on reducing substance misuse and promoting health equity. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in behavioral health prevention, with a commitment to implementing effective, data-driven strategies. You will oversee evidence-based programs, collaborate with various stakeholders, and manage a dedicated team. If you are eager to make a significant impact in the community and lead innovative public health initiatives, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

• 5+ years managing substance use disorder and behavioral health services.
• Bachelor's degree required; experience in community-driven health strategies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee programs promoting behavioral health and harm reduction services.
• Manage and supervise staff, ensuring compliance with health standards.

Skills

Leadership in Behavioral Health

Substance Misuse Prevention

Data-Driven Strategy Implementation

Community Partnership Development

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Technology Systems for Reporting

Job description

The expected salary range for this role on hire is $95,788 - $152,859

WHO WE ARE

Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for delivery of the County’s public health and human services that meets the needs of our community’s most vulnerable children, adults and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, the Department of Health and Human Services is the largest County Department.

As a Department, we believe health and wellness of the county can only be achieved by ensuring that every resident has fair opportunities to reach their fullest potential. This means access to quality housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food. HHS provides critical services for residents who face a variety of obstacles in achieving their full potential. HHS plays an essential role in building a healthy and strong community.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Are you a passionate and visionary leader in behavioral health prevention and harm reduction? Behavioral Health and Crisis Services is seeking an innovative and strategic Prevention and Harm Reduction Manager to lead a growing team dedicated to reducing substance misuse, preventing overdose, and promoting health equity. In this role, you will direct operations and resources for a dynamic unit, driving forward community-centered public health initiatives focused on prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion. We are looking for a leader who is committed to eliminating racial and other disparities and has a track record of implementing effective, data-driven strategies that make a tangible impact. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and expand long-standing programs while developing new initiatives aligned with Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response. If you are passionate about supervising and mentoring professionals, fostering collaborative community partnerships, and making a real difference in the fight against substance misuse, we encourage you to apply!

The Manager is charged with implementing Behavioral Health and Crisis Services (BHCS) programs associated with the Opioid Abatement Fund of Montgomery County, consistent with guidelines from Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response (MOOR). In addition, this position will oversee several long-standing grants from the State of Maryland to implement behavioral health prevention and harm reduction programs. Duties and core responsibilities include, but are not limited, to:

• Overseeing evidence-based and equitable programs that include promotion of behavioral health and wellbeing, prevention of behavioral health and substance use problems, and harm reduction services.
• Ensuring that programs comply with Maryland Health Department (MDH) and its Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) licensing and COMAR standards.
• Collaborating with other Managers within BHCS and across the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure quality of services and coordination with other service area and departmental operations and programs.
• Understanding the use of technology systems and developing reports to inform stakeholders about the effectiveness of programs.
• Communicating and coordinating with MOOR on grant opportunities, use of Opioid Restitution Funds, and changes in substance use prevention regulations.
• Managing and supervising unit staff, comprised of supervisors and individual contributors performing technical, administrative, and professional work. Direct reports include four positions - three Program Managers managing prevention and harm reduction services and related grants, contracts and budgets; and one Administrative Specialist.
• Performing other job-related duties as assigned.

The selected candidate will need to visit various locations within the County and on occasion attend meetings outside of the County. Travel, using a personal vehicle, is strongly preferred to perform these visits and to coordinate and monitor services.

Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience managing substance use disorder, behavioral health prevention, and/or harm reduction services.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

License: Possession of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant's state of residence.

A background investigation will be conducted on the selected candidate prior to appointment and will be a significant factor in the hiring decision.

Preferred Criteria:

• Experience directing operations and multiple resources of a public or behavioral health services unit.
• Experience implementing community-driven public health strategies (including prevention, risk reduction and health promotion) to empower people who use substances (and their families), and/or those at risk of misusing substances with the choice to live health, self-directed, and purpose-filled lives.
• Additional years of experience in substance use disorder, behavioral health prevention and/or harm reduction services.

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience listed below. Please address this information in a separate section of the resume or cover letter.

• Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP) or Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPS)
• Expertise with the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)
• Experience evaluating programs
• Experience in reduction of racial or related disparities
• Experience with contract development and oversight.