May 2007 NACBHDD Newsletter
The Newsletter of the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors
In This Issue...
NACBHDD Has a New Executive Director: Ellen Witman
After interviewing several very strong candidates for NACBHDD Executive Director position, the search committee has chosen Ellen Witman to be the new Executive Director. Witman, currently the President of her own independent consulting business in Washington, DC, will begin work at NACBHDD on June 18.
Witman has over 20 years of experience in legislative affairs and public policy. In her current role, she provides advocacy and communication services to nonprofits. She has drafted Congressional legislation, some of which have been enacted into law. In addition, she has developed government affairs communications, including policy analyses, newsletters, journal articles, testimony, op-ed pieces, press releases, and statements for members of Congress. And, she has extensive successful grant writing experience. Her clients have included: Children Now, the Coalition of Voluntary Mental Health Organizations of New York, and the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Witman has an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Hahnemann University & Medical School in Philadelphia.
Leon Evans, Chair of the Search Committee, says that during the interview process Witman was "so professional and engaging with related work experiences," and that the Committee feels she will be a good fit for NACBHDD. He believes NACBHDD will benefit from her accomplishments, and the membership will enjoy working with her.
Look for an interview with Ellen Witman in the June newsletter.
NACBHDD Board Will Meet July 13
The NACBHDD Board of Directors will meet Friday, July 13 at the Berkeley Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. The contact information is as follows:
The Berkeley Hotel1200 East Clay StreetRichmond, VA 23219
For reservations call 1-804-780-1300 or toll free at 1-888-780-4422. Please use NACBHDD as your group identifier to get the $165 rate. Rooms are available for Thursday July 12 and Friday July 13.
To ensure room availability and rate, members will need to make their reservations by June 22, 2007.
If you have questions, please contact Maeghan Gilmore at mgilmore@nacbhd.org or at 202-661-8816.
All members are invited to attend, however only those representatives on the board are able to vote on NACBHDD business.
Medicare Update: APA Study Reveals Critical Access Problems for Dual Eligibles
NACBHDD periodically speaks with Karen Sanders, Associate Director for Publicly Funded Services at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) about critical issues and developments related to the implementation of the Medicare Modernization Act Part D. This month NACBHDD spoke with Sanders about the May 1 release of an article in the American Journal of Psychiatry which reveals the critical access problems faced by the two million dual eligibles with mental and addictive illnesses.
The article, .Medication Access and Continuity: The Experiences of Dual-Eligible Psychiatric Patients During the First 4 Months of the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit,. outlines the results of a study conducted by the APA.s American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education (APIRE), which monitored and described continuity and medication access among dual eligible patients with mental and addictive illnesses. The study.s findings focus on data from January through April, 2006, among a nationally representative sample of 1,183 psychiatrists who treat dual eligible patients. Fifty-six percent of the patients in the study had a schizophrenia or bipolar diagnosis.
The primary aims of the study were to:
Sanders emphasized the key findings of the study:
In terms of medication access:
In terms of Prescription Drug Plan administration problems:
In addition to the problems found in the study, Sanders related some unusual problems that consumers are continuing to have. For example, Sanders described a patient who needs 10 mg of a medication three times a day, but the PDP stipulated that the patient could only have it in 40, 60, or 80 mg, but not 10 mg. Also, there are consumers who had successfully completed the entire ALJ exceptions and appeal process in 2006, but in 2007 they were denied for the first three months. And Sanders emphasizes, denying drugs creates patient anxiety and decompensation.
The study also found high rates of serious adverse consequences related to medication access and discontinuations:
The reaction
The APA held a press briefing about the study on May 1 at the National Press Club in conjunction with other medical advocacy groups, including a representative from the HIV community. (The HIV community also has been experiencing access problems.) And, in addition to the press briefing, the APA wrote letters to all drug plans and called upon them to comply with CMS regulations.
An APA member and psychiatrist from Minnesota who manages over 1,500 patients and whose treatment area covers rural areas of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota attended the conference and presented examples of the access and continuity problems that are continuing in 2007.
NACBHDD spoke with Sanders several days after the press briefing, and while Kaiser covered the press briefing, there had not yet been any response from the drug plans. Sanders characterizes the issue as .so, so complicated that even the insider trade journals aren.t getting it right,. and she continues to believe there is a .huge fatigue factor. among professionals and consumers in dealing with the problems related to Medicare Part D.
The future
Phase III of the study involves ongoing research. Follow-up studies through the end of 2006 demonstrate that these problems are continuing; the data from theses studies has not yet been published. A multi-state survey of Medicaid plans is underway. And, work is underway with health economists to analyze the cost data.
The authors call for reexamination of the CMS policies:
The formulary challenges presented by dual eligible psychiatric patients are significant, and some prescription drug plan management protocols may prove insurmountable for medically vulnerable, cognitively impaired patients. There is a need to develop policies to facilitate timely access to clinically appropriate medications with cost management and .care management. strategies appropriate for the unique needs of this vulnerable population. (AJP, 164:5, May 2007, www.ajp.psychiatryonline.org)
For more information
The American Psychiatric Association has generously shared materials related to the study and summarized in this article. For a summary of the study.s findings, click here. To view a Power Point presentation prepared by the APA and presented at the press briefing, click here.
NACBHDD will continue to report on developments related to this study and to Part D-related issues. NACBHDD members with concerns or comments should contact Karen Sanders at ksanders@psych.org.
NACBHDD Vice Chair Testifies on Capitol Hill About Community Collaboration Between Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice System
NACBHDD Vice Chair Leon Evans, who is also Executive Director of the Center for Health Care Services in Bexar County/City of San Antonio, Texas, was invited to testify before the House Judiciary Committee.s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.s hearing on .Criminal Justice Responses to Offenders with Mental Illness.. On March 27, Evans testified about Bexar County.s local collaboration on the award-winning Bexar County Jail Diversion Program, which was nationally recognized in 2006 with the American Psychiatric Association.s Gold Award and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare.s Excellence in Service Delivery Award. The program also was highlighted in the SAMHSA journal for innovation and creativity.
Evans. testimony comes at a time when full funding for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act continues to be a priority for the Campaign for Mental Health Reform, of which NACBHDD is a partner. The act was passed in 2003 with $50 million in funding requested, but only $5 million has been allocated thus far.
NACBHDD recently spoke with Evans about his testimony, and he highlighted some of the key points he made, and he explained important aspects of the collaboration in the Bexar County Jail Diversion Program.
The problem
.It is such a national tragedy that we.ve come to the point that the largest inpatient place is our jails,. says Evans. (As his testimony notes, it was previously thought that 16% of inmates in jails and prisons have severe mental illnesses; more recent studies estimate that the number could be twice that.) There are some historical issues in behavioral health that have had a significant impact on the current situation, and Evans outlined these for Subcommittee. First, the delivery of community based services began with the Community Mental Health and Mental Retardation Facilities Act of 1963 and with the closing state mental health hospitals. While the funding needed was supposed to follow individuals back into the community to fund treatment and medication, this did not happen. Ultimately, this has resulted in very few or no services for stabilizing individuals and helping them live in their communities. In addition, Evans says there has been a long-standing aversion for law enforcement and public mental health officials to .sit down and talk,. which has negatively affected planning, training, and services. The impact on tax dollars in communities is critical. As Evans said in his testimony, .It is well known that the average length of stay for these non-violent offenders who end up in our jails is 3 to 4 times longer at 5 to 6 times the cost of their stay as compared to the cost of the stay of a violent offender..
What happens once individuals with mental illness are in the criminal justice system . what contributes to these costs?
Evans explained that the following factors contribute to the inefficiencies in the system as it is now:
How counties can make a difference
Fortunately, law enforcement and public mental health are starting to talk. (The Bexar system started slowly and matured over five years.) Community collaboration models are starting to be developed and there are models out there that prove that.
Evans emphasizes that counties don.t need .a full blown program to make a difference.. For example, mental health professionals can talk with law enforcement about recognizing mental illness and familiarize law enforcement in talk down procedures, as well as training them in where to take people. Others have started a deputy level outreach in which mental health professionals go out with them and screen. Some get started by having a mental health professional at book in. For example, a behavioral health professional might be at community court or at the jail when someone is booked to see if there is a cross match in the mental health system. Individuals who have had multiple admissions to state mental hospitals can be identified in this way, and as Evans notes, these tend to be individuals with cognitive disabilities who often forget to take their medications.
Community Collaboration in the Bexar County Jail Diversion Program (BCJDP)
The Bexar County Jail Diversion Program began when the county judge convened a group of community leaders who formed a collaborative to improve services and remove .waste associated with the criminalization of the mentally ill.. (The individuals involved are usually charged with nonviolent criminal offenses.)
BCJDP has been in operation since 2003 and continues to work closely with law enforcement along 46 intervention points. Some key achievements of the BCJDP include:
Cost benefit analysis of the program due soon
Dr. Alex Cowell, a medical economist as the Research Triangle Institute in North Carolina is doing a cost benefit analysis of the program, which Evans says will be, to date, the largest medical cost benefits analysis of its kind in the country. The report is expected to be completed in four to six months, and it will be shared with NACBHDD, NACo, NCCBH, sheriff associations, the Justice Department, and Congress.
To access the complete testimony, click here.
Virginia Association of Community Services Boards Pilots E-Learning
The Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB) is piloting an e-learning program in conjunction with Trilogy Integrated Resources. NACBHDD recently spoke with Mary Ann Bergeron, Executive Director, VACSB, and Jennifer Faison, Public Policy Manager, VACSB, about the program.
Bergeron says that the VASCB had been approached about e-learning by a number of organizations, but that they were most impressed with Trilogy because of its work in behavioral health and Trilogy.s partnership with Net-Smart, which Bergeron characterizes as .the pinnacle of e-learning.. And, Trilogy.s experience in behavioral health is especially appealing. Trilogy developed the Network of Care, which is used by many community services boards in Virginia and by other NACBHDD member organizations. Trilogy.s co-founders, Bruce Bronzan and Afshin Khosravi, gave a very impressive presentation to the VACSB Board of Directors in December of 2006. Bronzan, Trilogy.s president, directed a substance abuse treatment program and was a county supervisor and also a member of the California State Legislature. Khosravi, chief executive officer, has a wealth of IT experience as well as experience developing virtual online communities for community-based organizations serving the poor and disadvantaged.
Bergeron characterizes Trilogy as a .first-class company,. and says it is unique in its customization, access, and ability for consumers to develop and maintain their own plans of care in private electronic folders that can be shared with persons of their choice, with no costs to consumers. She says that for the Network of Care, it is a .tremendous goodwill gesture and of great advantage to consumers..
The VACSB signed an agreement with Trilogy at the beginning of the year, and the pilot started in March. So far, says Bergeron, the program is running smoothly.
Training through e-learning
There is quite a bit of training in Virginia related to professional licensure and certification renewals and many possible users. According to Bergeron, there are approximately 12,000 to 14,000 employees and providers in the community services boards system, and about 8,000 private providers who need some of the information. There are also around 700 citizen board members who are candidates for e-learning. In addition, anyone in Virginia who is interested in taking these courses can enter through the VACSB portal and sign up for an e-learning training. The pilot has not cost anything to set up, and Trilogy has done all the development work. There will be costs associated with taking the courses.
The following areas are part of the pilot or are in planning:
How can I access e-learning or find out more about it?
Enter the website at www.vacsb.org. Then enter the portal for e-learning. The courses available currently can be viewed. To enroll in a course, a password is needed; but to simply view the information, a password is not necessary.
Trilogy is constructing the VACSB portal of the website in such a way as to allow individual Community Services Boards to establish their own specific sub-portals. While no CSB has a specific sub-portal as yet, the design allows for that potential and a number of CSBs are interested in pursuing this concept, since Trilogy provides automated notification, course management for each employee, and recording for each employee, especially with regards to mandated training that state, county or city agencies require.
For more information
If you have questions about e-learning or want more information, contact. Jennifer Faison at jfaison@vacsb.org.
SAMHSA Launches New Web Page for Veterans and Their Families
A new section of SAMHSA's web site at http://www.samhsa.gov has been launched for veterans and their families. The web site provides critical information on prevention, treatment and recovery support for mental and substance use disorders.
Publications, fact sheets, and links to relevant agencies are provided along with information on SAMHSA-funded programs, agency activities, and training and technical assistance opportunities. Individuals seeking substance use and mental health services can easily find information about local programs by using SAMHSA's treatment facility locator.
Also today, SAMHSA convened a meeting with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and veterans' service organizations to better understand the needs and to identify ways local community-based substance abuse and mental health service organizations can best be prepared to assist veterans and their families. The discussion will help inform the development of guidance materials for states, local communities, and providers to ensure a coordinated approach to providing mental health and substance use services.
For more information, please visit Resources for Returning Veterans and Their Families at http://www.samhsa.gov/vets/.
From a May 9 press release:
New Tool Created To Help Families In The Child Welfare System
Screening and Assessment for Family Engagement, Retention, and Recovery (SAFERR), a new guidebook designed to help staff of public and private agencies respond to families in the child welfare system who are affected by substance use disorders, is now available through SAMHSA.
SAFERR is based on the premise that when parents misuse substances and mistreat their children, the best way to make sound decisions is to draw from the resources of three key systems: child welfare, alcohol and drugs and the courts.
The SAFERR model will help staff:
SAFERR is available on the Web at http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17633. Copies may be obtained free of charge from the SAMHSA Health Information Network (SHIN) at 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727). Request inventory number SMA-07-4261. For related publications and information, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/.
From a May 8 press release:
Systems of Care Promote Stability, Security, Safety for Children and Youth with Serious Mental Health Needs
Children and youth in systems of care are less likely to engage in self-harmful behaviors, demonstrate fewer emotional and behavioral problems and do better in school than before enrollment, according to data released by SAMHSA today during a Capitol Hill briefing. Within SAMHSA's Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services Program for Children and Their Families, children and youth with serious mental health needs make substantial improvements at home, at school and in the community when served through systems of care.
A system of care for children's mental health is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that are organized to meet the challenges of children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. Families and youth work in partnership with public and private organizations so services and supports are effective, build on the strengths of individuals and address each person's cultural and linguistic needs.
The SAMHSA data also suggest that children and youth involved in systems of care experience fewer arrests. This reduction in arrests saves juvenile justice systems nationwide an average of $366.58 per child per year in costs associated with incarceration. These and other data related to key outcomes, such as improved economic status of caregivers, decreased suspensions and expulsions, and improved school attendance, can be found online at www.systemsofcare.samhsa.gov.
From a May 14 press release:
Comparison of Extended-Release and Oral Naltrexone Assists Substance Abuse Treatment Providers
Oral naltrexone and naltrexone for extended-release inject able suspension are the focus of a new comparative report recently released by SAMHSA in the Spring 2007 issue of Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory.
In April 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new extended-release inject able formulation of naltrexone (Vivitrol.) for the treatment of alcohol dependence in an effort to address the issue of patient non-adherence to oral treatment.
This issue of the Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory compares oral naltrexone and extended release injectable naltrexone. It also answers questions treatment providers, particularly counselors and program administrators, may have about injectable naltrexone. These questions include-
The comparison table offers seven topical comparisons in the following categories: mechanism of action, usual adult dosage and prescribing information, examples of drugs causing interactions, common side effects, contraindications, precautions and serious adverse reactions. In addition, the report provides information that treatment providers should share with the patients about the drug as well as the effectiveness of injectable naltrexone.
"Naltrexone for Extended-Release Injectable Suspension for Treatment of Alcohol Dependence" (Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory, Spring 2007, Volume 6, Issue 1) is available on the Web at http://www.kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/advisory/index.htm. Copies may be obtained free of charge by calling SAMHSA's Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727). Request inventory number SMA 07-4267. For related publications and information, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/.
From a May 3 press release:
Study Finds Link Between Depression and First Use of Drugs or Alcohol
Youths who faced depression in the past year were twice as likely as those who did not have depression to take their first drink or use drugs for the first time, according to a new report by SAMHSA.
The NSDUH Report: Depression and the Initiation of Alcohol and Other Drug Use among Youths Aged 12 to 17 showed that in 2005 2.2 million youths experienced a major depressive episode in the past year. For these estimates from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a major depressive episode is defined as a period of two weeks or longer during which there is depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration and self-image.
Among youths who had not used alcohol before, 29.2 percent of those who faced depression took their first drink in the past year, while 14.5 percent of youths who did not have a major depressive episode took their first drink. And 16.1 percent of youths who faced depression and had not previously used illicit drugs began drug use; in contrast, 6.9 percent of youths who did not have a major depressive episode began drug use.
The rates of first-time use for specific drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, and non-medical use of prescription drugs, showed a similar association between past year depression and drug initiation. The rates of drug initiation were higher for youths who reported depression in the past year than for those who did not.
"As National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, May 8, approaches, it's important to remember that depression is real and painful for youths," said Terry Cline, Ph.D., SAMHSA Administrator. "Recognizing depression early and helping youths receive appropriate help may prevent substance use."
While 8.8 percent of youths overall reported depression in the past year, the rate grew gradually with age. Among 12-year-olds, 4.3 percent had faced depression in the past year, but the percentage climbed to 11.9 percent of 17-year-olds.
Among young women, the rate of depression was triple that for young men, 13.3 percent vs. 4.5 percent. Rates across racial/ethnic groups were similar.
According to the 2005 estimates, 2.7 million youths-about 15.4 percent of youths who had not tried drinking-took their first drink during the past year. And 1.5 million youths, or 7.6 percent of those at risk, used drugs for the first time.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health is an annual survey sponsored by SAMHSA. The survey collects data by administering questionnaires to a representative sample of the population through face-to-face interviews at their place of residence.
The NSDUH Report: Depression and the Initiation of Alcohol and Other Drug Use among Youths Aged 12 to 17 is available on the Web at http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/newUserDepression/newUserDepression.cfm. Copies may be obtained free of charge by calling SAMHSA's Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727). Request inventory number NSDUH07-0503. For related publications and information, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/.
From a May 4 press release:
Substance Abuse Treatment Findings Show Risks for Girls
Although girls ages 12-17 made up less than one-third of adolescent treatment admissions in 2005, they began treatment at a younger age than boys and were more likely to have a co-occurring psychiatric disorder, according to a new report by SAMHSA.
And while both boys and girls were most often admitted for marijuana treatment, girls were more likely than boys to report alcohol or inhalants as their primary substance of abuse.
Adolescent Treatment Admissions by Gender: 2005 shows about 142,600 admissions of adolescents ages 12-17 to substance abuse treatment in 2005. About 44,600 admissions (31 percent) were for girls, and 98,000 (69 percent) were for boys. Data for the report comes from SAMHSA's Treatment Episode Data Set, which reports numbers of admissions rather than individuals, as a person may be admitted to treatment more than once.
"As we continue to work on reducing youth drug use overall, we must pay special attention to the needs of teen girls," said Terry Cline, Ph.D., SAMHSA Administrator. "Because research shows that girls use alcohol and drugs to boost their confidence, reduce tension and cope with problems, our prevention efforts must address these needs. Intervening early and addressing co-occurring disorders can help girls and boys stay drug-free."
Adolescents admitted with a psychiatric problem in addition to a substance abuse problem were counted as having a co-occurring disorder. Girls were more likely to have such co-occurring disorders, which were reported in 23 percent of the female admissions compared with 18 percent of the male admissions.
Marijuana was listed as the primary substance of abuse for 51 percent of female admissions and 72 percent of male admissions. While alcohol and inhalants ranked second and third respectively for both girls and boys, these substances were more likely to be the primary substance of abuse for girls. Alcohol accounted for 23 percent of female admissions vs. 16 percent of male admissions, and inhalants accounted for 12 percent of female admissions vs. 4 percent of male admissions. Cocaine, opiates and other drugs accounted for about 14 percent for girls, compared with 8 percent for boys.
The number of admissions increased with age for both girls and boys for all substances except inhalants. For most of the adolescent admissions for inhalants, treatment began prior to age 16. Treatment began even younger - prior to age 14 - for nearly a third of the female admissions for inhalants (29 percent) compared with about 21 percent of the male admissions for inhalants.
Girls were more likely than boys to enter treatment before age 16 for alcohol (44 percent of female admissions vs. 30 percent of male admissions) and for marijuana (47 percent vs. 39 percent).
While the most common referral to treatment for both sexes was the criminal justice system, girls were less likely than boys to enter treatment by this route (39 percent vs. 55 percent). Treatment admissions in which the client was referred by an individual person, such as a family member, were more common for girls (21 percent) than boys (16 percent).
TEDS is an annual compilation of data on the demographic characteristics and substance abuse problems of those admitted for substance abuse treatment, primarily at facilities that receive public funding.
Adolescent Treatment Admissions by Gender: 2005 is available on the Web at http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/youthTX/youthTX.cfm. Copies may be obtained free of charge by calling SAMHSA's Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727). Request inventory number DASISRPT07-0524. For related publications and information, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/.
From a May 24 press release:
SAMHSA Announces Search for OAS and CSAP Directors
SAMHSA is conducting a search for candidates to fill the two positions of Director, Office of Applied Studies (OAS), and Director, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). Applications for the Director of OAS position must be received by midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on Monday, July 2, 2007. Applications for the Director of CSAP position must be received by midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on Tuesday, July 3, 2007.
The Director of OAS has responsibility for national surveys and data collection, epidemiological studies and applications, and services system evaluation activities that are critical to SAMHSA's mission. These efforts serve as the basis for responsive and effective Federal policies and programs relating to prevention of and treatment for substance abuse and mental illness. The Director of OAS reports directly to the Administrator of SAMHSA and is an important member of SAMHSA's top management team. The Director also collaborates with SAMHSA Centers and the States to collect data to improve the quality and utility of substance abuse prevention and treatment data through the use of National Outcome Measures across all SAMHSA funding mechanisms. He/she oversees and directs a staff of approximately 35 employees, plus significant contract support, and a budget of $75.5 million.
This is a career position in the Senior Executive Service with a base salary of $111,676 to $154,600. Additional recruitment incentives could include a recruitment bonus and/or relocation expenses. SAMHSA's offices and staff are located in Rockville, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C.
The vacancy announcement is available on USAJOBS http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/, where it is posted as Vacancy No. SMA-SES-2007-0003. The direct web link to the vacancy announcement is: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=57870701&AVSDM=2007%2D05%2D21+15%3A20%3A21&Logo=0&q=SMA-SES-2007-0003&FedEmp=N&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&FedPub=Y&SUBMIT1.x=84&SUBMIT1.y=16
Individuals who are interested in applying for the position should complete and submit the application electronically, as noted in the vacancy announcement. Ms. Kisha Hightower, Rockville Human Resources Center, is available to assist potential applicants in the application process. Ms. Hightower can be reached via e-mail at Kisha.Hightower@hhs.gov or on 301-443-2548.
Potential applicants for Director, OAS, may also contact Ms. Rebecca Ruiz, SAMHSA Management Analyst, should they have questions regarding the structure of OAS or SAMHSA, the agency's mission, or related topics. Ms. Ruiz can be reached via e-mail at Rebecca.Ruiz@samhsa.hhs.gov or on 240-276-1132.
Applications for this position must be received by midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on Monday, July 2, 2007.
The Director of CSAP is a key participant in the Federal substance abuse prevention and treatment strategy. He/she reports directly to the Administrator of SAMHSA and is also an important member of SAMHSA's top management team. The Director of CSAP provides national executive leadership and management for a range of innovative and comprehensive program initiatives. He/she oversees and directs a staff of approximately 105 employees and a budget of $192.9 million, and provides leadership for and works with the States with approximately $351.7 million allocated for prevention programs through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.
This is a career position in the Senior Executive Service with a base salary range of $111,676 to $154,600. Additional recruitment incentives could include a recruitment bonus, relocation expenses, and for physicians only, an additional allowance of up to $30,000 annually. SAMHSA's offices and staff are located in Rockville, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C.
The vacancy announcement is available on USAJOBS: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/, where it is posted as Vacancy No. SMA-SES-2007-0006. The direct link to the vacancy announcement is: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=57917694&AVSDM=2007%2D05%2D22+15%3A47%3A48&Logo=0&q=SMA-SES-2007-0006&FedEmp=N&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&FedPub=Y&SUBMIT1.x=90&SUBMIT1.y=14
Individuals who are interested in applying for the position should complete and submit the application electronically, as noted in the vacancy announcement. Ms. Kisha Hightower, Rockville Human Resources Center, is available to assist potential applicants in the application process. Ms. Hightower can be reached via e-mail at Kisha.Hightower@hhs.gov or on 301-443-2548.
Potential applicants may also contact Ms. Sherry Preusch, SAMHSA Human Resources Liaison, should they have questions regarding the structure of CSAP or SAMHSA, the agency's mission, or related topics. Ms. Preusch can be reached via e-mail at Sherry.Preusch@samhsa.hhs.gov or on 240-276-1128.
All applications should include clear descriptions of how the applicant meets the mandatory and desirable qualification requirements cited in the vacancy announcement.
Applications for this position must be received by midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on Tuesday, July 3, 2007.
