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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
HEALTH SERVICES ASSISTANT DEPUTY DIRECTOR
(BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES)
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate’s qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
This recruitment is open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the County's needs are met. Qualified a pplicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
This recruitment will establish an Open eligible list and will be used to fill current and future vacancies within this specialty. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County.
First Round of Consideration will be Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
THE AGENCY
The County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family and community health. Under the leadership of the Agency Director, a dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) service areas - Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Public Health Services and Specialized Medical Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
THE DEPARTMENT
TheBehavioral Health Services (BHS) Division consists of the following areas: Adult and Older Adult, Children and Youth Services, Quality Management Services, Mental Health Services Act Office, Data Analytics and Evaluation, Crisis and Acute Care Services, Substance Use Services, and Forensics and Justice Involved. These divisions provide a culturally competent and client-centered system of behavioral health services for all eligible county residents in need of treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse and mental health care.
THE PROGRAM
Crisis and Acute Care Services (CAC) provides responsive services to adults and youth in a behavioral health crisis. Services include mobile mental health Crisis Assessment Team (CAT), Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), OC Links (24/7 Resources line), Crisis Stabilization Units (CSU), Crisis Residential Programs, In-home Crisis Stabilization services, inpatient psychiatric hospital services, coordination of 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline, Suicide and Self-Harm Reduction services as well as the Wellness and Suicide Prevention Education services for transitional aged youth.
THE OPPORTUNITY
BHS is looking for experienced, dynamic leaders who bring a strategic mindset and a strong commitment to collaborating with County and community partners and ensuring BHS programs deliver consistent, high-quality appropriate levels of care and access to services. The immediate vacancy is within the Crisis and Acute Care function area. However, future vacancies may be in other Divisions; thus, qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
The responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Directing all crisis services delivered by BHS to individuals of all ages experiencing behavioral health crises on a 24/7 basis, including oversight of the Crisis Intervention Team Steering Committee, implementation of SB 43 in Orange County, and coordination of suicide prevention and wellness activities
- Providing direction for short- and long-term strategies, demonstrating systems thinking and adaptive program leadership and development, while ensuring compliance with behavioral health standards, quality measures, and policy requirements, within fiscal constraints
- Managing a combination of County and contracted programs and responding appropriately to Human Resources issues
- Developing and implementing qualitative and quantitative measures to monitor and evaluate business outcomes and drive continuous improvement
- Overseeing and managing large budgets and the allocation of program resources to ensure that mandated services are provided in a cost effective, fiscal accountable and client focused manner
- Maintaining awareness of changes in the political climate and demonstrate the political acumen and collaborative leadership when engaging with government officials, business partners and public stakeholders while responding to new challenges
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess at least five (5) years of progressive experience managing behavioral health programs and/or related operations. The ideal candidate will also possess at least two (2) years of experience leading a large team and/or multiple teams within a behavioral health setting. A valid registration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Psychologist may be desirable for some positions.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and experience in the following core competencies:
Professional & Technical Expertise | Managing Organizational Complexity- Interpreting and implementing laws, regulations, policies and procedures concerning health care regulations
- Understanding and application of behavioral health knowledge, including current issues, challenges, and trends
- Maneuvering through complex political situations and functions within the organization
- Anticipating obstacles and issues before they arise and providing appropriate solutions
- Managing programs within regulatory and budgetary guidelines, in collaboration with program support/budget
- Demonstrating resilience and solution-oriented thinking in the face of organizational challenges
Thinking & Acting Systematically | Leading Cross-Divisional Collaboration- Using strategic foresight, appropriate judgment, data, and risk management skills in making business decisions and formulating policy recommendations for achieving positive business outcomes and meeting deadlines
- Making, evaluating, and revising long-range plans and goals for the department
- Analyzing problems and proposing solutions while dealing with changing priorities
- Identifying department needs, and the development, design and implementation of program objectives, policies and procedures, compliance, and audits
- Setting clear, challenging, and attainable goals for participating groups and ensuring goals are aligned with the goals of the BHS
- Identifying opportunities and solutions that will result in mutual gain for all parties while building coalitions across the agency, aligning goals and fostering shared accountability
- Understanding the importance and benefits of working in and/or with different divisions and teams
Visionary Leadership- Creating a positive work environment in which all staff are motivated to do their best
- Taking a long-term view and building a shared vision with others
- Valuing differing backgrounds and points of view in the workplace and leveraging those differences in group process and decision making
- Convincingly explaining the benefits of a course of action or advantages over alternatives
- Removing barriers to equal opportunity and participation
- Sharing knowledge and expertise willingly and supporting others’ career and development plans
- Determining objectives, prioritizing tasks, and delegating work
- Building a shared vision and motivates teams through inspirational communication and authentic engagement
Decision Making- Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
- Evaluating the chosen course of action after it has been implemented in order to determine its efficacy
- Demonstrating decisiveness and learning from previous outcomes, decisions and experiences
- Makes timely, data-informed decisions and evaluates outcomes to refine future strategies
Building and Maintaining Relationships | Handling & Resolving Conflicts- Building effective working relationships across all levels of the organization and outside communities by dealing effectively with empathy and diplomacy with various levels of stakeholders
- Dealing with interpersonally or politically challenging situations calmly and diplomatically, while diffusing tension
Communication | Presentation- Presenting and tailoring information and materials to various types of audiences including but not limited to, public official meetings, commission hearings and stakeholder public meetings
- Communicating effectively and tactfully with County leadership and management, departmental staff, outside agencies, and the general public both verbally and in writing
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here for information on the minimum qualifications for the Health Services Assistant Deputy Directorclassification.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)
Applicants will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicant's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the applicant's qualifications for the job.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Email Notification
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Rasika Wijayaweera at (714) 834-7877 or rwijayaweera@ochca.com .
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer,
encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Administrative Management *
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits -- such as a variety of health plan options, sick and vacation time and paid holidays -- we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as:
- Retirement: Benefits are provided through the Orange County Employees' Retirement System (OCERS). Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information. - Paid Leave: Twelve holidays per year plus sick and vacation time
- Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
- Dental Insurance: County pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums
- Paid Life Insurance: $100,000 life insurance policy
- Paid Accidental & Death and Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000 AD&D insurance policy
- Paid Short & Long Term Disability insurance programs
- 457 Defined Contribution Program
*Effective 07/01/20, management employees who are sworn Public Safety Managers receive health insurance benefits through the AOCDS Medical Benefit Plans.
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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