Social Services Program Administration Manager

Introduction Are you a current state employee with five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in behavioral health policy, program administration, healthcare management or Medicaid programming? The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS), invites you to explore an upcoming opportunity for a Behavioral Health Manager (Social Services Program Administration Manager) located in Hartford, CT. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic, operational, and regulatory oversight across behavioral health, dental services, medical administrative services, and non-emergency medical transportation for over one million Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members. Lead oversight of the Carelon Behavioral Health contract and related initiatives, including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CBHC), Substance Use Disorder Services (SUD), justice‑involved populations, early childhood behavioral health (Zero to Three), and the SUD 1115 Waiver. Ensure system integration, network adequacy, quality improvement, value‑based payment models, CMS compliance, and stakeholder engagement for the behavioral health portfolio. Provide strategic oversight of the State’s dental program, including vendor management, policy development, quality and performance improvement, provider and member support, health equity initiatives, and cross‑agency coordination. Oversee administrative operations for Medicaid and CHIP, including member and provider services, data analytics, quality management, program integrity, and regulatory compliance. Drive systemwide performance and innovation while maintaining high‑quality, equitable, efficient, and compliant service delivery through contract oversight, policy leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and data‑driven performance management. Minimum Qualifications Nine (9) years of professional experience in the delivery of social services programs and/or policies. One (1) year of the general experience must have been in a managerial or consultative capacity with programmatic and administrative responsibility for a regional or statewide social services program. College training may be substituted for the general experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one‑half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree. A Master’s degree in relevant fields may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the general experience. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Health, Public Policy, or a related field. Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in behavioral health policy, program administration, healthcare management, or Medicaid programs. Experience overseeing behavioral health service delivery systems, including mental health and substance use disorder services. Knowledge of federal and state behavioral health regulations, Medicaid authorities, and value‑based payment models. Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating behavioral health policies, programs, and initiatives. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including providers, state agencies, advocacy groups, and individuals with lived experience. Experience managing contracts, grants, budgets, and performance metrics. Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex initiatives. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, presentations, and policy recommendations for executive leadership. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and facilitating cross‑agency collaboration. Knowledge of health equity, social determinants of health, and strategies to improve access to behavioral health services. Experience with federal waiver programs, including Section 1115 demonstrations and behavioral health transformation initiatives. Professional licensure or certification (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Psychologist, PMP, or other relevant credential) is desirable but not required. Benefits Industry‑leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage. Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings. Paid time off, including 13 paid holidays per calendar year. Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities. Work culture that promotes a healthy work‑life balance. Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of service.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Connecticut - Department of Social Services