Behavioral Health Services Deputy Director

Behavioral Health Services Deputy Director

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate’s qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

This recruitment is open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the County's needs are met. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

First Round of Consideration will be Monday, October 27, 2025.

County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family and community health. Under the leadership of the Agency Director, a dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five service areas - Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Specialized Medical Services and Public Health Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.

Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Division consists of the following areas:
Adult and Older Adult, Children and Youth Services, Quality Management Services, Mental Health Services Act Office, Data Analytics and Evaluation, Crisis and Acute Care Services, Substance Use Services, and Forensics and Justice Involved. These divisions provide a culturally competent and client-centered system of behavioral health services for all eligible county residents in need of treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse and mental health care.

The BHS Deputy Director serves in a key leadership position with responsibilities that include strategic BHS program oversight, operational management, and performance optimization. This role requires a seasoned professional with deep expertise in BHS operations, project execution, and organizational leadership. The BHS Deputy Director will lead the development and implementation of BHS business strategies, oversee complex projects, and ensure regulatory compliance and fiscal accountability.

This position plays a critical role in shaping the future of BHS in Orange County by driving innovation, ensuring service excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, this position is responsible for administration and coordination of departmental service, administrative and performance improvement functions, including budget, business systems, state audits and reviews, and administrative policies and procedures. The BHS Deputy Director is responsible for making high-level administrative and operational decisions, coordinating activities including human resources and program support issues, collaborating with the Medical Director, and representing the Agency on BHS issues with State and local officials.

In addition, the BHS Deputy Director will supervise other senior staff and act as the Director in their absence.

• Leads, plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the organization, management and coordination of a comprehensive county-wide, behavioral health service delivery system
• Oversees business operations, including budget development, financial forecasting, and contract management
• Directs the execution of high-impact projects and initiatives aligned with County and departmental goals
• Supervises senior-level staff and cultivating leadership capacity across the organization
• Represents the department in high-level meetings with County executives, elected officials, and external partners
• Ensures operational alignment with state and federal regulations, audits, and performance standards
• Establishes and maintains goals, objectives and plans for carrying out functions of the Department consistent with County goals and community needs
• Directs the development and maintenance of policies and procedures and ensures adequate controls and reporting systems are established and maintained for the effective administration and implementation of services
• Administers the department in the absence of the Director of BHS
• Ensures continuity of care across…