Assistant Secretary for Human Services & Mental Hygiene

The New York State Executive Chamber seeks a highly motivated individual to serve as Assistant Secretary for Human Services & Mental Hygiene. The Assistant Secretary will be part of a team of Assistant Secretaries reporting to the Deputy Secretary, helping provide support and oversight of various state agencies including Office of Mental Health, Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Office of Children and Family Services, and the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

Duties:

• Report to the Deputy Secretary for Human Services and Mental Hygiene.
• Oversees agency operations to ensure they are in line with the Governor’s vision and direction, with a specific focus on the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and implementation of the Governor’s $1B investment in the state’s mental health system.
• Acts as a liaison to senior staff at state agencies within the program area.
• Works with the program area team in the Division of Budget regarding funding programs and initiatives, including participation in budget and legislative negotiations.
• Consults with communications teams to advise on press inquiries and announcements, as applicable.
• Consults with Chamber counsels assigned to the human services and mental hygiene portfolio, as applicable.
• Consults with non-governmental agencies, organizations, and stakeholder groups within program area.
• Supports cross-agency projects, data identification, and data analysis.
• Prepares position papers, testimony, and communications.
• Conducts special studies and assists in the development, implementation, and review of new policy initiatives.
• Attends meetings, site visits, seminars, conferences, and conventions convened within program area in Albany and around the state.
• Reviews and authorizes rulemakings and other regulatory actions within program area.
• Prepares and reviews briefing materials, legislative proposals, budget initiatives, remarks, and other such materials as may be required.
• Performs related duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree
• At least 8 years of full-time, professional experience with a focus on public administration, public policy, social work, health policy, social services, or related topics.
• A master’s degree in a related field or Juris Doctor may substitute for one year of this experience.
• A strong interest and knowledge in mental health and addiction services are highly desirable.

Preferred Skills:

• Track record of strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage complexity, arrive at the appropriate solutions and insights and synthesize key findings in a rapid fashion
• Commitment to public service and social services
• Broad experience in policy development and operations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel