Chief Deputy Behavioral Health

WHY JOIN US AT SOLANO COUNTY?

COMMITMENT TO SERVICE: Our mission is to serve the people and to provide a safe and healthy place to live, learn, work and play.

OUR EMPLOYEES: Our diverse workforce is committed to fulfilling this mission and does so by exemplifying our IDEAL Core Values, engaging in our day to day work of serving the public with Integrity, Dignity, Excellence, Accountability, and Leadership. 

WHY WE EXIST

The mission of the Solano County Health & Social Services Department is to Promote Healthy, Safe and Stable Lives.

Vision: A Healthy, Safe and Stable Community

Core Values:

• Diversity: We respect and value cross –culturalism creating an environment that is inclusive for all.

• Respect: We treat people with care and courtesy.

• Integrity: We do what we say will.

• Fairness: We are consistent and unbiased in decisions.

• Transparency: We communicate the how and why.

• Equity: We ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities.

• Responsiveness: We react quickly and positively.

Help us lead a team dedicated to mental health wellness and recovery!

THE POSITION

The Chief Deputy Behavioral Health, operating under administrative direction, is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and overseeing the County's comprehensive behavioral health services. These services are provided in alignment with contracts established with the State of California Department of Health Care Services for mental health and substance use disorder programs. This leadership role is within Solano County's Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) and includes professional oversight of day-to-day operations across both County-operated services and those provided through contracts. 

The Chief Deputy Behavioral Health manages division operations, including program development, budget oversight, and personnel management. Additionally, this role serves as a subject matter expert, advising the H&SS Department Director and staff on behavioral health issues and the functioning of a comprehensive community-based behavioral health delivery system. As a community leader and expert in the field, the Chief Deputy Behavioral Health establishes the vision and strategies for an integrated system of care, balancing compliance with new mandates and the pursuit of innovative goals.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Chief Deputy Behavioral Health will be prepared to lead the Behavioral Health Division, under the Health and Social Services Department, exemplifying a commitment to clinical acumen, quality and performance improvement, and service innovation. The ideal candidate for this position will also have a track record of success overseeing behavioral health services in managed care and community settings and be:  

• A visionary leader who can anticipate and analyze the impact of external factors—such as economic, political, social, and healthcare trends—on operations and outcomes. This individual excels at motivating and inspiring others by establishing a clear structure and strategic direction, fostering a shared sense of purpose and mission for the Division.
• A diplomatic and skilled professional with comprehensive knowledge of the full scope of behavioral health services and state mandates. This expertise positions them to effectively serve as a liaison in all policy, program, and fiscal negotiations, ensuring alignment with clinical needs, regulatory mandates, and stakeholder interests.
• A collaborative and strategic business partner who actively fosters partnerships with other Divisions and Departments, as well as external partners, to address countywide needs effectively. This leader leverages financial and other resources to optimize results, driving initiatives that achieve meaningful and positive outcomes for the community.
• A flexible and adaptable leader skilled in motivating teams and managing personal effectiveness during periods of change. They excel at navigating and guiding others through transitions involving new structures, processes, requirements, or organizational cultures, ensuring stability and continued success.
• A confident and impactful leader who builds trust and respect while inspiring confidence in others. With exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, this individual is committed to creating a collaborative environment where diverse, multidisciplinary service delivery teams work seamlessly. They prioritize meaningful community engagement, value client and staff feedback, and advocate for the unique needs of diverse populations, ensuring services are inclusive, equitable, and effective.

Education: Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, hospital or public health administration; or doctorate in psychology (PhD, PsyD); or medical degree with training in psychiatry.

AND

Experience: Six years of leadership in behavioral health or related human services including experience in development of programs; evaluation of program effectiveness; team building, policy development and fiscal oversight.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with Title 9, Section 620 of California Code of Regulations, one or more of the following licenses and experience/education is required for this position:

• California licensed physician or surgeon 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, or
• California licensed psychologist with a doctorate in psychology and at least three years of acceptable clinical psychology experience, two years of which will be administrative; or
• Licensed clinical social worker with a master's degree in social work or higher and at least five years of mental health experience, two of which shall be administrative; or
• Licensed marriage, family and child counselor with a master's degree in an approved behavioral science course of study and at least five years of mental health experience, two years of which shall have been administrative; or
• State of California Board Registered Nurse with a master's degree in psychiatric or public health nursing and at least five years of mental health experience, two of which shall be administrative. Additional post-baccalaureate experience in a mental health setting may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the educational requirements; or
• Administrator with a master's degree in hospital administration, public health administration, or public administration and who shall have at least three years of experience in hospital or health administration, two of which shall have been in mental health.

Applicants are required to possess a valid California Driver’s License, Class C

Click here to view the job description for this position

01/13/25 – First application review deadline 

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants may be invited for further examination and will either be pre-scheduled by the Department of Human Resources or be invited to self-schedule. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a supplemental questionnaire assessment, a written and/or practical exam, an oral board exam, or any combination listed. Responses to supplemental questions may be used as screening and testing mechanisms and will be used to assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the process; as such, responses to supplemental questions should be treated as test examination responses. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted. These provisions are subject to change.

RETIREES - Solano County invites all qualified candidates to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees.

Applications must be submitted through the NeoGOV system. Paper copies of applications are not accepted. All candidates are encouraged to submit a copy of their official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed) or degree (verifying institution, student, date, degree and area of specialization conferred) by the application review deadline. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing the application. You will be evaluated based on the information provided on the application. Please ensure any experience you believe qualifies you for the job is reflected in your application’s employment history. When completing employment details, do not write “see resume,” as resumes will not be reviewed and this will be considered an incomplete application.

Previously submitted application materials (e.g., copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170, business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EOE/AA.

Please note that all dates/times listed in the job announcement are Pacific Time.

A Degree (Master's, PhD, PsyD, or medical) and License are required for this position. All candidates are encouraged to submit a copy of their official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed) or degree (verifying institution, student, date, degree and area of specialization conferred) by the application review deadline. However, proof of this education requirement must be submitted prior to appointment.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service. The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the application review deadline. Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

How to Submit Your Documents                                                                                    

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email to recruitment@solanocounty.com. Be sure to include the recruitment title (CHIEF DEPUTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH) and the recruitment number (24-137270-01) in your email or fax.

Salary : $200,166 - $243,303