DHS DIVISION MANAGER

Date: Jul 28, 2026

Req ID: 58818

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72201

Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $103,991.06

Position Number: 22098402
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: August 3, 2026

The Assistant Director of Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services serves as a senior leader within the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (OSAMH) and provides statewide oversight of substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives. This position functions as the Assistant Director for OSAMH in the substance use service domain and leads the administration of all federally funded substance use grants, including SAMHSA discretionary grants and block grant-related initiatives.

The position supervises 4 direct reports including 3 managers, provides indirect oversight of multiple program teams and contracted providers, and exercises statewide programmatic and fiscal authority over prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

This role also serves as the Single State Authority (SSA) representative at federal meetings and represents Arkansas in national and regional substance use policy and program forums. The Assistant Director operates under state and federal law, DHS policy, and contractual requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in a related field preferred.

• Hold a current license in the State of Arkansas to provide substance use services as a medical professional, LCSW, or LPC.

• Has a national certification as a substance use services professional.

• 5 years of experience in providing direct substance use services in prevention, treatment, or recovery

• 5 years of experience in program development and implementation for governmental or non-government agencies for substance use services.

• 3 years of experience in public speaking presentations

• 3 years of experience in dissemination of federal policy changes to state and local stakeholders

• 2 years of experience in grant administration, grant management, and fiscal responsibilities in a leadership role as a representative of a subrecipient of federal SAMHSA grants for substance use services

• 2 years of experience in managing data and reporting requirements for SAMHSA through databases and websites including SPARS, TED’s, RedCap, eRAcommons, and webBGAS.

• 2 years of experience in data analysis and interpretation for narrative progress reports for state and federal stakeholders regarding grant-funded programs

• 2 years of experience in demonstrated ability to maintain positive working relationships with local, state, and federal stakeholders.

• In/Out of State Travel

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Social Services Programs – Competitive

Classification: DHS Division Manager

Class Code: SSP04C

Pay Grade: SPC07

Salary Range: $103,991 - $153,907

Job Summary

The DHS Division Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a major division/office within the Arkansas Department of Human Services. This role is responsible for managing human service programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating interagency collaboration, and directing initiatives that improve the well-being of Arkansans. The Division Manager leads multidisciplinary teams, establishes priorities, and ensures effective service delivery to meet the needs of clients and communities.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead strategic planning, policy development, and program execution. Manage operations including budgeting, staffing, risk management, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Supervise high-level administrative and program staff; delegate responsibilities to ensure efficient service delivery. Analyze performance metrics, service gaps, and emerging issues to inform upper leadership. Represent the division/office in executive-level meetings, legislative hearings, and public forums. Ensure continuous quality improvement initiatives are implemented and sustained. Oversee the development of training programs, workforce development initiatives, and succession planning. Direct crisis response and emergency preparedness initiatives. Coordinate with DHS executive leadership to align division/office goals with department-wide strategic objectives.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of personnel policies and labor laws, strategic planning, and public sector frameworks. Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing human services and public administration, principles of fiscal management, and resource allocation. Ability to develop partnerships, lead large and diverse teams, and evaluate programs. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, develop and coordinate financial plans, and make sound decisions under pressure. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.

Minimum Qualifications

At least five years of experience in human services, public administration, program administration, or a related field, including two years in a leadership capacity.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.