MHSAS PROGRAM MANAGER 1 -09282026-81406

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time09/28/2026 12:00AM Central TimeClosing Date/Time10/11/2026 11:59PM Central TimeSalary (Monthly)$5,100.00 - $7,646.00Salary (Annually)$61,200.00 - $91,752.00Job TypeFull-TimeCity, State LocationNashville, TNDepartmentMental Health and Substance Abuse Services

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, DAVIDSON COUNTY

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from a standard high school and experience equivalent to nine years of qualifying full-time professional-level experience in mental health or substance use disorder programs, including one year involving monitoring, evaluating, planning, or coordinating program activities

OR

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a social or behavioral science or other related acceptable field and experience equivalent to five years of full-time professional-level experience in mental health or substance use disorder programs, including one year involving monitoring, evaluating, planning, or coordinating program activities

OR

Substitution of Graduate Education with Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in a social or behavioral science or other related acceptable field and experience equivalent to three years of full-time professional-level experience in mental health or substance use disorder programs, including one year involving monitoring, evaluating, planning, or coordinating program activities

Overview

The MHSAS Program Manager 1 oversees mental health and substance use disorder programs, ensuring efficient operations, compliance, and service effectiveness. An incumbent in this class manages contracts, budgets, and policies while advising stakeholders on best practices. This class differs from MHSAS Program Specialist in that it focuses on program oversight rather than providing technical assistance. It differs from MHSAS Program Manager 2 in that it primarily manages individual contracts and service providers rather than broader operational strategies and staff supervision.

This position is responsible for substance use disorder program management, including negotiating costs for contracted services; assisting with grant development and/or management; developing policies and procedures; providing technical guidance on program issues; overseeing budgeting and contract management; and performing other related program management duties. The position requires knowledge of substance use treatment and recovery systems, including the continuum of care, evidence-informed practices, recovery support services, and coordination among providers and community partners.

The position also monitors the activities and programs of contracted agencies to ensure compliance with contractual scopes of service, identify problems or weaknesses, and determine appropriate solutions or opportunities for improvement. Duties may also include conducting meetings, presentations, and training to disseminate program-related information to providers and staff as needed.

Responsibilities

• Negotiates service provider contracts, reviews budgets, monitors spending patterns, and ensures adherence to funding requirements.

• Writes policies, procedures, and program guidelines while ensuring services meet state and federal regulations.

• Advises administrators, contracted agencies, and field staff on program-related decisions, compliance issues, and best practices.

• Compiles reports, reviews program performance data, and develops recommendations to improve services and efficiency.

• Assists in grant application processes, funding distribution, and redesigning databases to support program operations.

• Conducts training sessions, presents program information to external groups, and facilitates meetings with stakeholders.

• Uses program-specific software to manage program data, create reports, and maintain compliance records.

• Works with staff, community groups, and other agencies to address grievances, improve service delivery, and maintain positive stakeholder relationships.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

• Ensures Accountability

• Manages Complexity

• Plans and Aligns

• Communicates Effectively

• Decision Quality

Knowledges:

• Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Services

• Regulatory Compliance & Policy Development

• Contract & Budget Management

• Stakeholder Engagement & Technical Assistance

• Data Analysis & Performance Evaluation

Skills:

• Judgment and Decision Making

• Coordination

• Critical Thinking

• Social Perceptiveness

• Time Management

Abilities:

• Deductive Reasoning

• Problem Sensitivity

• Inductive Reasoning

• Speech Recognition

• Written Comprehension

Tools & Equipment

• Computer

• Telephone

• Fax

• Printer/Scanner/Copier

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license

• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.