Assistant Director – Health and Human Services Agency

The ideal candidate is an experienced and strategic leader with a demonstrated record of successfully guiding teams through change in complex health care systems.  This individual fosters a positive and inclusive work culture, values staff development, and promotes communication, trust, and teamwork across all levels of an integrated agency. This proven leader will be able to work adeptly with state and local government, and have a clear passion for working with the individuals we serve.  Under administrative direction, this position oversees the activities of the Health and Human Services Health and Wellness division which includes Mental Health, Substance use Disorder, and Public Health. The Assistant Director assures compliance of department activities with department goals and objectives, state and federal laws, and county policies and procedures.

• Monitors operations and procedures; evaluates division and program issues, and recommends and implements solutions; develops and approves recommendations for improving the division’s operations and processes.
• Conducts research and strategic planning functions; analyzes trends and makes recommendations for staffing adjustments and personnel assignments; directs division projects including grants and capitol projects.
• Plans, develops, prepares, and monitors budget and expenditures for programs and services; assures that appropriate services are provided; coordinates information and assures effective communication between programs.
• Meets regularly with Program Managers for program updates; analyzes and evaluates issues and proposals, and recommends and implements solutions.
• Develops and enhances cooperative professional relationships with local communities.
• Serves as information source and liaison between the divisions and various state and regional organizations and agencies, serves on committees, task forces and other groups

In accordance with the Welfare Institution Code, where the Local Mental Health Director is other than the local health officer or medical administrator of the county hospital, he or she shall be one of the following:

(a) 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.

(b) 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 be administrative experience.

(c) 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.

(d) 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 instructions, 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.

(e) 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.

(f) 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 fiend. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis with the approval of the Department.

• Five (5) years of relevant behavioral health experience, including three (3) years of supervisor experience.
• Pursuant to Section 5751.2 of the Welfare Institutions Code must possess and maintain one of the following:
  • Licensure as a Physician and Surgeon
  • Clinician Psychologist,
  • Registered Nurse
  • Clinical Social Worker
  • Marriage, Family and Child Counselor
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (Board of Behavioral Sciences). If licensed in another state, must obtain California licensure by the end of the probationary period.