Substance Use Engagement Strategist

About the Position

Are you interested in supporting thoughtful, community-informed approaches to substance use prevention and recovery? The Maricopa County Department of Public Health is seeking a Substance Use Engagement Strategist to help lead the Substance Use Advisory Group—a collaborative initiative focused on addressing substance use challenges through inclusive planning, community engagement, and evidence-based strategies.

This position plays a critical role in advancing Maricopa County’s efforts to reduce substance-related harm, improve access to responsive care, and support long-term systems change through community-led planning. The Substance Use Engagement Strategist will build a sustainable framework to reflect the voices of lived experience and translate their recommendations into actionable public health strategies.

In this role, you will lead the planning, development, and facilitation of the Substance Use Advisory Group. The position focuses on implementing trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to reduce substance use-related harm and promote effective, inclusive strategies. You will collaborate with individuals with lived experience, healthcare providers, educators, law enforcement, and other community partners to advance cross-sector efforts aligned with Maricopa County’s Substance Use Needs Assessment and strategic priorities.

The Substance Use Engagement Strategist represents a key role in building infrastructure, coordinating stakeholder input, and leading systems-level collaboration.

Come work for Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the 3rd largest health jurisdiction in the U.S.! MCDPH’s mission is to increase the quality of life for our residents by collaborating with the community to develop and implement strategies, programs, and services addressing the emerging and changing needs of public health. We aim to serve Maricopa County residents with a focus on impact and a data-driven approach to our work.

We value our staff's unique skills and differences, as well as the varied experiences and disciplines we represent. Together, we are working towards our vision of creating a healthy, thriving Maricopa County for all.

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

• Three years of experience in program development, community engagement, policy analysis, or project coordination
• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Public Administration, Behavioral Health, or related field
• Job-related experience may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis

• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver’s license by the time of hire
• Within one month of hire, all employees will be required to provide evidence of immunity or receive immunizations for vaccine-preventable illnesses for any position within the Maricopa County Department of Public Health; required immunizations include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (whooping cough and diphtheria), Varicella (chickenpox), and annual Influenza; some positions require a Hepatitis B vaccine and/or a Tuberculosis test

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Public Administration, Behavioral Health, or related field
• Lived experience working with various populations impacted by substance use and trauma, with an understanding of how cultural, historical, and social contexts influence…