Behavioral Health Division Director
About the role
We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and promote health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities.
Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire a division of 300+ staff across multiple behavioral health service areas, driving strategic planning, policy development, resource allocation, and operational excellence.
- Assess community needs, develop comprehensive service plans, and oversee new program initiatives from concept to implementation.
- Direct services and ensure County representation on relevant state and regional committees. Oversee contracts, performance measures, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Ensure smooth daily functioning of division services, including budget management, staffing oversight, and response to operational challenges.
- Lead the following key units:
- Addictions Services
- Care Coordination
- Civil Commitment & Forensics
- Direct Clinical Services
- Office of Consumer Engagement
- Safety Net Services
- Quality Management
Requirements
- A strategic, inclusive, and collaborative leader with deep knowledge of behavioral health systems and public health administration.
- Skilled in managing large, complex organizations with diverse funding streams and stakeholder relationships.
- Committed to advancing equity, trauma-informed practice, and culturally responsive care.
- Experienced in partnership building across government, healthcare systems, and community organizations.
- A Master’s degree (or higher) in Behavioral Health, Public Administration, Public Health, or a related field.
- Significant experience (typically 8+ years) in behavioral health program leadership, including fiscal oversight, staff supervision, and policy development.
- Knowledge of Oregon’s mental health laws, Medicaid system, and LMHA responsibilities preferred.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in operational business management, including budget development and management, contract negotiation, and human resource management.
- Strong communication skills, with experience representing an organization in governmental and community settings, including working with media and presenting to governing bodies.
- Experience working with Unions is strongly preferred.
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Community Mental Health Program (CMHP) Administration
- Strategic Planning and Program Development
- Program Management
- Daily Operations Oversight
- Operational Excellence
- Leadership in Large, Complex Organizations
- Community Needs Assessment
- New Program Initiatives
- County Representation on Committees
- Contracts and Performance Measures
- State and Federal Regulations Compliance
- Budget Management
- Staff Supervision
- Fiscal Oversight
- Policy Development
- Equity and Trauma-Informed Practice
- Culturally Responsive Care
- Partnership Building
- Behavioral Health Systems and Public Health Administration
- Master’s Degree (or higher) in Behavioral Health, Public Administration, Public Health, or a related field
- Significant Experience in Behavioral Health Program Leadership
- Knowledge of Oregon’s Mental Health Laws, Medicaid System, and LMHA Responsibilities
Benefits
The position is salaried and not eligible for overtime. The salary range is $128,464.44 - $205,543.27 annually.
Pay
Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.
Schedule
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, some weekends and evenings.
Location
Gladys McCoy Building @ 619 NW 6th Ave Portland, OR 97209
Additional Details
This position is eligible for Hybrid telework. The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the ‘Overview’ and ‘To Qualify’ sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials will be scored and determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment process.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.