Mhsas Program Specialist

Job Information

Opening Date/Time: 02/17/2026 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time: 03/02/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly): $4,057.00 - $6,099.00
Salary (Annually): $48,684.00 - $73,188.00
Job Type: Full-Time
City, State: Nashville, TN
Department: Mental Health Substance & Abuse Services
Location: Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute, Davidson County

Position Type: Hybrid.
Background Check: Criminal background check required.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a social or behavioral science or related field plus at least three years of full-time professional work in mental health and/or substance use disorders programs.

Substitution of Education for

Experience:

Additional graduate coursework may substitute for required experience on a year‑for‑year basis, up to a maximum of two years.

Substitution of Experience for

Education:

Qualifying full‑time professional work may substitute for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis, up to a maximum of four years.

Necessary Special

Qualifications:

None.

Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Summary: Under general supervision, responsible for professional mental health or substance use disorders program work of considerable difficulty and performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features: Provides technical assistance and consultation to contracted agencies and the public regarding behavioral health issues. Responsibilities include monitoring programs for compliance, assisting agencies in problem resolution, and explaining program‑specific policies and procedures. This role differs from MHSAS Program Manager 1, which has full program management responsibilities.

• Evaluate information to determine compliance with laws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Monitor contracted agencies to ensure they meet the scope of service as defined in the contracts.
• Provide program‑specific technical assistance via telephone, email, webinars, and site visits to resolve problems or improve operations.
• Schedule and conduct meetings, focus reviews, and presentations to disseminate program information and discuss issues.
• Conduct classes to train staff on utilizing program‑related databases and systems.
• Explain program policies and procedures to field staff, contracted agencies, and others.
• Prepare narrative reports documenting compliance with existing laws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Maintain documentation related to departmental service delivery.
• Review information acquired on contracted agencies to identify problems and weak points and determine solutions.
• Coordinate and prioritize work activities (e.g., requests for information, computer entry of approved data) to meet time‑frames and due dates.
• Maintain open communication with service recipients, contracted providers, other agencies, families, and others.
• Resolve complaints, grievances, and conflicts, or refer them to appropriate supervisory staff.
• Coordinate task assignments of meeting participants to ensure meeting objectives are achieved.
• Compile reports for senior management and share recommendations.
• Enter information into computer databases to enroll individuals into programs.
• Verify program‑related information and data for reporting purposes.
• Assist in developing policies and procedures and scope of services for programs.
• Assist in redesigning or revising program‑related databases.
• Create forms and reports as needed.
• Review reports to identify trends and compliance with program goals, and obtain billing or other program‑related information.
• Gather information from service providers via email, telephone, applications, surveys, mail, or other sources to monitor compliance and enroll individuals.
• Talk with service recipients and others to provide guidance and assistance in obtaining needed services.
• Monitor program participation with contracted providers to gauge progress toward goals.
• Monitor expenditures of allocated funds to track spending rates.
• Create objectives and strategies to promote efficiency, develop partnerships, and improve service delivery.
• Enter and retrieve information from computer…