Opioid Response and Policy Coordinator

About the Department

Work Location

• 2101 47th Terrace E, Bradenton, FL 34203
• Coordinates Manatee County's Opioid Response Program, opioid settlement initiatives, and related behavioral health planning efforts. Monitors the community opioid response system, behavioral health service continuum, and related community partnerships to identify service gaps, emerging trends, and opportunities for system improvement. Gathers, analyzes, and interprets demographic, epidemiological, programmatic, and service-utilization data to evaluate community needs, assess service-delivery models, and support evidence-based policy and funding recommendations. This role requires a strong understanding of public health, behavioral health, substance use disorders, and policy development to develop effective strategies that encompass prevention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and community engagement. Collaborates with community groups, governmental agencies, and internal departments to advance system improvements and oversees opioid-related service agreements, including procurement support, contract development, performance monitoring, and evaluation of measurable outcomes.
• Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.

Working Conditions

Position Duties

• Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. Maintains close working relationships with community agencies, professional organizations, and service providers in the County to gather and share information, including best practices and program designs focused on improving the delivery of opioid prevention, response, and recovery system. Assists with developing and implementing recommendations for improvements, including prevention, response, and recovery services and programs. Leads strategic planning and systems improvement initiatives to strengthen the County's behavioral health and opioid response continuum by identifying gaps and barriers, recommending policy and operational changes, and facilitating cross-sector implementation. Researches, develops, and drafts public policy recommendations, ordinances, resolutions, strategic initiatives, and briefing materials. Reviews, analyzes, and enhances reporting systems, dashboards, and data visualization tools that support operational and strategic decision-making. Analyzes statistical data to measure the effectiveness and efficiencies of current programs and prospective partners. Uses quantitative and qualitative data, performance measures, epidemiological trends, and evidence-based practices to develop policy recommendations and guide strategic investments. Develops long-range strategic plans and implementation strategies that align County priorities with state and federal initiatives, funding opportunities, and community needs. Drafts strategy documents and fiscal reports regarding opioid settlement investments and behavioral health initiatives. Identifies potential grant funding opportunities for opioid and substance use disorders. Develops grant applications with system stakeholders. May provide technical assistance and staff support to advisory board, workgroups, community partners, County Administration, County Commissioners, and other state and local stakeholders regarding opioid response and recovery issues. Coordinates, tracks, and distributes program resources to the community, including medication, harm reduction, and overdose prevention materials. Facilitates new and unconventional partnerships between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives meant to speed the execution of demonstration projects, expand successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities throughout the County. Creates contact networks and coalitions to promote community collaboration and community input and enhance partnerships in the system. Administers contractual agreements with nonprofit agencies, healthcare providers, and governmental partners, including monitoring performance, compliance, and measurable outcomes. Coordinates local harm reduction programs and reports on programmatic outcomes. Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting their area of expertise. Upon approval, attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and otherwise benefit the County. Conducts community needs assessments and evaluates emerging behavioral health trends to support long-range planning and future County investments. Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and appliable federal and Florida law.

Essential Functions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Public Administration, Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Nursing, Behavioral Health, Community Health, Public Policy, or a closely related field. Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in healthcare, public health, behavioral health, strategic planning, policy development, program administration, contract management, grant administration, or initiatives related to opioid prevention, response, and recovery. Experience preparing reports, strategic plans, policy recommendations, grant applications, executive briefings, presentations, or other written materials for executive leadership, governing boards, elected officials, or community stakeholders is highly desirable. Valid driver's license required, with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Public Administration, Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Nursing, Behavioral Health, Community Health, Public Policy, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in healthcare, public health, behavioral health, strategic planning, policy development, program administration, contract management, grant administration, or initiatives related to opioid prevention, response, and recovery. Experience preparing reports, strategic plans, policy recommendations, grant applications, executive briefings, presentations, or other written materials for executive leadership, governing boards, elected officials, or community stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Valid driver's license required, with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

Other Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred in Public Health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Social Work (MSW), Nursing (MSN), Business Administration (MBA) with a healthcare concentration, Public Policy, or a closely related field. Professional certifications preferred such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified in Public Health (CPH), Certified Prevention Professional (CPP), Lean Six Sigma, or similar certifications related to public administration, healthcare, behavioral health, or project management are desirable. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to analyze and resolve difficult situations and problems. Thorough knowledge of community health assessments and evidence-based public policy development. Thorough knowledge of behavioral health systems of care, including prevention, early intervention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery support services, crisis response, diversion programs, and social determinants of health. Good knowledge and understanding of population health management concepts. Good knowledge and understanding of grant and contract management. Good knowledge of substance use, harm reduction strategies, and available drug treatment resources. Good knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties. Good knowledge of data analysis, statistical software, business intelligence tools, data visualization platforms, and Microsoft Office applications necessary to perform job duties. Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public presentation skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, health care providers, community groups, and other stakeholders. Able to engage with a diverse population of varying cultural, ethnic or socioeconomical backgrounds. Ability to explain facts, policies, and practices. Ability to work independently with general supervision.
• Master's degree preferred in Public Health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Social Work (MSW), Nursing (MSN), Business Administration (MBA) with a healthcare concentration, Public Policy, or a closely related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to analyze and resolve difficult situations and problems.
• Thorough knowledge of community health assessments and evidence-based public policy development.
• Thorough knowledge of behavioral health systems of care, including prevention, early intervention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery support services, crisis response, diversion programs, and social determinants of health.
• Good knowledge and understanding of population health management concepts.
• Good knowledge and understanding of grant and contract management.
• Good knowledge of substance use, harm reduction strategies, and available drug treatment resources.
• Good knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.
• Good knowledge of data analysis, statistical software, business intelligence tools, data visualization platforms, and Microsoft Office applications necessary to perform job duties.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public presentation skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, health care providers, community groups, and other stakeholders.
• Able to engage with a diverse population of varying cultural, ethnic or socioeconomical backgrounds.
• Ability to explain facts, policies, and practices.
• Ability to work independently with general supervision.

Benefits

• Full Time Positions Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues. Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members. Wellbeing Benefits: Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year) On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access Personal Training (5 Free per year) Pharmacy Technician Group Fitness Classes Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management Diabetes Care Program Registered Dietician (5 Free per year) Massages with licensed therapist (small copay) Miscellaneous Benefits: Workers’ Compensation Training/Seminars Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes). Paid Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Three (3) Personal Holidays Personal Sick Leave Family Sick Leave Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours) Professional Medical Appointment Leave Bereavement Leave Military Leave Military Training Leave FMLA Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week. Years of Service Vacation Days 0-5 16.25 days 6-10 19.50 days 11+ 22.75 days Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program Insurance: Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0. Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Prescription Insurance Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost) Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance Retirement: Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options. 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya. FRS Webinars Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner Career Wellness: Professional Leadership Programs Instructor-Led and eLearning Training Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders Career Counseling Toastmasters Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance) Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards Education Benefits: Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement. Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Flexible Spending Account: Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings. Permanent Part Time - Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP): • ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. • LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues. Miscellaneous Benefits: • Workers’ Compensation • Training/Seminars • Fitness Center Access for employee only • FRS options • Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders • Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions • Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes). Paid Time Off: • 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. • Three (3) Personal Holidays • Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs. per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on a pro-rated basis
• ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.
• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Group Fitness Classes
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Diabetes Care Program
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)
• Workers’ Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA
• Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program
• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner
• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards
• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Supplemental Questions