Director of Drug/Alcohol Abuse

Job Description

Position: Director of Drug/Alcohol Abuse

Department

Drug & Alcohol

Location

Erie County Office of Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Status

Full Time

Starting Pay Rate

$30.70 Hourly

Hours Per Week

40.0

Exemption Status

Exempt

Posting Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

07/31/2026

Pay Grade

NB19

Bargaining Unit

NON-BARGAINING

Posting Number

5806

Definition of Class

• This is administrative work implementing operational policy in regard to a comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Program in a single county authority. This employee is responsible for a variety of managerial functions that involve fiscal management, organizational planning, interdepartmental coordination, public relations, data management, personnel supervision and administration. Employee in this class functions under a Planning Council model that has been established for the administration of the Drug & Alcohol Program that operates under the Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities Program at the county level. Fiscal responsibilities involve implementing a fiscal plan developed by an administrative superior and monitoring the use of funds. Supervision responsibilities are over managerial, professional, technical and clerical staff. A person in this position carries out his/her assignments under the supervision of an Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities administrator and in accordance with federal, state and county mandates and policies and procedures.

Nature of Work

• Directs the operations of the Single County Authority and ensures compliance with the Pennsylvania Drug & Alcohol Abuse Control Act, PA Department of Drug & Alcohol contract, Pennsylvania Code, Civil Service procedures, local ordinances, Single County Authority mandates, policies, procedures, manuals and directives. Other responsibilities include developing and implementing contracts, allocating funds for the provision of services, monitoring contracts for compliance and assisting with contract negotiations. This administrator develops and maintains staff training, manages service delivery and directs the preparation of grant applications. He/she assists in planning and development of new drug and alcohol programs and analyzes the impact of proposed legislation on policies and procedures. Performs related work as required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Administers the Erie County Office of Drug & Alcohol Abuse to ensure compliance with State law
• and County ordinances.
• Reports to the Director of Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities, keeping him/her informed and updated on all matters, programmatically, personnel related and otherwise, that impact the Department.
• Functions as a member of the Department of Human Services executive team, collaborating with
• other program offices as appropriate.
• Develops and implements written policies and procedures for the Drug & Alcohol Administrative Office.
• Responsible for contract negotiations, the development and implementation of all contracts with
• the County Office of Drug & Alcohol Abuse and the allocation of funds for the provision of
• services under the authority of the County Office of Drug & Alcohol Abuse.
• Responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive Drug and Alcohol
• service delivery system including prevention, intervention and treatment, and in so doing keeps
• abreast of national trends, research and best practices.
• Develops and implements a training plan for Drug & Alcohol managerial, professional, and administrative staff based on identified needs.
• Analyzes and evaluates community needs and resources.
• Prepares the annual Drug & Alcohol budget based on service plans, negotiated rates and allocated
• funds.
• Oversees the fiscal/programmatic monitoring of subcontractors to ensure compliance with contract,
• and is responsible for the development and submission of all fiscal and programmatic reports to
• County and State offices.
• Reviews and approves all Purchase Orders for office supplies, equipment and furnishings.
• Develops the annual County Plan/Updates as required by the State office.
• Prepares and submits reports to the Erie County Executive, Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board
• and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in such form and containing such information
• as may be required.
• Maintains liaison with governmental and private community services, agencies, organizations
• and State-operated facilities, and develops and maintains positive relationships with external
• customers and stakeholders.
• Recruits and fills vacant positions within the Drug & Alcohol Office.
• Approves administrative transfers and supplemental appropriations for Drug and Alcohol Office.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing the administration of Drug & Alcohol programs.
• Knowledge of the needs assessment process that is applied in collecting, reviewing and analyzing statistical data.
• Knowledge of the human service delivery system.
• Knowledge of personnel management and administration.
• Knowledge of budget preparation, general accounting and fiscal management.
• Ability to plan, direct and supervise the work of managerial, professional, technical and clerical staff.
• Ability to speak effectively in public and express ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to understand the concepts of drug and alcohol addictions; prevention, intervention and treatment programing.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of a Master's Degree in Medicine, Chemical Dependency, Psychology, Social Work Counseling, Nursing (with a Specialty in Nursing or Health Administration, Counseling Education or Clinical Specialty), or other Behavioral Sciences, Public or Business Administration with a Minimum of 2 years of Supervisory Experience in Direct Service in a Human Service Agency or a Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Dependency, Psychology, Social Work Counseling, Nursing (with a Specialty in Nursing or Health Administration, Counseling Education or Clinical Specialty), or other Behavioral Sciences, Public or Business Administration and a Minimum of 4 years of Experience Providing Direct Service in a Human Service Agency including a Minimum of 2 years Supervisory Experience or a Minimum of an Associate's Degree in Chemical Dependency, Psychology, Social Work Counseling, Nursing (with a Specialty in Nursing or Health Administration, Counseling Education or Clinical Specialty), or other Behavioral Sciences, Public or Business Administration and a Minimum of 6 years Experience Providing Direct Service in a Human Service Agency including a Minimum of 2 years Supervisory Experience

Supervision Received

• Work is performed with independence of judgment within established requirements, policies, procedures and controlling legislation. Work is reviewed and evaluated by the Director of Human Services through conferences
• and review of reports.

Conditions Of Employment

• Required to provide and are subject to Pennsylvania criminal and child abuse clearances as well as an FBI fingerprint clearance prior to the start of employment.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Erie County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Erie County Government values the power of diversity in our workforce. Our goal is to continue developing inclusive workforce policies that require individual equality, support the diversity of employee experiences, and include unique perspectives.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.