Mental Health Program Chief

Mental Health Program Chief

Mental health is a critical part of overall wellness. With the continuing rise of mental health issues across America, Contra Costa County is looking for standout individuals who are ready to serve our community and be a part of the solution. Make a lasting difference in Mental Health Care. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Mental Health Program Chief to lead and innovate behavioral health services within our Detention Facilities.

Detention Mental Health focuses on offering targeted mental health services for justice-involved adults within the county's detention facilities and collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to delivering essential care to one of our community's most vulnerable populations.

Contra Costa Health is the largest county department in Contra Costa County with over 4,700 employees. Our mission is to care for and improve the health of all people in Contra Costa with special attention to those who are most vulnerable to health problems. We provide services through nine operational areas : Behavioral Health, Contra Costa Health Plan, Emergency Medical Services, Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials, Health, Housing & Homeless Services, Public Health, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center & Health Centers and Detention Health. Detention Health is comprised of three (3) adult Detention facilities and one juvenile Detention facility with a multidisciplinary team. Working with your mental health staff, will be able to focus on providing full spectrum mental health programming, care and education to our vulnerable and clinically complex patients in a challenging environment and experience positive work-life balance. This is more than just a leadership role it's a chance to transform lives, influence systems, and advance mental health equity within.

The Detention Mental Health Program Chief will be centrally located in downtown Martinez, CA.

We are looking for someone who is :

• A collaborator. You will use your strong relational and communication skills to build relationships with individuals within and outside your division.
• Respectful and understands diversity. You will be working with a culturally and linguistically diverse population.
• Action-oriented and results-focused. You will need to take initiative and ensure tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• A strong communicator. You will be in constant communication (verbally and in writing) with staff and community providers.
• Organized and excellent in forecasting and planning. You will encounter pressing demands from multiple sources and will need to balance them.

What you will typically be responsible for :

A few reasons why you might love this job :

A few challenges you might face in this job :

Competencies Required :

Minimum Qualifications :

License Required : Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operator's license. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process; AND Possession of one of the following professional licenses : either (a) a current valid unrestricted license as a Psychologist issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Psychology; or (b) a valid license as a Clinical Social Worker issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Sciences; or (c) a valid license as a Marriage and Family Therapist issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Education : Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major in psychology, social work, counseling or a closely related field.

Experience : Four (4) years of full-time post-licensure experience, or its equivalent, providing mental health services to the seriously and persistently mentally ill, two (2) years of which must have included administrative responsibility for mental health programs / services and the supervision of subordinate staff.

Substitution : Possession of a Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required Master's degree.

Desirable Qualifications :

Selection Process :

The Virtual Oral Assessment is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) during the week of October 20, 2025.

The Virtual Oral Assessment will be administered remotely using a computer or mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment, as well as a computer or mobile device with a camera.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment questions, please contact Health Services Personnel, Recruitment Team at Exams@cchealth.org. For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1-855-524-5627.

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.