Director of Behavioral Health

General Recruitment Information

Recruitments for County positions are typically conducted to establish eligibility lists to fill countywide vacancies that occur during the active status of those lists (approximately 3 -12 months).  Any person on a promotional eligibility list will be considered first by the hiring department(s) before persons on an open eligibility list.  

The County of Lake only accepts applications for permanent positions when actively recruiting.  Only online applications are accepted.  It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer.  Veteran’s Preference.

To apply for County examinations – All applications for County examinations must be submitted through the County’s online application system.  A completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each online application.  All permanent County recruitments will be posted at www.co.lake.ca.us with a link to the online application. The County of Lake reserves the right to limit the number of applications that will be accepted for any open recruitment, and any such limit will be included on the job posting.  When a limit is posted, the recruitment is subject to close at any time prior to the final filing date.  Completed online application packets must be submitted by the close of business on the date that the recruitment closes.  All relevant experience must be included on the application to be considered – resumes and other attached documents will not be used to qualify an applicant.  Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted at a ratio of 2 to 1 for the purpose of meeting minimum qualifications and applicants should contact the Human Resources department for details.

Important Notice – The provisions listed on job postings, job descriptions, or other recruitment materials do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Benefits may vary between bargaining units.  Any provisions contained within job postings, job descriptions or other recruitment material may be modified or revoked without notice. All County of Lake applicants who are given a conditional employment offer must comply with the County’s pre-employment medical review program before they may be appointed to the County position.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Education and Experience: 

Any combination of training and experience that would fulfill one of the requirements of the Director of Local Mental Health Services pursuant to the California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Article 8, Section 620, summarized as follows:

A medical degree and graduate psychiatric education as defined in Section 623 and a California license as a physician with two years of training or practice in psychiatry, one year of which is administrative.

A Doctorate degree in psychology and a California license as a psychologist, with three years of clinical psychology experience, two of which are administrative.

Master’s degree in social work and California license as a Clinical Social Worker, with five years of mental health experience, two of which are administrative.

Master’s degree in behavioral sciences and a California license as a Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor with five years of mental health experience, two of which are administrative.

Master’s degree in psychiatric or public health nursing and a license as a Registered Nurse in California and five years mental health experience, two of which are administrative.

Master’s degree in hospital administration, public health administration or public administration and at least three (3) years’ experience, two (2) of which have been in mental health.

Full Job Description 

DIRECTOR OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

DEFINITION

Under policy direction, plans, organizes, manages, directs, and supervises the activities, programs, and services of the Behavioral Health Department; is responsible for fiscal management, personnel management, program planning, program evaluation, and public relations; represents department activities, programs, and services with community organizations and other governmental agencies; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single-position classification which has overall management responsibility for the Behavioral Health Department, including Alcohol and Other Drug Services.   The incumbent has responsibility for planning, organizing, directing, managing, and supervising the programs, functions, and services of the Behavioral Health Department and fulfills the role of Director of Local Mental Health Services for the County of Lake as defined by the California Code of Regulations.

This is a discrete classification.  The incumbent in this management position serves at the pleasure of his/her appointing authority, which means the employment relationship is at-will, and that the County of Lake or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives policy direction from the County Administrative Officer on behalf of the Board of Supervisors.  Exercises direct and general supervision over professional, technical, and/or administrative staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all programs, services, and activities of the Behavioral Health Department, based on policy direction provided by the Board of Supervisors, federal requirements, and state regulations and policies.
• Enforces mental health laws and regulations; develops and implements department goals, objectives, and policies.
• Plans, organizes, and coordinates through subordinate managers and supervisors the provision of psychotherapeutic assessment and treatment services for children and adults referred for mental health counseling services and/or substance abuse treatment/prevention services.
• Monitors department activities to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and contract provisions.
• Works with and advises a variety of public agencies and private organizations and citizen groups in the development and implementation of programs and projects related to the mental health functions.
• Represents the County in meetings with state and federal regulatory, licensing, and funding agencies and groups; formulates policies and procedures.
• Prepares and administers the department’s budget.
• Submits budget requests to the County Administrative Officer and the Board of Supervisors, providing accompanying justification.
• Controls fiscal expenditures and revenues.
• Performs a broad range of administrative and management duties; coordinates department functions and services with other County departments; analyzes, interprets, and evaluates the effect of federal, state, and local legislation, rules, policies, and procedures on mental health programs and initiates appropriate compliance actions.
• Hires, supervises, evaluates, and ensures proper training of department staff in accordance with County Personnel Rules; counsels department staff as necessary; oversees department program planning and evaluation.
• Directs the gathering of statistical information and the preparation of a variety of department reports.
• Explains and interprets rules and regulations concerning the administration of mental health programs.
• Represents the department with the public, community organizations, and other government jurisdictions.
• Serves as the department’s advocate in a variety of forums.
• Deals with the most sensitive public complaints and issues.
• Provides expertise to County management, staff, elected officials, and groups on mental health services, problems, and issues.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of a variety of reports and presentations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles and practices of behavioral health program design, planning, quality improvements, and current trends in delivery of mental health and substance use treatment in county and state behavioral health systems.
• Community needs assessment, resources, and organizations related to mental health and substance use treatment care.
• Behavioral health service problems and issues and how these relate to the development and delivery of programs and services.
• Advanced problems and needs of patients with mental illness.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulation, policies, and procedures pertaining to, and governing the administration of County substance abuse prevention and treatment programs and the delivery of behavioral health services and department functions.
• Medications and psychotropic drugs used in mental health treatments.
• Local, state, and national social services policies, functions, and systems.
• Available community resources for behavioral health services.
• Goals and purposes of behavioral health service programs.
• Public personnel management.
• Principles, techniques, and practices of effective program administration.
• Budget development and expenditure control.
• Available community resources for behavioral health services.
• Written and oral communications skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, administer, and direct comprehensive public Behavioral Health Department within professional standards and legal requirements.
• Plan, organize, administer, and coordinate a variety of complex inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use treatment programs and services.
• Utilize statistical and demographic information and data to determine behavioral health needs.
• Recommend comprehensive behavioral health policy and programs based upon community needs, available resources, and overall County priorities and policies.
• Develop budget and control expenditures.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the County.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Analyze, interpret, explain, and apply a variety of federal, state, and County policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.
• Establish program goals and objectives.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Communicate effectively with people from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Explain complex and technical terminology and concepts in an understandable and non- threatening manner.
• Effectively represent the Behavioral Health Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government organizations.
• Develop and maintain program evaluation systems and implement changes to improve program efficiency.
  Coordinate department services with other agencies and service providers.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Education and Experience: 

Any combination of training and experience that would fulfill one of the requirements of the Director of Local Mental Health Services pursuant to the California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Article 8, Section 620, summarized as follows:

A medical degree and graduate psychiatric education as defined in Section 623 and a California license as a physician with two years of training or practice in psychiatry, one year of which is administrative.

A Doctorate degree in psychology and a California license as a psychologist, with three years of clinical psychology experience, two of which are administrative.

Master’s degree in social work and California license as a Clinical Social Worker, with five years of mental health experience, two of which are administrative.

Master’s degree in behavioral sciences and a California license as a Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor with five years of mental health experience, two of which are administrative.

Master’s degree in psychiatric or public health nursing and a license as a Registered Nurse in California and five years mental health experience, two of which are administrative.

Master’s degree in hospital administration, public health administration or public administration and at least three (3) years’ experience, two (2) of which have been in mental health.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature.   There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.   If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

This position may require local and statewide travel, as necessary.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment.  Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment.  The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein.  The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice.  Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.