DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES

 Closing Date: Friday, July 25, 2025

CalPERS retirement benefits, plus Deferred Compensation and Defined Contribution plans available. *

Candidates may be eligible for relocation assistance & advanced paid leave accrual.

This senior departmental management position is responsible for Systems of Care (SOCs) oversight,  support and coordination of mental health and substance use services provided to the community, 300 county positions and a budget of approximately $110 million. Administers and manages the Medi-Cal program for individuals with serious mental health needs, and crisis response system for the County of Santa Cruz. The position reports to the Director of Behavioral Health and works extensively with key stakeholders in mental health and substance use on community planning and service delivery.

 IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be experienced, energetic and an innovative leader with good communication and interpersonal skills. Success in the position requires an understanding of behavioral health administration and finance, and best practice models for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. The Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services 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 capacity as part of the State Medi-Cal transformation (CalAIM)  as well as the State Realignment programs. This is a tremendous opportunity for a systems leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact Agency.

IN ADDITION, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES WILL…

• Understand behavioral health policy and evidence based and promising practices.
• Lead with equity and trauma-informed decision-making strategies.
• Build and maintain successful working relationships with local and state stakeholders.
• Take an active role in developing, motivating, and supervising a diverse team of professionals.
• Be a strategic business-minded leader with change management and organizational development skills.
• Have excellent oral presentation and written communication skills

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• Prior County Behavioral Health Jurisdiction experience, or familiar with County Behavioral Health requirements
• Prior experience with Specialty Mental Health Insurance Plans and Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery Systems.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

For more information regarding the position, please contact Marni Sandoval at (831) 454-4652 or via email at Marni.Sandoval@santacruzcountyca.gov.  For information regarding the application process please contact Teresa Carrillo, Personnel Analyst at (831) 454-3025 or via email at Teresa.Carrillo@santacruzcountyca.gov. If you have a disability that would require test accommodation, call (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711.

The application process consists of a review of the required knowledge and abilities as demonstrated on the application and supplemental questionnaire. 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, call (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711. 

out of state applicants are encouraged to apply

CALIFORNIA LICENSURE IS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPOINTMENT

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Please describe your direct experience with behavioral health and substance use program planning and administration. 

Please describe your direct experience in working with a diverse team and how you align staff towards a common goal. Include the number of people supervised and the type of setting.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

A master’s degree in hospital administration, public health administration, public administration, psychology, social work, nursing, counseling or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

AND

Five years’ experience in hospital or health care administration, at least three of which shall have been in the mental health or substance use field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education. A clinical license or certification as an alcohol and drug counselor is strongly desired but not required.

Thorough Knowledge of principles and methods of planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating large, complex, community-based mental health and/or substance use programs. One or more of the following fields: psychiatry, rehabilitation, psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing, counseling, or marriage/family therapy as related to Mental Health and/or Substance Use services. Working knowledge of aims, concepts and services of effective community mental health and substance use service systems. The interrelationships of services provided by local public and private mental health agencies and organizations. The principles and practices of the various mental health and substance use disciplines and recovery-oriented services and supports. State and Federal mandates for Mental Health and Substance Use Services. Principles and practices of budget development and oversight and fiscal and contract administration in a publicly funded system. Grant writing and development of funding sources for public behavioral health programs.  Principles and practices of supervision, personnel management, and workforce development.