Deputy Director

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS) is recruiting to fill a Deputy Director position within the Bureau of Prevention Treatment and Recovery (BPTR). BPTR promotes overall wellness through the management and support of community mental health and substance use services for people of all ages and backgrounds.

This position can work remotely for up to 5 days per week but will be required to report to the central office at 201 E. Washington Ave in downtown Madison occasionally based on operational needs. This position can be headquartered at one of our central or regional offices. Some additional travel and overnight stays will also be required.

As an employee of the state of Wisconsin, you'll have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. 
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!  
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

Position Summary

BPTR is the designated state mental health and substance use authority responsible for the direction of public mental health and substance use services in Wisconsin. This responsibility includes working to ensure that people who suffer from substance use disorders and their families can obtain treatment, prevention, and early intervention and follow-up support in the most accessible and cost-effective way. As the state mental health authority, there is an emphasis on serving adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses and children with severe emotional disturbance. As the single state agency on substance use, there is responsibility to implement strategies for substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Recognizing that Wisconsin’s public substance use and mental health system is based on local control; BPTR carries out its mission through collaboration with counties, providers, consumers, and their families. 

As Deputy Director, you will be responsible for educating and collaborating with other divisions and state and federal agencies about the needs of the people served so they develop funding streams, policy directions and service programs that assist consumers in leading satisfying lives in the least restrictive settings in their home communities.

It is also the Deputy Director’s responsibility to lead new initiatives and expand upon the existing workforce to improve supports for those with substance use and mental health needs.

You will oversee the operation of the staff in BPTR and directly supervise the six Section Managers. In addition, you will oversee the overall operating budget for the bureau, strategic plan, information technology needs and coordinate the bureau response to the state annual and biennial budget processes.

Salary Information

The starting pay is between $56.00 and $59.00 per hour (approximately between $116,400 and $122,700 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 24-month career executive trial period is required. 

This position is classified as a Health Services Manager and is in pay schedule/range 81/01. Pay for current or former employees is based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. 

Job Details

• All applicants who may be appointed will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.
• To work remotely, employees must have access to both a private workspace and secure high-speed internet.
• Mileage reimbursement to the employee’s headquarter location is not provided.
• For positions that allow remote working flexibility, working outside of Wisconsin or in bordering cities will not be allowed due to the need to report to an office location in Wisconsin on short notice.
• DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have all the following:

• Experience supervising staff in a mental health, substance use, or human services-related field (e.g., conducting performance evaluations, reviewing and assigning work, hiring, mentoring, administering discipline etc.).
• Experience in contract administration and grant oversight (e.g., developing grant agreements or contracts, monitoring performance and compliance, providing fiscal oversight, measuring outcomes, etc.).
• Experience with program management or administration of mental health or substance use disorder programs, such as treatment, intervention, or prevention.
• Experience using data in decision making processes and program evaluation.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience with state and federal requirements, including administrative rules and funding systems, that impact Wisconsin’s substance use and mental health system.
• Experience supervising subordinate supervisors.
• Experience including people with lived experience in program planning related to mental health or substance use disorders.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to two (2) pages and your resume is limited to three (3) pages. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here. 

How To Apply

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start the application process.  Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application. 

Helpful Information: 

• Once an application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline. 
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for reference after the deadline.
• The materials submitted will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above. 
• Please monitor your email for communications related to this position. 
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered. This includes those with current or former Career Executive status.
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Shannon Kavorik in Human Resources at Shannon.kavorik@dhs.wi.gov. 

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is May 18th at 11:59 PM.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is not available after 4:30 PM on the deadline date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.