Director of Behavioral Health Services

General Description

The Director of Behavioral Health Services manages all behavioral health programs and ensures alignment with departmental values, community needs, and all applicable regulations.

The Director handles executive and managerial responsibilities for developing and delivering comprehensive services under the guidance of the Behavioral Health Advisory Council, Local Substance Abuse and Mental Health Authorities, and Local Health Officer. This includes working with partners to oversee long and short-term strategies and goals for the Behavioral Health Area Plan. The Director also acts as a liaison and collaborates with community partners, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to create a coordinated behavioral healthcare system and secure funding and resources from various sources to support that system. 

The Director of Behavioral Health Services manages state and county contract funds for providers. This includes reviewing contracts, monitoring provider performance, ensuring compliance with terms, addressing issues, and reporting outcomes and fund usage to the state and counties.

The Director educates lawmakers on behavioral health issues and coordinates necessary legislative actions to support and improve a coordinated behavioral healthcare system. They report annually to the Local Substance Abuse and Mental Health Authorities on operations, gaps, and improvements in service delivery. Additionally, the Director supports the Health Advisory Council and represents the counties on the Utah Behavioral Health Committee (UBHC) while performing related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an M.S. degree in accounting, business management, human resource management, healthcare administration, public administration, or a related field; 

AND,

Five (5) years of full-time progressively responsible experience performing above or related duties;

OR,

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications (Necessary Knowledge, Experience, Skills, and Abilities)

Knowledge & Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of public administration;
• Extensive knowledge and experience of management principles and practices;
• Understanding and experience of general administration theories, practices, and procedures related to contract management, fiscal accountability, program administration, budget development, and grantsmanship;
• Familiarity with and experience with fiscal accountability requirements concerning public funds and contract compliance;
• In-depth knowledge and experience of relevant laws and regulations;
• Must have an understanding and experience of state and local political processes;
• Thorough comprehension and experience of contracting and grant procedures;
• Experience and understanding working in the behavioral health field is preferred; and
• Experience and awareness of the legal environment relating to mental health services.

Skills:

• Must possess strong written, verbal, and public communication skills;
• Expertise in public relations, conflict resolution, and leadership;
• Proficient in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based programs;
• Capable of effectively planning, organizing, managing, and directing work;
• Analyze and accurately diagnose problems;
• Initiate the planning, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral health programs; and
• Perform effectively in crises.

Abilities:

• Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures for all aspects of public administration;
• Ability to work well under pressure, manage multiple tasks at once, collaborate effectively, meet deadlines, and operate independently on a daily basis; 
• Ability to foster positive working relationships with government officials at all levels, other county administrators, news media, civic and private organizations, and the public; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees and contractors; and
• Ability to oversee the work of multiple contractors.

Special Qualifications

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Utah Driver's License at the time of employment; 
• Must provide own transportation as needed; 
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and perform strenuous activities requiring flexibility, stamina, and overall good health; 
• Must maintain concentration and attention to detail for extended periods; 
• Must have a flexible schedule, available for unscheduled work in the evenings and/or weekends as required;  
• Must be willing to travel regularly to out-of-area meetings, with overnight travel expected; and
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screening test. 

Summary of Duties

The Behavioral Health Director will report to multiple policy-making bodies, manage fiscal operations and budgets,  negotiate contracts, oversee quality assurance, ensure compliance with contracts and regulations, develop program service plans, coordinate with community agencies, maintain public relations, and represent the health department in relevant committees and task forces.

Specific Duties Relevant to Position Being Advertised

This position is subject to appointment by the Legislative Bodies of each county (Box Elder, Cache, and Rich).

Salary : $48 - $81