Duration: 4 years to start
Summary
Under the general supervision of the Chief, the FRCARA Program Planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the First Responder Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (FRCARA) grant program. The position develops and improves statewide or community-based initiatives supporting EMS and other first responders in addressing substance use and opioid-related emergencies. This position manages grant activities, monitors budgets and deliverables, coordinates subawards and partner agencies, evaluates program effectiveness, and ensures conformance with applicable state and federal requirements.
Responsibilities
Program Planning and Development
- Develop, coordinate, and implement grant-funded plans and initiatives consistent with approved objectives, work plans, and timelines.
- Assess statewide and community needs; identify service gaps, resources, and opportunities to improve first responder substance use and opioid-response services.
- Define program scope, operational requirements, staffing, equipment, and resources; document program need and its relationship to existing services.
- Develop and improve program procedures, implementation schedules, performance measures, and sustainability plans.
- Monitor grant budgets, expenditures, funding allocations, and projections; coordinate with fiscal staff to support accurate financial administration.
- Coordinate development, execution, and oversight of subawards, contracts, and scopes of work; review budgets, invoices, progress reports, and supporting documentation.
- Track subrecipient milestones and deliverables, identify budget or performance variances, and facilitate corrective actions as needed.
- Maintain complete records of grant activities, procurement, agreements, expenditures, and required documentation.
- Develop and maintain systems to collect, review, and analyze program data and performance indicators.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and efficiency; identify trends, challenges, and improvement opportunities and develop recommendations.
- Plan or participate in needs assessments, research, and feasibility studies; analyze findings and prepare reports, plans, and proposed alternatives, including anticipated costs and resource needs.
- Monitor progress toward grant goals and deliverables and maintain documentation for program review, audits, and evaluation.
- Review applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and grant conditions and ensure program plans and activities conform to established requirements and policies.
- Prepare and submit required federal, state, departmental, programmatic, and fiscal reports; maintain accurate records and supporting materials.
- Identify potential compliance concerns, risks, or operational issues; notify the supervisor and recommend corrective actions.
- Monitor reporting deadlines and ensure required information is obtained from participating agencies and partners.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with EMS agencies, fire and law enforcement departments, healthcare and behavioral health providers, community organizations, state and local officials, and other stakeholders.
- Organize partner meetings, workgroups, training activities, and information sharing to support program development and implementation.
- Provide guidance and technical assistance to participating agencies regarding grant requirements, implementation, documentation, and reporting.
- Represent CEMS in meetings and forums related to the FRCARA program, as assigned; coordinate program activities with other relevant RIDOH and state initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of program planning, development, implementation, management, and evaluation principles and practices.
- Knowledge of research and analysis methods, including the ability to collect and interpret data, draw conclusions, and develop plans based on findings.
- Working knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and funding requirements relevant to public health, EMS, substance use response, and grant administration.
- Ability to assess program needs and forecast requirements for personnel, equipment, funding, and other resources.
- Ability to monitor budgets, contracts, deliverables, and performance measures and maintain accurate program records.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, public officials, professional personnel, agencies, community representatives, and the public.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare reports, plans, correspondence, and presentations; exercise initiative and independent judgment.
Education and Experience
- Education: Graduation from a college of recognized standing with specialization in liberal arts, public administration, public health, health services, or a related field.
- Experience: Employment in a public or private agency involving participation in program planning, research, management analysis, program development, grant administration, or related activities.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Supervision and Working Conditions
- Works under the general supervision of the Chief, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
- Assignments are generally made in outline form and reviewed through consultation and upon completion for effectiveness, adequacy, and conformance with established state and federal policies.
- Travel within Rhode Island may be required for meetings, site visits, and coordination with program partners.
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