Assistant Behavioral Health Advocate(State Program Manager) at Connecticut Department of Administrative Services

Assistant Behavioral Health Advocate

State Program Manager

Recruitment #251118-4799MP-001

Location Hartford, CT

Date Opened 11/25/2025 12:00:00 AM Salary $98,695 - $134,575/year Job Type Open to the Public Close Date 12/9/2025 11:59:00 PM

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Introduction

Are you an experienced public advocate who is well-versed in the field of behavioral healthcare policy?

We invite you to explore this innovative and pivotal role to our state.

The State of Connecticut is recruiting for a Assistant Behavioral Health Advocate (State Program Manager) position for a new independent state agency, the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate. This a highly public, high-profile position, and is subject to a statutorily-defined selection process. The Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate shall be under the direction of the Behavioral Health Advocate who has been appointed by the Governor, with the approval of the General Assembly.

The Role

This Assistant Behavioral Health Advocate will oversee the daily operation of the OBH, supervise the Health Program Associate, provide professional oversight of all assessments and may be required to meet with consumers/providers as needed.

Discover The Opportunity To

• Assess consumer and provider complaints, inquires and implement an appropriate timely response.
• Assist consumers in developing unique care plans and help them access those resources.
• Support behavioral health providers with issues involving insurance carriers, such as claims payment, claw backs, credentialing and others that may arise.
• Advocate for greater access to behavioral health care and resources.
• Development and delivery of public educational programs.
• Prepare and deliver testimony.
• Assist in the maintenance of website and computer system.
• Assist in preparing testimony and participate in the development of policy recommendations.
  
  

Our ideal candidate will have experience as a clinician, administrator or supervisor in a behavioral health setting.

Position Highlights

• Monday - Friday
• Full time (40 hours/week)
• First Shift, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
• Location: Hartford, CT
• Hybrid opportunity
  
  

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR STATE

Connecticut offers you a blend of professional advancement and a high-quality lifestyle. As a state we are renowned for our top-tier medical facilities and ample opportunities for career growth and development. Beyond professional prospects, Connecticut boasts a high standard of living, featuring safe communities, excellent schools, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities. This combination of professional excellence and a well-rounded lifestyle make Connecticut an appealing destination for those who want to thrive both in their careers and personal lives.

About

There are so many things to love about living, working, and playing in our state including these Key Facts and Figures:

• #4 in the U.S. for employees with advanced degrees
• #3 in the country for quality of K-12 education
• #5 for quality of life in the U.S.
• 2,000 miles of hiking/bike paths
• 618 miles of scenic coastline
• 21 world-class art museums
• Five Tony-Award winning regional theatres, and more!
  
  

Check out CTVisit! They share so much valuable information on what it's like to work, play, and live in our State!

What We Can Offer You

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• A healthy work-life balance to all employees
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company - ‘Forbes’: State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule
  
  

Selection Plan

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

Before You Apply

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date on the job posting.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing [email protected].
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
  
  

After You Apply

• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
  
  

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Jasmyn Raymond at [email protected].

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for planning, organizing and directing an agency program and/or project or directing the development and administration of programs within a division.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives administrative direction from an administrative official of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Directs staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Directs staff and/or operations of an agency program and/or project or division;
• Coordinates, plans and manages program and/or project activities;
• Formulates goals and objectives;
• Develops or assists in development of related policy;
• Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
• Provides input or evaluates staff;
• Prepares or assists in preparation of budget;
• Maintains contact with individuals within and outside of agency who might impact on program and/or project activities;
• Serves on committees and/or task forces as required;
• Speaks before professional and lay groups on subjects related to the agency mission;
• Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
• Performs related duties as required.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of
• and ability to apply management principles and practices;
• relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
• project management;
• principles and practices of business and public administration with emphasis on effective organization, administration and management
• Considerable
• interpersonal skills;
• oral and written communication skills;
• Considerable ability to analyze organizational problems and determine effective solutions.
  

Minimum Qualifications - General Experience

Nine (9) years of professional experience.

Minimum Qualifications - Special Experience

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in the specific area of assignment.

Minimum Qualifications - Substitutions Allowed

• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in business administration, public administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
• Department of Labor: Two (2) years of experience as an Apprenticeship and Training Program Manager may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience training in behavioral health.
• Experience with behavioral health insurance benefits, including how they are administered.
• Experience with management principles and practices.
• Experience research methods and principles.
• Experience interacting with public outreach and managing an organization's website content.
• Experience drafting correspondence, reports, and reviewing documents representing an organization.
• Experience representing senior management with outside stakeholders, including interacting with senior public and private officials.
  
  

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.