Program Manager 1A-LDH (LA Bridge Program Director)

Grambling State University; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Department of Health in Baton Rouge seeks a Statewide Louisiana Bridge Manager to lead the expansion of an evidence-based program that connects individuals with substance use disorders to lifesaving treatment and recovery services.

The role involves collaboration with hospitals, healthcare providers, and state partners, delivering statewide training and technical assistance, and helping shape policies and strategies for improved health outcomes across Louisiana.

Qualifications

• Seven years of experience developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; OR six years in any field plus four years in relevant health/public health experience; OR a bachelor’s + four years in relevant programs; OR an advanced degree/JD + three years in relevant programs.
• EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: 30 semester hours equals one year of experience, up to 120 semester hours (four years) substitution.

Responsibilities

• Assess hospital readiness for the Louisiana Bridge Program and engage hospitals.
• Provide training, technical assistance, and ongoing support to hospital teams implementing the Louisiana Bridge model.
• Serve as contract monitor for statewide implementation agreements and collaborate on funding opportunities.
• Develop and deliver standardized training and TA packages, including on-site consultations.
• Collaborate with hospital navigators and ED staff to expand access to medication-assisted treatment and post-discharge follow-up.
• Lead strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, updating LDH/OBH leadership and representing the program in meetings.
• Build and coordinate technical assistance teams to expand access to treatment and prevention strategies.

Skills

Public health program experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 4 years in health/public health programs

Advanced degree or JD + 3 years in health/public health programs

Job description

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health

Make a meaningful impact in the fight against the opioid overdose crisis across Louisiana. The Statewide Louisiana Bridge Manager will lead the expansion of an innovative, evidence-based program that connects individuals with substance use disorders to lifesaving treatment and recovery services. This highly visible role offers the opportunity to collaborate with hospitals, healthcare providers, and state partners, provide statewide training and technical assistance, and help shape policies and strategies that improve health outcomes for communities throughout Louisiana. If you are passionate about public health, program development, and driving system-wide change, we encourage you to apply and be part of this transformative initiative.

Preferred Experience: Candidates with experience working with hospital systems, community based treatment settings, and/or collaborative approaches to developing coordinated services are encouraged to apply.

• Seven years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus four years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• A bachelor’s degree plus four years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• An advanced degree or a Juris Doctorate plus three years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services.

• EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

Official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Assess hospital readiness for implementation of the Louisiana Bridge Program and engage hospitals based on interest and capacity.
• Provide training, technical assistance, and ongoing support to hospital teams implementing the Louisiana Bridge model, while monitoring and evaluating program progress.
• Serve as contract monitor for statewide implementation agreements and collaborate with LDH/OBH leadership to identify sustainable funding opportunities.
• Develop and deliver standardized training and technical assistance packages, including on-site consultations and educational sessions focused on key Bridge Program pillars.
• Collaborate with hospital-based substance use navigators and emergency department staff to expand access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), discharge planning, and post-discharge follow-up services.
• Lead strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and communication efforts, providing regular updates to LDH and OBH leadership while representing the program in legislative, task force, and healthcare partner meetings.
• Build and coordinate multidisciplinary technical assistance teams and partner with hospital executives and healthcare leaders statewide to expand access to treatment, harm reduction services, and evidence-based overdose prevention strategies.

Position-Specific Details

Location: Office of Behavioral Health / Headquarters – Medical Director / East Baton Rouge Parish

Appointment Type: This position may be filled as aProbationary appointment, Promotional appointment,Job appointment (temporary appointment that may last up to 48 months), or Detail to Special Duty for LDH employees.

Position Number(s): 50696106

Cost Center: 3301010102

Contact Information

Casey Hickman

[e-mail]

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818 Baton Rouge, LA 70821

225-342-4287

This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.

LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.

LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.