Interim HHSA Deputy Director / Director of Behavioral Health

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional leader to serve as HHSA Deputy Director/Interim Behavioral Health Director. This key position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the management and delivery of mental health and substance use disorder services within our Health and Human Services agency. The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in either mental health clinical services or the administration of a mental health facility, in accordance with Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 620, including a deep understanding of mental health regulations, strategic planning, and operational oversight.

Under general direction of the Health and Human Services Agency Director, this role plans, organizes, and directs the operation of County Behavioral Health Services, including mental health and drug and alcohol programs, and assists in the management and administrative operations on an agency-wide basis. This position may serve as the County designated Director of Local Mental Health Services and/or the Alcohol and Drug Program Administrator.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services is a single mid-management classification responsible for leading, administering, and directing assigned functions and activities while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as policies established by the Health and Human Services Agency Director, County Administrative Officer, and Board of Supervisors. The incumbent is expected to model a strong work ethic and leadership skills, including accountability for oneself and others, and interfaces extensively with external agencies, potentially representing the Health and Human Services Director in their absence.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership in the planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the activities and programs of the division; leads the division in the establishment of and adherence to department goals, policies, and procedures in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Analyzes pending legislation affecting the division and recommends and/or implements appropriate policy and program changes.
• Develops and implements management improvements and practices in the division; leads improvements to procedures, forms, and workflow; coordinates methods and procedures to ensure achievement of the division’s objectives.
• Works closely with other County departments and officials of local, regional, state, and federal agencies in developing and implementing programs and/or delivering services related to Behavioral Health.
• Directs the selection, supervision, and work evaluation of assigned staff and provides for their training and development; makes recommendations regarding discipline, as needed.
• Assesses the Behavioral Health needs of the County and evaluates the effectiveness of existing programs; develops and implements new programs or modifies existing programs as needed; oversees the day-to-day treatment administered and operation of the County’s in- and out-patient Behavioral Health services.
• Conducts and integrates functions and activities of assigned programs; develops standards and methods of measurement of activities and work performance.
• Assists the Health and Human Services Agency Director in program planning and the development of the annual budget; confers with subordinates in preparing budgetary planning; identifies program funding sources and prepares or directs the preparation of grant applications and proposals to secure funding.
• Ensures coordination and cooperation of all division units and functions within the division, as well as with other County departments, contract agencies, and fee-for-service providers.
• Oversees the County’s compliance and reporting requirements associated with local, state, and federal regulations and mandates and ensures adherence to such regulations.
• Provides on-call coverage.
• May represent the division, agency, and/or County at regular state and regional meetings; attends local meetings of community groups, including the Local Mental Health Commission; participates on a variety of interagency committees.
• Monitors Quality Improvement and Quality Management activities.
• Organizes, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff and interdisciplinary treatment teams; provides administrative and clinical supervision to staff.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, and complaints regarding service delivery.
• May serve as the County designated Local Mental Health Director and/or the Alcohol and Drug Program Administrator.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Licensure in California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), or related California licensure is required or must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
• Master’s or doctoral degree in Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Four years of professional experience providing public Behavioral Health services, preferably in a public setting as a Case Manager, Clinician, Social Worker, or related classification.
• A minimum of one year of leadership and/or supervisory experience in a Behavioral Health setting is required.
• Must meet the requirements of California Administrative Code Title 9, Section 620.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Skills & Knowledge

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices including resource management, goals and objective development, work planning, organizational structure, and operational needs.
• Principles, practices, and methods of community Behavioral Health treatment, including interviewing, assessment, and individual, family, and group psychotherapy.
• Practices of program management including development, supervision of personnel, funding sources, grant proposal writing, program evaluations, and fiscal management.
• Applicable laws affecting Behavioral Health treatment, services, and reporting procedures.
• Principles and alternative approaches to mental health, chemical dependency, emotional disorders, and institutional and aftercare programs.
• Methods and procedures for collecting, compiling, and analyzing statistical and demographic information and data.
• Developing and evaluating program quality control, assurance, and effectiveness.
• The uses and effects of psychotropic medications.
• City, county, state, and federal mental health and alcohol/drug programs.

Ability To:

• Plan, organize, assign, direct, and evaluate the work performance of subordinates.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Develop, implement, and manage community Behavioral Health treatment programs and contract services.
• Utilize statistical and demographic data to determine community Behavioral Health needs.
• Research and identify program funding sources and prepare grant applications and proposals.
• Assess and/or supervise the assessment of mental health and/or emotional health status and develop effective patient/client treatment plans.
• Interpret, illustrate, and apply laws, regulations, and policies related to Behavioral Health programs and services.
• Analyze complex mental health and chemical dependency problems, evaluate alternatives, and make sound judgments and recommendations for treatment.
• Prepare clear, concise, and complete reports, client documentation, and other written correspondence.
• Supervise, develop, evaluate, and prioritize the work of staff engaged in administrative functions or delivery of services.
• Work weekends, holidays, and/or irregular hours on an “on-call” basis.