Director of Behavioral Health Services

Job Description:

Director of Behavioral Health Services

Description

Definition & Distinguishing Characteristics


Colusa County offers a 3% at 60 Classic Retirement formula and at 2% @ 62 formula for New Members!

The County of Colusa is seeking a collaborative and visionary behavioral health professional for the position of Director of Behavioral Health Services. This executive leadership role oversees a comprehensive system of behavioral health programs and services, including mental health treatment, substance use disorder services, prevention and intervention programs, community outreach initiatives, and clinical operations. Reporting directly to the Board of Supervisors, the Director provides strategic leadership for the County’s behavioral health system while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and advancing the County’s commitment to serving individuals and families in need.

This recruitment is intended to attract both experienced behavioral health executives seeking an opportunity to lead a dynamic public service organization and emerging leaders who are prepared to take the next step in their professional careers. Colusa County recognizes that effective leadership can emerge through a variety of clinical, administrative, and program management pathways and values candidates who demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to improving community well-being.

For seasoned leaders, this position offers the opportunity to shape the future of behavioral health services within a close-knit community where strategic vision, community partnerships, and responsive service delivery can have a meaningful and lasting impact. The Director will guide critical initiatives involving mental health, substance use treatment, prevention services, grant development, program expansion, workforce development, and interagency collaboration while serving as a trusted advisor to County leadership and community stakeholders.

For professionals pursuing their first department head opportunity, the County offers a supportive and collaborative environment with strong organizational partnerships, engaged leadership, and opportunities to work closely with experienced county executives, community organizations, healthcare providers, and regional behavioral health partners. The organization is committed to fostering professional growth, developing leadership capacity, and providing the resources necessary for long-term success.

Join a department dedicated to advancing behavioral health outcomes through compassionate service, innovative programming, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to improving the quality of life for the residents of Colusa County.
This is an opportunity for a behavioral health leader to shape services in Colusa County. To learn more about this position, please check out the job description pages HERE .

This recruitment is open until filled. It is to your advantage to submit an application as soon as possible, as the recruitment may close at any time following application re view on August 3 , 2026.

Selection Procedure - The following is a tentative schedule of events that will occur as part of the selection process:

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. All relevant work experience, training, and education must be included to determine eligibility.
  
• Screening for minimum qualifications: August 3, 2026.
• Successful applicants will be notified of the dates for first interviews and executive-level interviews once they have been scheduled.

The selection process steps may change with or without notice.

What's this Job All About?
T he Director of Behavioral Health Services for the County of Colusa plays a pivotal role in overseeing the planning, management, and coordination of a comprehensive behavioral health system, including mental health services, substance use disorder programs, prevention efforts, and community-based supports. This position calls for a strategic leader who will guide multidisciplinary teams, collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies, and ensure services are delivered effectively and in compliance with applicable regulations. The Director also oversees departmental operations, budgeting, grant activities, and policy implementation while supporting the County’s long-term goals and addressing community behavioral health needs. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of Colusa County residents.

Embracing the Colusa County Work Culture
At Colusa County, working in Behavioral Health Services means being part of a rural, close-knit community where your contributions have a direct and lasting impact. As the Director of Behavioral Health Services, you will help shape programs that improve the lives of individuals and families across the County. You will lead meaningful initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and compassionate care. The Department values teamwork, service, and continuous improvement. Your leadership will help expand access to care, improve service delivery, and support those most in need. In a rural setting where relationships matter, your work will directly shape healthier outcomes for the community.

The County leadership team values work-life balance. We know everyone works hard and should feel supported and appreciated. Whether it’s attending a family event, coaching youth sports, or taking time to recharge, we understand the importance of flexibility. The future Director of Behavioral Health Services will be joining a team who understands there must be a work-life fit.

What are the benefits?

• A beautiful, safe community in which to work and serve
• A job with WORK-LIFE BALANCE
• A LIFETIME PAYCHECK (3% @ 60 for Classic Members and 2% @ 62 for New Members) - As long as you work for 5 years and vest in the CalPERS system, you will receive a retirement paycheck for the rest of your life.
• Amazing health care BENEFITS at NO COST to you - Unless you choose a premium health care plan.
• Authentically kind and engaged leadership who truly enjoy developing staff
• 457 Deferred Compensation
• Management Leave: 10 days
• PAID vacation, PAID holidays (15), and PAID sick leave
• Vacation Parity! - Previous service with a public agency counts towards vacation accrual at Colusa County (Includes cities, counties, districts, military and similar entities.) To learn more about vacation parity please see our benefit summary.)

(To view the benefit summary for this position, please click here . )

COLUSA COUNTY : NAVIGATING EXCELLENCE, SERVING OUR COMMUNITY!

Supervision & Examples of Duties

SUPERVISION RECEIVED :

Receives general administrative direction from the Board of Supervisors.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED :

Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical and clerical staff.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : The following requirements generally demonstrate possession of the minimum requisite knowledge and ability necessary to perform the duties of the position.

• Meets the state requirements for both the local Director of Substance Abuse Services and the local Mental Health Director.
• Masters Degree in behavioral health or a related field.
• Three (3) years' experience in mental health, alcohol, and drug programs.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervising experience in California regulated mental health and substance abuse programs.
• A clinical license or registration with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as Marriage and Family Therapist, Social Worker, or Psychologist is preferred.

A valid State of California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Supplemental Information

SALARY:
DIRECTOR OF DIRECTOR OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES: $11,418 - $18,717 MONTHLY

The salary range above consists of 15 steps. Steps 1-6 are annual merit steps with approximately 5% difference between each step, based on successful performance. Steps 7-15 are additional merit steps, requiring 2 years of satisfactory performance at the previous step. Steps 7-14 provide 2.5% increases, while Step 15 offers a 5% increase. The final salary offered will depend on the applicant's experience and qualifications, ranging from steps 1 to 15.

Please find the summary of benefits for all Department Heads here 2026 Department Heads Benefits Summary

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$137,016.00 - $224,604.00 Annually