Adult System of Care Director, Behavioral Health Care Services

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 (BHCS)

Behavioral Health Care Services provides a full range of accessible alcohol and  drug and mental health services throughout Alameda County.  Services are provided directly by county staff, private providers, and through contract with community-based organizations. Our network of services currently consists of over 600 individual practitioners, more than 200 community-based agencies, 20 hospitals and other institutions.  Services are available in all languages and are provided by a multicultural and multidisciplinary panel of service providers, many of whom have developed specialties that meet the often unique needs of our diverse clientele.

BHCS MISSION

The mission of Behavioral Health Care Services is to provide strength-based, recovery and resiliency oriented, culturally competent, high quality, geographically accessible, integrated alcohol, drug, and mental health services to Alameda County residents of all ages. Through a network of community- based and county providers, we provide prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services to:

• Promote recovery and resilience;
• Minimize services delivered in restrictive environments;
• Stabilize and manage symptoms and behaviors that are problematic for clients whether psychiatric in nature or related to substance use or abuse;
• Support clients in the least restrictive environment of their choice;
• Reduce the long-term adverse impacts on individuals, families and the community resulting from untreated severe emotional disorders, serious mental illness, and substance abuse;
• Reduce illness, death, disability, and the cost to society resulting from these conditions and;
• Provide crisis and recovery services following major disasters.  

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. 

THE POSITION

Under administrative direction, the Adult System of Care Director, BHCS oversees and manages the Adult Services System of Care including mental health treatment and recovery and substance use services provided through county programs, community based organizations and private providers and agencies; provides leadership in organizational policy, system design, system integration, and planning and program development of adult services; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This single position classification reports to the Deputy Director, Behavioral Health Care Services. The Adult System of Care Director, BHCS differs from the next higher class of Deputy Director, Behavioral Health Care Services in that the latter has overall planning, administrative and policy development responsibilities for BHCS. It differs from the next lower class of Associate Director, Adult Services in that the latter provides direct programmatic and administrative support to the Adult System of Care Director, BHCS.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

In addition to the minimum qualifications and knowledge and skills listed below, ideal candidates for this position will have a track record of success leading a health care organization as it navigates change as a result of health care reform; will possess considerable experience directing the operations of mental health and substance use services for adults as well as serving as a key business partner working to develop collaborative partnerships to further enhance and supplement services; and be able to effectively strategize, plan, organize, and lead programmatic, policy and budget development activities.  This position is most suited for an experienced, well organized leader interested in joining a progressive health care organization of passionate professionals dedicated to enhancing mental health services for the communities within Alameda County. 

The ideal candidate for this position will also have a track record of success overseeing behavioral health care services for adults in a managed care setting 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.
• 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 Adult System of Care Director, BHCS job specification. 

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

Education:  Possession of Master’s or Doctorate degree from an accredited university in Public Health Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Development or Counseling/Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Nursing or a closely related field.

Experience:  The equivalent of seven years full-time administrative/management post-graduate experience in community organization, planning and evaluation, budget, fiscal and personnel management in a community mental health or medical setting providing services to adults living with serious mental illness and substance use disorders and their families.

License: Valid clinical licensure from the applicable licensing authority in the State of California.

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of: 

• Administrative principles, practices and techniques of county, state and federal behavioral health and integrated systems and their regulations.
• Principles and practices of governmental budgeting, funding and grant/contract management.
• Principles and practices of wellness, recovery and resiliency and client and family member partnerships within a behavioral health system.
• Community needs, resources and organizations related to behavioral health care.
• Behavioral health and integrated health care services, including delivery models between behavioral health and primary care.
• Methods of effective community organization and its role in behavioral health treatment and prevention programs.
• Program evaluation methodologies and management and data analysis.
• Organizational dynamics and development.
• Clinical standards of practice and licensure requirements.
• Management principles and practices, including strategic work planning, employee supervision and resource allocation.
• Computer applications related to the work, including electronic health record systems.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Administrative principles, practices and techniques of county, state and federal behavioral health services and integrated systems and their regulations.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate quality leadership and sound decision making.
• Plan, prioritize and organize.
• Manage a complex service system with multiple programs, providers and partners.
• Provide effective leadership in a variety of settings with diverse parties.
• Develop, analyze and monitor budget. 
• Analyze and interpret data and utilize data in decision-making. 
• Analytically problem-solve. 
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.
• Demonstrate the principles of wellness and recovery and cultural responsiveness.
• Demonstrate flexibility.
• Manage multiple and changing priorities.
• Establish and maintain cooperative work and contractual relationships with county departments, and other agencies, community-based organizations, private providers and organizations, and the community.
• Work independently, collaboratively with multidisciplinary team, community resources and organizations.

Your application will be reviewed according to the minimum qualifications as well as your submitted supplemental questionnaire and other submitted documents as they relate to the ideal candidate description.  Candidates who possess the most relevant experience to the needs of the current position will be invited to participate in the interview process.  Meeting the minimum qualifications for the position does not guarantee advancement to the interview process; only the most suitably and best qualified candidates will be invited to participate.     

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 interview panels 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.

To learn more about our recruitment and selection process, please visit the "What You Need To Know" section of our website: www.acgov.org/hrs.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED EXAMINATION STEPS

Applications will be screened using the supplemental questionnaire and according to the minimum professional qualifications and ideal candidate statements outlined in this posting. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process. Meeting the minimum qualifications for the position does not guarantee advancement to the interview process; only the most suitably and best qualified candidates will be invited to participate.  Applicants will be informed 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 BHCS.

Tentative Selection Schedule:

• Deadline for Filing: 5:00 pm on April 28, 2013
• Best Qualified Screening:  Completed by May 10, 2013 
• *Panel Interview: Week of May 20, 2013
• Tentative Start Date:  June 2013

*Please note that the panel interview will be weighted as 100% of the candidates' final examination score and may contain situational exercises.

THIS IS A NEW ASSEMBLED EXAMINATION:  The eligible list resulting from this recruitment and selection process may be used to fill future vacancies which may arise within the next year for this and other County Departments; this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year, but can be extended. 

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 Human Resource Services Department at (510) 272-6393 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.