Overview

Job Summary

This position is in the District of Columbia Government (District), Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), Health Services Administration (HSA). The HSA promotes a continuum of total health care to DYRS youth that encompasses the youth’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This is done through comprehensive preventive care, health education, and urgent, emergency, and chronic care extended into the community. The HSA provides 24-hour medical, mental health, and dental care for youth placed in all DYRS secure facilities. DYRS’ mission is to improve public safety and provide court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive citizens by building on the strengths of youth and their families in the least restrictive, most homelike environment consistent with public safety. Emphasis will be placed on best practices for youth interaction and basic programming for temporary short-term detention, or a treatment-oriented milieu for youth in longer-term custody depending on the legal status of the youth and based on the principles of Positive Youth Development.

The incumbent in this position will be responsible for providing direct supervision to subordinate staff and student trainees, coordinating, monitoring, and tracking substance abuse program activities. Incumbent will review substance abuse treatment referrals, assign and provide treatment, and monitor client services and treatment outcomes.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent manages the DYRS substance abuse treatment program and service provision; tracks, collects, and analyzes substance abuse data to determine effectiveness of treatment programs services and makes recommendations to DYRS leadership regarding substance abuse treatment programming. Establishes, facilitates and manages the partnerships with DC Health and the Department of Behavioral Health in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements; manages the program’s treatment support services and options available to families and youth involved in the District of Columbia juvenile justice system. Responsible for reviewing, monitoring, tracking, and evaluating activities related to substance abuse program activity, which includes documenting in the electronic health record, FamCare and other data systems all substance abuse information and activities referred through Health Services. Facilitates follow-up activities with social workers and families as needed to ensure referrals are made, services are received, and appropriate aftercare services are in place.

The incumbent formulates policies and standard operating procedures that are responsive to the treatment needs of the youth. Collaborates with multidisciplinary DYRS staff on cases involving children, youth and adults who are using substances. Collaborates with counterparts at Department of Health and comparable representatives from other District and State government agencies, substance abuse treatment and support organizations, and private agencies regarding existing programs and program development and matters of mutual concern. Provides technical input and support for grant applications for substance abuse program funding, including grant research. Drafts and reviews inter-agency agreements pertaining to the delivery of substance abuse treatment services to DYRS involved families.

Qualifications and Education

Bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position.

Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, the incumbent must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licensures. Certifications and other requirements

CAC I required CAC II preferred (Certified Addiction Counselor Level I or Level II)

Work Environment

The work is primarily sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required. The work may involve visits to work sites, and requires periods of standing, bending, stooping and carrying of light items. Some degree of hazard may be present in working with high-risk youth in custody with histories of aggressive conduct and disruptive behavioral problems.

The work is performed in an office setting which is adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated.

Other Significant Facts:

Tour of Duty: 9:00am to 6:00pm; Monday – Friday (hours may vary depending on program needs)

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-0601-12

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential

Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS): At-will employment applies to the MSS. All positions and appointments in the MSS serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not a part of a Collective Bargaining Unit. 

Position Designation: The incumbent in this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel regulations, Suitability. This position has been designated as a safety-sensitive position.

Essential Designation: This position is designated as Essential pursuant to Chapter 12 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, Hours of Work, Legal Holidays, and Leave.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.