Behavioral Health Division Director

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:
$128,464.44 - $205,543.27 Annual

Department:
Health Department

Job Type:
Regular Non-Represented

Exemption Status:
United States of America (Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

About the Position

Multnomah County Health Department is seeking a dynamic and experienced Behavioral Health Division Director (Mental Health Director) to lead one of the county's largest and most complex divisions, dedicated to ensuring equitable, high-quality, equity-based behavioral health services for our community.

As a senior-level executive and Community Mental Health Program (CMHP) administrator, this position provides strategic leadership for county-wide behavioral health and addiction services, overseeing clinical care, policy direction, fiscal management, workforce development, and system transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Leadership - Lead and inspire a division of 300+ staff across multiple behavioral health service areas, driving strategic planning, policy development, resource allocation, and operational excellence.
• Planning & Program Development - Assess community needs, develop comprehensive service plans, and oversee new program initiatives from concept to implementation.
• Program Management - Direct services and ensure County representation on relevant state and regional committees. Oversee contracts, performance measures, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Daily Operations - Ensure smooth daily functioning of division services, including budget management, staffing oversight, and response to operational challenges.

Divisional Oversight

This position leads the following key units:

• Addictions Services - (Recovery Support/PATH program, Contract Management Unit, Deflection Services & Prevention Programs)
• Care Coordination - (Choice Model Program, Intensive Care Coordination, Multnomah Intensive Transition Team & Wraparound)
• Civil Commitment & Forensics - (Pre Commitment, Post Commitment, Commitment Monitoring & Trial Visit Monitoring)
• Direct Clinical Services - (CARES Northwest, Early Childhood Program, Early Assessment & Support Alliance, School-Based Mental Health, K-12 Case Management & Gun Violence Impacted Families Behavioral Health Response Team)
• Office of Consumer Engagement - (supporting role for the Behavioral Health Advisory Council & Behavioral Health Division)
• Safety Net Services - (Adult Protective Services/Risk Case Management, Behavioral Health Resource Center, Crisis Services, MH Treatment for the Uninsured Multnomah Treatment Fund, Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative, Residential Services)
• Quality Management - (Quality Assurance & Compliance Unit & Decision Support Unit)

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be:

• A strategic, inclusive, and collaborative leader with deep knowledge of behavioral health systems and public health administration.
• Skilled in managing large, complex organizations with diverse funding streams and stakeholder relationships.
• Committed to advancing equity, trauma-informed practice, and culturally responsive care.
• Experienced in partnership building across government, healthcare systems, and community organizations.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Education/ Experience:

• A Master's degree (or higher) in Behavioral Health, Public Administration, Public Health, or a related field.
• Significant experience (typically 8+ years) in behavioral health program leadership, including fiscal oversight, staff supervision, and policy development.
• Knowledge of Oregon's mental health laws, Medicaid system, and LMHA responsibilities preferred.

Preferred Qualifications/ Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/ transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Extensive experience in operational business management, including budget development and management, contract negotiation, and human resource management.
• Strong communication skills, with experience representing an organization in governmental and community settings, including working with media and presenting to governing bodies.

• Experience working with Unions is strongly preferred.

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

SCREENING & EVALUATION:
REQUIRED:

The Application Packet: You must submit ALL requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.

• A completed online application.
• A resume that explains all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training in your resume.
• A cover letter that expands on your resume, addressing how you qualify for the position, why you are interested in the role, and how you will apply an equity lens in this role.

Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the 'Overview' and 'To Qualify' sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials will be scored and determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment process.

The Selection Process:For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Background, reference, and education checks

Note: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Type of Position: This salaried position is not eligible for overtime.

Type: Not-Represented Management

FLSA: Exempt

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, some weekends and evenings

Location: Gladys McCoy Building @ 619 NW 6th Ave Portland, OR 97209

This position is eligible for Hybrid telework.

Salary/Pay: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Job Profile:
9744 - Mental Health Director