Director of Behavioral Health
Kings County, Hanford, CA, United States
Kings County is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as Director of Behavioral Health.
This position is responsible for administering programs that support individuals and families facing mental health and substance abuse challenges, developing, and implementing departmental policies and goals, and fostering effective collaboration with County departments, outside agencies, and the community. This is an opportunity to shape policy, build partnerships, and create lasting change. If you are passionate about making a difference and driving progress, we invite you to join us in this vital mission.
Management Level I Benefits
CalPERS retirement (plan and tier placement determined at benefits selection) and fully paid PPO health, dental, and chiropractic insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
Fully paid PPO premiums on health, dental, vision, and chiropractic insurance for eligible dependents.
Employees are also eligible for the Deferred Compensation Plan, with the County contributing one dollar for every three dollars contributed by the employee up to $3,500 per year.
Vacation accrual ranges from 12 to 20 days per year, based on years of service, and the County Executive Officer may authorize an adjusted accrual rate for employees hired from other public agencies to reflect prior service.
10 to 12 days of accrued sick leave per year with unlimited accrual.
80 hours of management leave (pro-rated upon hire date), which may be cashed out at the employee's option.
11.5 scheduled holidays per year, plus an additional 3.5 days when the County participates in holiday closures.
$50,000 term life insurance.
Access to the onsite Health Center Monday through Friday for employees and eligible dependents, without the need to use sick or other leave for personal appointments.
Longevity pay beginning at 10 years of service.
For more information about the Kings County Behavioral Health Director and benefits, please click here.
For complete benefit details, see Section V of the Salary Resolution.
You can also watch a brief video showcasing the exceptional benefits available to our employees.
Employment at Will The Director of Behavioral Health is an “at-will” position, which is not included in the County’s classified service and is exempt from merit system status. As an at-will employee, the incumbent may be terminated with or without cause or notice at any time by the County Executive Officer as the appointing authority.
Professional Resume Required In addition to the application, applicants are required to submit a professional resume outlining relevant education and experience. This resume must be attached to your application. NOTE: You must scan and attach your resume to your online application prior to submitting your application (or your application may be rejected). For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Responsibilities
Assumes full management responsibility for all Behavioral Health Department programs, services, and activities including oversight of the department’s state and federal contractual obligations, and the development and administration of comprehensive systems of care for mental health and substance use disorder prevention, intervention, and treatment through county staff and contracted service providers.
Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
Selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine County needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
Evaluates the performance of contracted service providers for both quality and cost efficiency; determines when improvements and changes need to be made in providers and types of services based upon outcome measures and beneficiary feedback; promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement.
Develops long-range plans for department services and programs; seeks grant and other funding to enhance the delivery of services.
Represents the department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions.; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the County Executive Officer.
Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Education:
A physician and surgeon licensed in the State of California showing evidence of having completed the required course of graduate psychiatric education as defined in Section 623 to be supplemented by an additional period of two years of training or practice limited to the field of psychiatry, one year of which shall have been administrative experience.
A psychologist who shall be licensed in the State of California and shall possess a doctorate degree in psychology from an institution of higher education. In addition, the psychologist shall have had at least three years of acceptable clinical psychology experience, two years of which shall have been administrative experience.
A clinical social worker who shall possess a master's degree in social work or higher and shall be a licensed clinical social worker under provisions of the California Business and Professions Code and shall have had at least five years mental health experience, two years of which shall have been administrative experience.
A marriage, family, and child counselor who shall have a master's degree in an approved behavioral science course of study, and who shall be a licensed marriage, family, and child counselor and have received specific instruction, or its equivalent, as required for licensure on January 1, 1981. In addition, the marriage, family, and child counselor shall have had at least five years of mental health experience, two years of which shall have been administrative experience. The term, specific instruction, contained in Sections 5751 and 5751.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, shall not be limited to school, college, or university classroom instruction, but may include equivalent demonstrated experience in assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and counseling, and psychotherapeutic treatment of premarital, marriage, family, and child relationship dysfunctions.
A nurse who shall possess a master's degree in psychiatric or public health nursing and shall be licensed as a registered nurse by the Board of Registered Nursing in the State of California and shall have had at least five years mental health experience, two of which shall have been administrative experience. Additional post-baccalaureate experience in a mental health setting may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the educational requirements.
An administrator who shall have a master's degree in hospital administration, public health administration, or public administration from an accredited college or university, and who shall have at least three years of experience in hospital or health care administration, two of which shall have been in the mental health field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis with the approval of the Department.
Experience:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience managing the operations, services, and programs of a comprehensive behavioral health services agency, including two (2) years in a senior management capacity.
Licenses and Certifications Licenses:
Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
Special Requirements Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check; must be willing to work irregular hours as required; travel within and outside the County.
For more information on this position, please click here.
Recruitment Process All application materials submitted will be evaluated and screened. Final candidates will be interviewed by the County Executive Officer. Finalists will be expected to provide three professional references. A background investigation will be required for all final candidates. Job offers will be conditional upon passing a drug screening test as well as DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting.
Tentative Recruitment Process
Final Date to Apply: Friday, April 3, 2026
Human Resources Interview: Week of April 13, 2026
Administrative Office Interview: Week of April 20, 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Management Level I Benefits
CalPERS retirement (plan and tier placement determined at benefits selection) and fully paid PPO health, dental, and chiropractic insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
Fully paid PPO premiums on health, dental, vision, and chiropractic insurance for eligible dependents.
Employees are also eligible for the Deferred Compensation Plan, with the County contributing one dollar for every three dollars contributed by the employee up to $3,500 per year.
Vacation accrual ranges from 12 to 20 days per year, based on years of service, and the County Executive Officer may authorize an adjusted accrual rate for employees hired from other public agencies to reflect prior service.
10 to 12 days of accrued sick leave per year with unlimited accrual.
80 hours of management leave (pro-rated upon hire date), which may be cashed out at the employee's option.
11.5 scheduled holidays per year, plus an additional 3.5 days when the County participates in holiday closures.
$50,000 term life insurance.
Access to the onsite Health Center Monday through Friday for employees and eligible dependents, without the need to use sick or other leave for personal appointments.
Longevity pay beginning at 10 years of service.
For more information about the Kings County Behavioral Health Director and benefits, please click here.
For complete benefit details, see Section V of the Salary Resolution.
You can also watch a brief video showcasing the exceptional benefits available to our employees.
Employment at Will The Director of Behavioral Health is an “at-will” position, which is not included in the County’s classified service and is exempt from merit system status. As an at-will employee, the incumbent may be terminated with or without cause or notice at any time by the County Executive Officer as the appointing authority.
Professional Resume Required In addition to the application, applicants are required to submit a professional resume outlining relevant education and experience. This resume must be attached to your application. NOTE: You must scan and attach your resume to your online application prior to submitting your application (or your application may be rejected). For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Responsibilities
Assumes full management responsibility for all Behavioral Health Department programs, services, and activities including oversight of the department’s state and federal contractual obligations, and the development and administration of comprehensive systems of care for mental health and substance use disorder prevention, intervention, and treatment through county staff and contracted service providers.
Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
Selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine County needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
Evaluates the performance of contracted service providers for both quality and cost efficiency; determines when improvements and changes need to be made in providers and types of services based upon outcome measures and beneficiary feedback; promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement.
Develops long-range plans for department services and programs; seeks grant and other funding to enhance the delivery of services.
Represents the department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions.; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the County Executive Officer.
Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Education:
A physician and surgeon licensed in the State of California showing evidence of having completed the required course of graduate psychiatric education as defined in Section 623 to be supplemented by an additional period of two years of training or practice limited to the field of psychiatry, one year of which shall have been administrative experience.
A psychologist who shall be licensed in the State of California and shall possess a doctorate degree in psychology from an institution of higher education. In addition, the psychologist shall have had at least three years of acceptable clinical psychology experience, two years of which shall have been administrative experience.
A clinical social worker who shall possess a master's degree in social work or higher and shall be a licensed clinical social worker under provisions of the California Business and Professions Code and shall have had at least five years mental health experience, two years of which shall have been administrative experience.
A marriage, family, and child counselor who shall have a master's degree in an approved behavioral science course of study, and who shall be a licensed marriage, family, and child counselor and have received specific instruction, or its equivalent, as required for licensure on January 1, 1981. In addition, the marriage, family, and child counselor shall have had at least five years of mental health experience, two years of which shall have been administrative experience. The term, specific instruction, contained in Sections 5751 and 5751.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, shall not be limited to school, college, or university classroom instruction, but may include equivalent demonstrated experience in assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and counseling, and psychotherapeutic treatment of premarital, marriage, family, and child relationship dysfunctions.
A nurse who shall possess a master's degree in psychiatric or public health nursing and shall be licensed as a registered nurse by the Board of Registered Nursing in the State of California and shall have had at least five years mental health experience, two of which shall have been administrative experience. Additional post-baccalaureate experience in a mental health setting may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the educational requirements.
An administrator who shall have a master's degree in hospital administration, public health administration, or public administration from an accredited college or university, and who shall have at least three years of experience in hospital or health care administration, two of which shall have been in the mental health field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis with the approval of the Department.
Experience:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience managing the operations, services, and programs of a comprehensive behavioral health services agency, including two (2) years in a senior management capacity.
Licenses and Certifications Licenses:
Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
Special Requirements Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check; must be willing to work irregular hours as required; travel within and outside the County.
For more information on this position, please click here.
Recruitment Process All application materials submitted will be evaluated and screened. Final candidates will be interviewed by the County Executive Officer. Finalists will be expected to provide three professional references. A background investigation will be required for all final candidates. Job offers will be conditional upon passing a drug screening test as well as DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting.
Tentative Recruitment Process
Final Date to Apply: Friday, April 3, 2026
Human Resources Interview: Week of April 13, 2026
Administrative Office Interview: Week of April 20, 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr