Mental Health Program Chief

The Position

The Board of Supervisors have authorized the following future salary increases:

5% on July 1, 2025

Why Join Contra Costa Health?

Contra Costa Health is the largest county department in Contra Costa County with over 4,700 employees. Our mission is to care for and improve the health of all people in Contra Costa with special attention to those who are most vulnerable to health problems. We provide services through nine operational areas: Behavioral Health, Contra Costa Health Plan, Emergency Medical Services, Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials, Health, Housing & Homeless Services, Public Health, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center & Health Centers and Detention Health.

We are currently hiring for two (2) Mental Health Program Chief positions, one (1) in the Detention Health Division and one (1) in the Behavioral Health Division.

The Detention Heath Division is comprised of three (3) adult Detention facilities and one juvenile Detention facility with a multidisciplinary team. Working with your mental health staff, you will be able to focus on providing full spectrum mental health programming, care and education to our vulnerable and clinically complex patients in a challenging environment and experience a positive work-life balance. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a difference in our community.

The Behavioral Health Division, in partnership with consumers, families, staff and community-based agencies, provides welcoming and integrated services for mental health, substance abuse, and other needs that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency while respecting the complexity and diversity of the people we serve. The Mental Health Program Chief position will be responsible for overseeing the Division's Internship Program, Behavioral Health Staff Education and Training, implementation and evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices and development of Clinical Pathways. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for analysis of pending legislation that affects Behavioral Health and tracking, analyzing and responding to draft regulations. The Program Chief also provides program and policy direction, management, supervision and professional direction to staff and assures administrative compliance with applicable Federal and State regulations.

We are looking for someone who is:

• A collaborator. You will use your strong relational and communication skills to build relationships with individuals within and outside your division.
• Respectful and understands diversity. You will be working with a culturally and linguistically diverse population.
• Action-oriented and results-focused. You will need to take initiative and ensure tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• A strong communicator. You will be in constant communication (verbally and in writing) with staff and community providers.
• Organized and excellent in forecasting and planning. You will encounter pressing demands from multiple sources and will need to balance them.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Providing oversight of programs, budget allocation and planning, and policies and procedures.
• Evaluating programs and reviewing performance outcomes to ensure that delivery of services is effective.
• Monitoring all program activities to ensure programs are in compliance with Federal and State regulations.
• Working with programs to ensure that data required by the State is collected and submitted in a timely manner.
• Interviewing, hiring, and evaluating subordinate staff.

A few reasons why you might love this job:

• Your leadership will be used to improve the lives of the diverse, marginalized community that we serve.
• You will be part of a division that has several programs that help our clients learn to manage their lives and mental health conditions more effectively and improve their quality of life.
• You will spend your day with a team that is dedicated, passionate and, most importantly, focused on Contra Costa County's common mission and goals to serve our community.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will encounter unpredictable daily workflow and work assignments.
• You will have to problem-solve as issues arise and prioritize our scarce resources.

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking : Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Delivering Results : Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation : Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Professional & Technical Expertise : Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative) : Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishments
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability : Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Writing : Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships : Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Involving Others (Engaging Teams) : Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes
• Teamwork : Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Leading Cross-Divisional Collaboration : Demonstrating cooperation and teamwork while working within and across divisions and teams
• Thinking & Acting Systematically : Formulating objectives and priorities, and implementing plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment

To read the complete job description, please click here . The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to 6 months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operator's license. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process; AND Possession of one of the following professional licenses: either (a) a current valid unrestricted license as a Psychologist issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Psychology; or (b) a valid license as a Clinical Social Worker issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Sciences; or (c) a valid license as a Marriage and Family Therapist issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Education: Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major in psychology, social work, counseling or a closely related field.

Experience: Four (4) years of full-time post-licensure experience, or its equivalent, providing mental health services to the seriously and persistently mentally ill, two (2) years of which must have included administrative responsibility for mental health programs/services and the supervision of subordinate staff.

Substitution: Possession of a Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required Master's degree.

Desirable Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience working with Medi-Cal regulations.

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.Training & Experience Evaluation: Candidates who clearly demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualifications will have their training and experience evaluated. The responses to the supplemental questions, at the time of filing, will be evaluated to determine each candidate's relevant education, training, and/or experience as presented on the application and supplemental questionnaire. (Weighted 100%)

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 6/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Contra Costa County Human Resources Department

• 925-655-2100

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