Program Manager I/Assistant Section Chief

About the role

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work The Assistant Section Chief works in close partnership with the Section Chief and the management team to support the health, welfare, and safety of residents in skilled nursing facilities. This position plays a key role in evaluating, developing, and enhancing the performance of surveyor staff to ensure high-quality regulatory oversight. This role also serves as the State Training Coordinator, as designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and leads the Training Branch. Key responsibilities include: - Analyzing CMS reports to identify trends, performance patterns, and outliers - Collaborating with managers to assess training needs for surveyors, nursing home staff, and providers - Participating in quality improvement initiatives to strengthen regulatory outcomes - Implementing new CMS directives, guidance, and federal initiatives - Representing the State in the National Association of Health Facility State Agencies - Serving as the primary point of contact for all CMS training-related communications and requirements Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Range: $70,478 - $123,336 Recruitment Range: $70,478 - $103,500 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge Skills and Abilities/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred. Successful Surveyor Minimum Qualification Test results. Thorough operational and regulatory knowledge related to nursing homes. Skilled in managing a staff of professionals and support positions to achieve Section goals. Skilled in analyses and evaluation of Section performance. Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing using excellent grammar. This position is funded in part through federal funds. This position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date. The Division of Health Service Regulation oversees medical, mental health and adult care facilities, emergency medical services, and local jails. We check to see that people receiving care in these facilities are safe and receive appropriate care. We make certain that medical buildings are built only when there is a need for them. Compensation & Benefits: The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for State Benefits Supplemental and Contact Information The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ . DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor's Executive Order 303 , our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will b