Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Please submit resume and cover letter to: [email protected]

General Description

The Director Mental Health and Substance Use Services provides leadership on mental health and substance use disorder services, issues and public policy and initiatives, including payment and service delivery reform. Support is provided to key program director groups and there is participation in related Vermont Care Partner and State-led groups to support and integrate policy development, best practices, law and regulation, research, training and policy and program initiatives with direction and support from the committee chairpersons and the board of directors.

VCP is an equal opportunity employer.

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to Executive Director of Vermont Care Partners. Provided regular briefings to, and engages regularly with, Vermont Care Partners program director and administrative groups, the Executive Director, VCP staff, and Board of Directors 

Freedom To Act/Accountability

The Director works with a high degree of independence and autonomy in a high-paced environment. The method, priority, and timing of job duties are subject to the direction of the Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

1. Provides leadership to and collaboration with Vermont Care Partners membership and staff on mental health and substance use disorder services, issues and public policy and initiative;
2. Providers leadership for mental health and substance use payment and service delivery reform;
3. Participates in strategic planning for Vermont Care Partners;
4. Provides information and analysis to the membership and mental health program directors regarding mental health and substance use disorder: research, best practices, program trends, public policy, regulation, law and legislation at the state and federal levels;
5. Builds and participates in alliances and collaborations with advocacy partners including: NAMI-VT, VAMHAR, Vermont Federation of Children, and Families, Vermont Psychiatric Survivors, etc.;
6. Serves as a liaison and advocate for the mental health program directors and Vermont Care Partners with governmental agencies, including the Office of Vermont Health Access, the Department of Mental Health, the Vermont Department of Health, the Department of Children and Families and the Agency of Human Services;
7. Participates in Vermont Care Partners health policy work with health care partners to develop collaborations for mental health and substance use disorder services;
8. Participates in the development and implementation of the Vermont Care Partners Legislative agenda and advocacy work;
9. Provides staff support to monthly meetings and annual retreats of the Community Rehabilitation and Treatment (CRT), Children and Families, Adult Outpatient and Crisis Services Directors groups, with direction and support from the committee chair persons;
10. Provides staff support and/or participation, as needed, to additional Vermont Care Partners, state government and related workgroups including Billing Managers, Crisis Bed Programs, Outcomes, Corporate Compliance, Medical Directors, and ad hoc groups as necessary;
11. Develops, coordinates and supports training and conferences, sometimes in collaboration with the Vermont Cooperative for Practice;
12. Supports grant applications and management and RFP development and implementation
13. Collects and analyzes data and information for Vermont Care Partners system of care;
14. Participates in developing public communications and education;
15. Conducts ongoing and special projects, as needed.

Expertise Required:

1. Clinical and programmatic knowledge of mental health and substance use disorders;
2. Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently and in groups;
3. Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
4. Skills at group facilitation, conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving;
5. Ability to conduct research, analyze data and develop informational presentations.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

1. Master’s degree in mental health, substance use disorders, public administration or related field preferred;
2. Two years of experience working in community-based mental health and/or substance use disorder services;
3. Leadership experience in managing workgroups, programs, and/or policy initiatives;
4. Experience in working in state government or legislative advocacy preferred.

Environmental Factors:

Duties are performed in a hybrid office setting or in the Legislature during the legislative session. Extensive in-state and limited out-of-state travel will be involved for which private means of transportation may be required. Duties may be performed outside of typical working hours. Quick deadlines for important reports and need for sensitive communication under challenging and difficult situations may be required. The position requires interactions and communications directly with senior agency leaders, state and federal government administrators, staff, legislators, and constituents. It entails managing many complex administrative and policy related issues at once with some deadline pressures.

Total Compensation:

Salary Range: $80,000+ depending on experience

Benefits Package:

• 80% paid medical premium • dental insurance •3% retirement contribution • short and long-term disability insurance • paid holidays • generous time off.