Director of Behavioral Health Services

Introduction

San Joaquin County Health Care Services is seeking a Director of Behavioral Health Services (Chief Deputy Director-Behavioral Health Services) to lead an organization of dedicated mental health professionals. The County is seeking clinical candidates who are visionary, collaborative, and results-oriented with senior-level management experience in the area of behavioral health services, preferably in the public sector. The Director reports to the Health Care Services Agency Director, and provides strategic direction and administrative oversight for Behavioral Health Services (BHS). The Director is responsible for leading, managing, directing and administering BHS programs, functions, budgets and activities and ensuring their compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as the policies established by the Director of Health Care Services, the County Administrator, and the Board of Supervisors. This position serves as the Mental Health Director and Alcohol and Drug Program Administrator for the County, is an at-will position and is exempt from the San Joaquin County Civil Service System.

To learn more about this career opportunity, please review the recruitment brochure:

Director of Behavioral Health Services

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline.

NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

Pre-Employment Background, DOJ Live Scan, and Drug Screening : Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting, and drug screen as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has passes all pre-employment processes. The County pays for the initial drug screen.

TYPICAL DUTIES

This specification is a general guideline for the class. The statements below are not restrictive, and the responsibilities and duties assigned to a position in this class may expand beyond those identified in the specification.

• Plans, organizes, and directs Behavioral Health Services programs, functions, budgets and activities; directs operations to maximize efficiency, improve service levels, reduce administrative and service provision costs, and ensure effective utilization of available resources; exercises good judgment and makes sound business decisions in managing activities; provides strategic leadership through communication, demonstration, and accomplishment of the organizational mission, vision, and values.
• Prepares and reviews reports and other materials to ensure development and maintenance of programs and standards to maintain behavioral health accreditation and licensing certification, and in a fashion consistent with the principles of the Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63).
• Through subordinate managers and supervisors, manages the work activities and responsibilities assigned to Behavioral Health Services staff; directs and administers personnel matters including employee selection, assignment, and evaluation; directs employee discipline as required; directs and oversees staff development and training.
• In conjunction with the Director of Health Care Services, directs the development and implementation of Behavioral Health Services operational policies and procedures; administers programs in compliance with legal regulations and requirements; analyzes and interprets existing and proposed legislation as well as various regulations, policies, procedures, and other directives to determine impact on operations; directs the establishment of clinical treatment programs in conjunction with medical and nursing staff.
• Works in conjunction with the Behavioral Health Officer (medical director) on matters related to behavioral health medical operations, including patient care and training programs; confers with the Director of Health Care Services in developing recommendations to advisory boards, County Administrator, and the Board of Supervisors.
• Attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and provides recommendations on matters germane to areas of assignment; confers with management staff on policies, procedures, and workload standards, and directs changes as needed; participates on task forces and committees; represents Behavioral Health Services to outside agencies and the general public.
• Directs the development and administration of Behavioral Health Services budgets and operating objectives; determines levels of service; analyzes services to ensure cost effectiveness and superior customer service.
• Prepares, or directs the preparation of, complex narrative, statistical, and other management reports; designs grant projects, writes grant proposals, and implements and monitors grant projects.
• Directs and manages the effective development and utilization of technology to improve systems and processes; coordinates facility services including building and property maintenance, procurement and distribution of supplies, automotive fleet management, and insurance and liability programs.
• Develops and maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with federal, state and county officials, outside agencies, community groups, and the public; communicates and cooperates with other Health Care Services departments, fostering cooperation and avoiding duplication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Seven years of senior-level management experience in a federal, state, or local behavioral health agency, including two years in a diverse community-based behavioral health program.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Either Pattern I

License: Valid California licensure as one of the following:

1) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

2) A Psychologist issued by the California Board of Psychology.

3) A Physician, issued by the Medical Board of California (including certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology).

Education: Graduation from an accredited university with a master’s or doctorate degree required by the State of California to become licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Psychologist, or Physician.

Or Pattern II

License: Valid licensure as a Registered Nurse issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), and current listing with the BRN as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse.

Education: Graduation from an accredited university with a master’s degree in psychiatric or mental health nursing.

And For Both Patterns

License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE

The principles and practices of behavioral health care administration; principles and practices of public administration, including effective organization, administration, fiscal management, rules and regulations common to community health programs; procurement, facilities management, and supervision; trends of the field of behavioral health, as well as social, political, and economic issues influencing program administration; methods of conducting research, performing statistical analyses, and gathering data; principles and practices of public relations; program and grant development; modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to assigned operations.

ABILITY

Plan, organize, direct and administer the operations, programs and services of a comprehensive behavioral health care delivery system in a cost-effective manner while also ensuring excellent customer service; efficiently and effectively apply the principles, practices, and techniques of public administration to understand, interpret, and manage fiscal, budgetary, record keeping, general services, and related administrative activities; provide appropriate and effective leadership and management over diverse staff teams, including subordinate managers and supervisors; exercise good judgment and make sound managerial decisions; exercise analytical and critical thinking to analyze complex problems and recommend appropriate solutions; understand, interpret, and apply legal codes, regulations, and rules pertaining to program operations; prepare and administer budgets, as well as fiscal and financial records; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare and deliver thorough and comprehensive written reports and give oral presentations to small and large groups; direct the utilization of complex automated systems and manage automation efforts, including the direction of systems development, maintenance, and operation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including other County departments, external agencies, employees, community groups, and the general public.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility - frequent sitting for long periods; frequent operation of a data entry device; occasional walking, standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing; Lifting - frequent lifting of 5 pounds or less; occasional lifting of 5-30 pounds; Visual - constant use of good, overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent use of color perception and hand/eye coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing of normal speech, talking/hearing on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological - frequent decision making, concentration, and public contact; occasional public speaking; occasional dealing with emergency situations; occasional exposure to trauma, grief, or death; Special Requirements - may require working weekends/nights, working alone, driving; Environmental - frequent work in a standard office environment; occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. For more information go to Equal Employment Opportunity Division (sjgov.org).

Accommodations for those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

BENEFITS

Health Insurance : San Joaquin County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees of this bargaining unit. The benefits include the option of four medical plans: a Kaiser HMO plan, a Sutter Health Plus HMO plan, and two self-funded PPO plans called the Select Plan and Premier Plan. Employees pay a portion of the cost of the premium. Dependent coverage is also available.

Dental Insurance : The County provides employees with a choice of four dental plans: Three through Delta Dental and one through United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan. The County pays the full premium for all but one Delta Dental Plan (Buy-up), which the employee pays a slightly higher cost. Dependent coverage is available at the employee’s expense.

Vision Insurance : The County provides two vision plan options through Vision Service Plan (VSP). There is no cost for the base plan at employee only coverage. The buy-up plan option has a slightly higher cost. dependent coverage is available at the employee’s expense.

For more detailed information on the County’s benefits program, visit our website at www.sjgov.org under Human Resources/Benefits.

Life Insurance: The County provides eligible employees with life insurance coverage as follows:

1 but less than 3 years of continuous service: $1,000
3 but less than 5 years of continuous service: $3,000
5 but less than 10 years of continuous service: $5,000
10 years of continuous service or more: $10,000

Employees may purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $200,000 at the group rate. Regular employees in this unit shall be provided with a supplemental life insurance policy with a face value up to $75,000.

125 Flexible Benefits Plan: This is a voluntary program that allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses that are not paid by a medical, dental or vision plan and dependent care costs. Annual limits are set by the IRS and may change each year.

Retirement Plan : Employees of the County are covered by the County Retirement Act of 1937. Please visit the San Joaquin County Employees’ Retirement Association (SJCERA) at www.sjcera.org for more information. NOTE: If you are receiving a retirement allowance from another California county covered by the County Employees’ Retirement Act of 1937 or from any governmental agency covered by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), you are advised to contact the Retirement Officer of the Retirement Plan from which you retired to determine what effect employment in San Joaquin County would have on your retirement allowance.

Deferred Compensation : The County maintains a deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the IRS code. You may annually contribute $22,500 or 100% of your includible compensation, whichever is less. Individuals age 50 or older may contribute to their plan, up to $30,000.The Roth IRA (after tax) is also now available. For members of this unit, the County shall make a contribution equal to 5% of the employee’s base salary to the deferred compensation plan.

Vacation: Maximum earned vacation is 15 days each year up to 10 years; 20 days after 10 years; and 23 days after 20 years.

Holiday: 14 paid holidays per year.

Administrative Leave : Each fiscal year, department heads grant 10 days of administrative leave to eligible salaried employees. Administrative leave may not be carried beyond to the next fiscal year.

Vacation Cash-Out span> Members shall have the option of purchasing up to fifteen 8-hour days vacation time once each calendar year from the member’s accumulated vacation.

Sick Leave : 12 working days of sick leave annually with unlimited accumulation. Sick leave incentive : An employee is eligible to receive eight hours administrative leave if the leave balance equals at least one-half of the cumulative amount that the employee is eligible to accrue. The employee must also be on payroll during the entire calendar year.

Bereavement Leave : 3 days paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, 2 additional days of accrued leave for death of employee’s spouse, domestic partner, parent or child.

Merit Salary Increase : New employees will receive the starting salary, which is the first step of the salary range. After employees serve 52 weeks (2080 hours) on each step of the range, they are eligible for a merit increase to the next step.

Vehicle Allowance : Members may elect to be provided with a county vehicle OR receive an allowance of $585.00 monthly. Mileage is reimbursed at the rates allowed by the Internal Revenue Service if using own vehicle for travel for County business.

Recruitment Incentives : Upon the request of the Department Head and with the approval of the County Administrator or his designee, the following recruitment incentives may be provided:

a) Reimbursement of moving expenses: Actual documented cost of moving to a maximum of $5,000. Costs may include moving expenses, interim housing, and travel expenses related to the move for the candidate and his/her family. Any approved reimbursement shall be made contingent upon employment, in two incremental payments: the first payment after six months of service, the second after twelve months of service.

b) Vacation Accrual Rate: The San Joaquin County vacation accrual rate consistent with the candidate’s total years of public service.

c) Sick Leave: If the candidate is leaving other employment to accept the San Joaquin County position, credit of the candidate’s actual unreimbursable sick leave hours from the candidate’s last agency will be a maximum of 160 hours. Such hours shall be subject to San Joaquin County’s minimum sick leave cash out provisions.

Educational Reimbursement Program: Eligible employees may be reimbursed for career-related course work up to a maximum of $850 per fiscal year. Eligible employees enrolled in an approved four (4) year College or University academic program may be reimbursed up to $800 per semester for a maximum of $1600 per fiscal year. Attorney members assigned to this unit may be reimbursed up to $520 as partial payment of California Bar Association dues, not to exceed actual amount of the dues.

School Activities : Employees may take up to 40 hours per year, but not more than eight (8) hours per month, to participate in their children’s school activities.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply Online:

www.sjgov.org/department/hr

By mail or in person:

San Joaquin County Human Resources

44 N. San Joaquin Street Suite 330

Stockton, CA 95202

Office hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; excluding holidays.

Phone: (209) 468-3370

Job Line:

For current employment opportunities please call our 24-hour job line at (209) 468-3377.

When a final filing date is indicated, applications must be filed with the Human Resources Division before 5:00 p.m. or postmarked by the final filing date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Applications sent through county inter-office mail, which are not received by the final filing date, will not be accepted. (The County assumes no responsibility for mailed applications which are not received by the Human Resources Division).

San Joaquin County Substance Abuse Policy: San Joaquin County has adopted a Substance Abuse Policy in compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. This policy is enforced by all San Joaquin County Departments and applies to all San Joaquin County employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer : San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. For more information go to www.sjgov.org/department/hr/eeo .


Click on a link below to apply for this position:
Fill out the Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online View and print the official application form as an Acrobat pdf file. A San Joaquin County application form is required for this recruitment. You may print this Acrobat PDF document and then fill it in. Contact us via conventional means. You may contact us by phone at (209) 468-3370, or by email, or apply for a job in person at the San Joaquin County Human Resources Division.

Closing Date/Time: 5/23/2025 11:59:00 PM

• 

• San Joaquin County

• 209-953-7325

Show more