Director of Behavioral Health Services

The County of Santa Cruz is currently recruiting for a Director of Behavioral Health to join the Health Services Agency! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead this exciting division and have a positive impact on thousands of lives in our community! This executive management position oversees Medi-Cal specialty mental health and substance use disorder, and behavioral health crisis services provided to the community, 300 full-time employees with an annual budget in excess of $180 million. This position is responsible for the oversight of the Medi-Cal systems of care for both Specialty Mental Health and Drug Medi-Cal Health Plans, including ensuring network adequacy, maintaining relationships with contractors, growing services to meet community needs, and sustaining high-quality services. The position reports to the Health Services Agency Director and works extensively with key stakeholders in mental health and substance use disorders on community planning and service delivery. The ideal candidate is a leader, who is committed to supporting their team and reflects the values of the community it serves. The successful candidate is experienced, decisive, energetic, passionate, innovative; is empathetic, a good listener, and communicates assertively and diplomatically; understands mental health and substance use disorders services, government administration, strong financial management practices, and has demonstrated experience in successful organizational and change management. An additional desirable skill set is experience negotiating with managed care plans, and working with the CA State Department of Health Care Services, in addition to having excellent oral presentation and written communication skills. The Director of Behavioral Health will play a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership team in strategic decision making and operations as the County Health Services Agency continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity to deliver Medi-Cal reform through CalAIM and prepare for significant changes to County Behavioral Health departments through the Behavioral Health Services Act. This is a tremendous opportunity for a highly experienced leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact agency.

Apply online at www.santacruzcountyjobs.com or mail/bring an application and supplemental questionnaire to: Santa Cruz County Personnel Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For information, please call the Personnel Department at (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711. Applications will meet the final filing date if received: 1) in the Personnel Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.