Conditional Release & Criminal Justice Services Director

THIS IS A NEW ASSEMBLED EXAMINATION.  The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year, but can be extended.

Applications must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing. Postmarks are not accepted.  Applications will only be accepted on-line.

Supplemental Questionnaire:  A properly completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each application.  Applications and Supplemental Questionnaires must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing. Postmarks are not accepted.  Failure to submit the Supplemental Questionnaire will result in disqualification.

HEALTH CARE SERVICES AGENCY

Alameda County's Health Services Program is administered by the Health Care Services Agency and includes the following program areas: Behavioral Health Care, Public Health, Environmental Health, and Agency Administration/Indigent Health. The ultimate mission of the Health Care Services Agency is to provide fully integrated health care services through a comprehensive network of public and private partnerships that ensure optimal health and well-being and respect the diversity of all residents. Health Care Services Agency currently has multiple career opportunities for experienced professionals to become part of a service delivery team dedicated to the optimal health and well being of Alameda County residents. 

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES  

It is the mission of Behavioral Health Care Services to maximize the recovery, resilience and wellness of all eligible Alameda County residents who are developing or experiencing serious mental health, alcohol, or drug concerns. We envision communities where people realize their potential, and where stigma and discrimination against those with mental health, alcohol and/or drug issues are a thing of the past.  For more information about the department of Behavioral Health Care Services, please visit the departmental website and/or Annual Budget Document found on acgov.org. 

CONDITIONAL RELEASE & CRIMINAL JUSTICE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROGRAM 

This program provides a range of services within the county jail and in courtrooms which are targeted to help make a difference in the lives of persons with mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders within the criminal justice system.  Specific “forensic” mental health expertise is a growing field in which mental health services overlap and interact with the legal system.  Through multi-disciplinary staff interaction with law enforcement, court systems, jail health care providers, and the larger mental health system of care, this program relies on a collaborative effort with community service providers to help transition individuals successfully back into the community.  

THE POSITION

Under general direction, the Conditional Release & Criminal Justice Services Director plans, organizes and directs Conditional Release (CONREP) and Criminal Justice Mental Health Services in the Behavioral Health Care Services Department of the Health Care Services Agency; coordinates and evaluates CONREP/Criminal Justice mental health service systems to ensure compliance with legislative mandates and minimum standards as well as State and Federal rules and regulations; and performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single-class position that reports to the Behavioral Health Adult System of Care Director. This class is distinguished from those in the next lower class of Behavioral Health Clinical Manager by the exercise of organizational, policy development and administrative responsibilities for CONREP and Criminal Justice mental health service delivery.  This class is further distinguished from the next higher class of Associate Director of the Adult System of Care in that the latter class administratively directs a range of County-operated and community based-organization services within the Adult System of Care.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

In addition to the minimum qualifications and knowledge and skills listed below, ideal candidates for this position will be well prepared for advancement to a program director role, possessing considerable experience  managing and coordinating psychiatric clinical and case management services for adults involved in the criminal justice system; will be able to effectively plan, organize, and lead programmatic and policy development; direct and develop a dynamic multi-disciplinary team of clinical staff; and interact well with others to earn their trust within an environment that embraces diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, and backgrounds. This position is most suitable for an experienced, well organized leader who welcomes the challenge of directing and enhancing the mental health services provided by a multidisciplinary team of professionals in a criminal justice setting where the work is often challenging, stimulating, rewarding, and never dull! 

The ideal candidate for this position will also have a track record of success overseeing behavioral health care services for adults involved in a criminal justice system and will be highly respected as: 

• Technically adept and prepared for advancement to assume the full range of organizational, policy development and administrative responsibilities over behavioral health service delivery for adults involved in the CONREP and criminal justice system.
• Someone who will take personal pride and satisfaction contributing as a valued organizational leader with heightened business acumen able to build a strong organization that delivers results while exemplifying the use of resources wisely and responsibly.  
• A collaborative strategic partner who actively engages with other agencies and departments to meet overall countywide needs while leveraging financial and other resources to maximize results and achieve positive outcomes.
• Someone who is flexible and adept at managing effectiveness of self and others when experiencing and leading change within new structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
• A practiced problem solver with good judgment capable of thinking logically, taking initiative and reacting calmly under pressure in order to arrive at sound conclusions, make well supported decisions and take appropriate action.  
• Someone who values and supports knowledge management and quality improvement principles, processes and tools to ensure continual organizational improvement and achievements.
• Someone capable of making a positive impact on others by exuding an air of confidence, creating good first impressions, professionally commanding attention, and earning professional trust and respect of others.  
• An effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills focused on building an environment where diverse, multidisciplinary service delivery teams can work together to enhance the delivery of BHCS for Alameda County communities.    

For a detailed listing of the duties and essential competency requirements for this position, please see the complete Conditional Release & Criminal Justice Services Director job description. 

The minimum professional requirements for admission to the competitive assessment process include:

Education:  Possession of a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychiatric Nursing or related behavioral science.

Experience:  The equivalent of five years full-time progressively responsible post-graduate supervisory and administrative experience in community organization, program planning and evaluation, budget, fiscal and personnel management. At least two years of this experience must include working with mentally ill offenders in a jail and/or Conditional Release Program.

License:  Possession of valid clinical licensure from the applicable licensing authority in the State of California AND possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles, practices and techniques of County and State Mental Health Systems.
• Principles and practices of governmental budgeting, funding and grant/contract management.
•  Principles and practices of County government process.
• Mental Health and Criminal Justice law as it applies to mental health treatment.
• Community needs, resources and organizations related to CONREP/Criminal Justice Services.
• Methods of effective community organization and its role in mental health treatment and prevention programs related to CONREP/Criminal Justice Services.
• Principles, practices and current trends in the delivery of CONREP/Criminal Justice Services.
• Program evaluation methodologies and management analysis.
• Clinical standards of practice and licensure requirements.
• Management control techniques.

 Ability to:

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Make sound decisions.
• Provide quality leadership.
• Plan and organize.
• Develop, analyze and monitor budgets.
• Analyze and problem solve.
• Exhibit interpersonal sensitivity and flexibility.
• Manage multiple and changing priorities.

THE EXAMINATION WILL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS:  A review of candidates' applications to verify possession of minimum requirements. Those candidates who possess the minimum requirements for the class will move on to the next step in the examination process which is a Best Qualification screening  (which is qualifying only) to determine who is amongst the most suitably qualified candidates.  Only those candidates evaluated as the best and most suitably qualified will move on to the next step in the examination process, a panel interview which may contain situational exercises and will be weighted as 100% of the candidate's final examination score.  Meeting the minimum qualifications for the position does not guarantee advancement to the panel interview process; only the most suitably and best qualified candidates will be invited to participate. 

Alameda County utilizes a Civil Service Selection System founded on merit.  Such a system is competitive and based on broad recruitment efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to test in an examination process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position.  Many of our recruitments are targeted and specific to the needs of a current vacant position, in which case, the eligible list may be exclusively used for that current vacant position.  Other recruitments many be more broadly used for both current and future vacancies, or for other alternate jobs with comparable scopes of work.

Alameda County utilizes a panel of subject matter experts to evaluate candidates’ job related competencies and suitability for the position. The primary objectives of this process are to: acquaint interviewer and candidate; learn more about the candidate’s background and experience as it relates to the job; and help the candidate understand the position and organization.  Most panel interviews will be comprised of subject matter experts within the organization, which may include supervisors and managers from the hiring department; other interviews may be comprised of experts from outside of the organization.  In cases where the hiring manager participates in the interview process, the department may choose to hire directly from the established eligible list and may choose not to have additional departmental interviews.

CANDIDATES MUST ATTAIN A QUALIFYING RATING ON EACH PORTION OF THIS EXAMINATION. 

We reserve the right to make changes to the announced examination components.    

Applicants will be informed via email with reasonable notice in advance of any examination process which will require their attendance.  The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the Agency:

TENTATIVE SELECTION PLAN

• Deadline for Filing: 5:00 pm on Friday, July 5, 2013*
• Minimum Qualifications & Best Qualified Review Completed By: July 19, 2013*
• Panel Interview:  Tentatively scheduled the week of August 5, 2013*               

*Please note this recruitment has been extended until Friday, August 2, 2013 at 5pm.  As such, the timeline above shall be adjusted and determined at a later date.

The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request an accommodation due to a disability during this or other phases of the selection process, please contact the assigned Human Resources Analyst listing on the job announcement before the final filing deadline. Alameda County Human Resources Services will require documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation. In order to qualify for a reasonable accommodation, applicants must have a permanent disability pursuant to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's statute of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, as amended, and/or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) Act.

For more information regarding our Reasonable Accommodation procedures, please visit our website, www.acgov.org/hrs

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California's seventh-largest county.  The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion.  Oakland, the County seat, is California's eighth largest city.  One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas.  As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens.  The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles.  The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.

MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

MEDICAL PLANS

The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans.  The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO. The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period.  Employees pay any additional premium costs if they chose an alternate HMO or PPO Plan. If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.

DENTAL PLANS

The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes up to 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to $1,450 per. The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.

VISION BENEFIT

The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees.  The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses.  The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and available to employees and their dependents.  In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay. 

LIFE INSURANCE

The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $25,000.  Supplemental Life Insurance for an employee can be purchased in $10,000 increments up $1,000,000.  Supplemental Life Insurance can also be purchased for spouse/domestic partner and/or eligible dependent children.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT (AD&D) INSURANCE

An employee can purchase either a policy for themselves or a family policy in $25,000 increments up to $500,000.

COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS

The County provides up to $2900 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the management employee's represented or unrepresented classification.  These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical, Supplemental Life and/or AD&D premiums.  The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the management employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses.

HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $10,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can contribute salary on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually.  These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.

COMMUTER BENEFITS

For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.

HOLIDAYS

Eleven paid holidays plus two or four floating holidays depending on the union bargaining unit.  Represented management employees are entitled up to three additional days of management paid leave. Unrepresented management employees are entitled up to seven days of management paid leave.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY

Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned.  Sick leave accrues at the approximate rate of one-half day per bi-weekly pay period.  Exact rate is based on the union bargaining unit and is defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

VACATION PURCHASE PROGRAM

The County allows you to purchase one or two additional weeks of vacation through payroll deduction.  Exact benefit is based on the union bargaining unit and is defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents.  This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.

DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT

Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.

LONG TERM CARE

This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age.  Places where care can be provided are: in one's home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.

RETIREMENT

The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan and is governed under the provisions of the 1937 Act.  The County's retirement is based on one's age upon entrance, compensation, years of service and specific percentage of employee/employer contributions with the County's portion vesting after five years of employment. (With regard to Project positions - Regularly appointed incumbents in full-time, non-project positions in the Alameda County classified service who are current members of the retirement system and who are appointed, without a break in service or status to a project position can elect to remain in the retirement system.  Individuals hired into a project position and subsequently appointed to full-time, non-project positions become members of the retirement system at the time of the regular appointment.  Computations and determinations of eligibility for retirement shall be based on the date of the regular appointment, with entitlements being prospective from that date.)

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.                                                               (510) 272-3703 (TDD)

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100.  In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster.

DMV EMPLOYER PULL NOTICE PROGRAM
All county employees who drive on county business are required to enroll in the California Department of Motor Vehicles Employer Pull Notice Program in an effort to promote driver safety.  Employees’ driver record reports will be released to the County Safety Officer in Risk Management to ensure that employees have valid driver’s licenses and are eligible to drive on county business.
 

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant's previous employment may be investigated.  Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification.  Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment.  A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.  Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment.  For positions which require a commercial driver's license and the performance of functions defined as "safety sensitive," Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process.  Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.