Behavioral Health Medical Director

Behavioral Health Medical Director

Salary

$279,323.20 - $358,446.40 Annually

Location

Eureka, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-00035

Department

Department of Health and Human Services

Division

424 - Mental Health

Opening Date

09/01/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DEFINITION

Behavioral Health Medical Director

Department of Health and Human Services

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health and Human Services! This position has significant responsibility over in-patient and out-patient Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder programs. There is a strong need to be able to partner and build effective working relationships with other providers, stakeholders, system partners, community, and staff. The Behavioral Health Branch in Humboldt County is part of an integrated model under the Department of Health and Human Services. There is significant work being done towards culture change, and the cultivation of a work environment that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable.

Please note:

• This recruitment is open until filled. Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time. Applications will be collected and forwarded to the department on a weekly basis.

Job Highlights:

• Oversees medical and psychiatric components of behavioral health programs and services, including Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services.
• Acts as Medical Director for the Sempervirens Psychiatric Health Facility.
• Provides clinical and administrative supervision to County medical, psychiatric, and clinical staff, contracted medical providers, and mid-level practitioners, and serves as a preceptor as needed.
• Develops and conducts training for in-patient and out-patient behavioral health staff, nurses, doctors, and community partners.
• Partners with local medical providers and organizations on shared clients, and to address program, community, or system issues.

Work Location:

This position is located at 720 Wood St., Eureka

Work Hours:

The typical work schedule for this position if M-F, 8am - 5pm.

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, oversees, manages, and directs the planning and execution of the medical and psychiatric components of programs and services in the Behavioral Health Branch within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); serves as the County's designated Chief Psychiatrist; develops medical and psychiatric protocols and standards of care for all behavioral health services including Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs and services, and the County's inpatient Psychiatric Hospital Facility , and out-patient facilities including the crisis stabilization unit; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the Behavioral Health Branch Director. Exercises clinical and/or direct supervision over medical and clinical staff, and administrative staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification responsible for managing and directing the County's behavioral health medical and psychiatric programs and services, including clinical and administrative oversight of medical, psychiatric, clinical and administrative staff. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include developing and implementing behavioral health medical and psychiatric policies, procedures, protocols and standards and evaluating their effectiveness in meeting the needs of the community. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines and professional regulations. This class is distinguished from the Behavioral Health Branch Director, in that the latter has overall management and administrative responsibility for all branch services and operations, and for interpreting public policy as it relates to the Department's policies and practices.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Serves as the designated Chief Psychiatrist for the County, and acts as a medical and psychiatric consultant; provides clinical and administrative supervision over the work of County medical, psychiatric, clinical and administrative staff assigned to behavioral health medical and psychiatric service programs, as well as contracted medical doctors and other professionals; ensures appropriate credentialing for all medical staff.
• Serves as the designated Medical Director for all County operated Substance Use Disorder programs and is responsible for and oversees all treatment of client's within those programs in accordance with title 22 regulations.
• Develops and conducts training for in-patient and out-patient behavioral health staff, nurses, doctors and community partners.
• Acts as Medical Director for the County's Psychiatric Health Facility; oversees medical and psychiatric staff that prepares admission and discharge evaluations; conducts daily clinical rounds; works in collaboration with an interdisciplinary treatment team to develop patient treatment plans and to conduct discharge planning.
• Ensures that patient cases are handled in conformance to the industry's standard of care, court and law enforcement regulations and applicable laws, ethical guidelines and regulations affecting behavioral health patients, and their beneficiaries; provides advocacy for patients; follows up on grievances or complaints.
• Directs the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and procedures related to management of the County's behavioral health medical and psychiatric programs and services; maintains, reviews and updates medical staff by-laws; monitors quality assurance and utilization review policies and practices; completes monthly statistics or other data reports.
• Develops and expands behavioral health medical and psychiatric programs as needed; reviews and makes recommendations on program expenditures and revenue generation to ensure programs' fiscal solvency.
• Provides direct clinical care and medical and psychiatric oversight to other programs or services such as the County jail, Community Corrections Resource Center, adult and children's services and other populations within the community; acts in consultation with the courts and law enforcement departments; acts as psychiatric liaison to local medical community and hospitals.
• Prepares detailed documentation of patient evaluations, prognosis, and treatment including progress notes, treatment outcomes, and prescriptions; reviews and signs medical records; prepares and/or signs behavioral competency or conservatorship evaluations; appears in court as an expert psychiatric witness in court hearings, including testimony for extensions of involuntary detention at the Psychiatric Health Facility, conservatorships, behavioral competency and similar hearings.
• Prepares for, participates in, and gives direction regarding state and federal audits to ensure compliance of medical and psychiatric services.
• Partners with local medical providers and organizations on shared patients, pertinent medical and psychiatric topics and to address program, community or system issues.
• Serves on committees regarding credentialing, infection control, morbidity and mortality review, utilization review, continuous quality improvement, and other areas defined in the medical staff by-laws.
• Ensures adequate psychiatric coverage for programs by overseeing staff scheduling, recruitment, hiring, coaching, orientation and training.
• Promptly investigates complaints or concerns regarding physician services, works with appropriate staff in the Department and County in completing investigations and developing appropriate recommendations to resolve complaints.
• Works with graduate and/or medical school representatives to obtain graduate and/or psychiatric residents and rotations through the Department.
• Coordinates, reviews and decides final action on patient complaints related to physician performance issues.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting; program development, implementation, and evaluation; and clinical or administrative supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of behavioral health medical and psychiatric programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Leadership principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of psychiatric medicine, including prognostication and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
• Principles and techniques of patient counseling and therapies.
• Methods and techniques of developing and delivering staff in-service training.
• Principles and techniques of narcotic and other drug administration and their effects.
• Principles and practices of preventive psychology in the context of the socio-economic, emotional and physical environment.
• Principles and practices of trauma informed care.
• Principles of quality assurance and utilization review.
• Principles of budgetary administration and fiscal control.
• Community medical and social agencies and resources.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertinent to the delivery of medical and psychiatric services within behavioral health programs.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of integrated service delivery.
• Community socioeconomic and cultural demographics.
• Principles and practices of developing and implementing strong partnerships with community organizations and public and private organizations for effective service delivery.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards for the County's behavioral health medical and psychiatric programs and services.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of staff, delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Conduct medical and psychiatric assessments of patients; and develop, implement and follow up on treatment plans.
• Make appropriate referrals or recommendations for hospitalization.
• Supervise and/or perform patient diagnosis, treatment, examinations, tests, specified laboratory procedures and medication management.
• Apply teaching principles and provide patient and staff education, counseling and consultation.
• Monitor quality assurance utilization review practices.
• Develop and implement innovative and traditional therapy plans.
• Prepare and maintain detailed and accurate documentation and records of patient treatment and progress.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Effectively represent the Branch in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an American Medical Association certified school of medicine or osteopathy in good standing, and successful completion of an approved psychiatric or neuropsychiatric residency

and

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience administering, supervising or providing direct medical and psychiatric care in a behavioral health setting, (2) years of which should be in a management capacity, preferably in a public agency.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Must possess a valid license to practice medicine in the State of California and certification as a Psychiatrist issued by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. Initial acceptance may be based on licensure as a physician in another state; licensure as a physician in California is required prior to appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office, out-patient clinic, jail or juvenile facility.
• Use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
• Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
• Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Employees work in an office, out-patient clinic, jail or juvenile facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you dont miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your applications progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

RETIREMENT

The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program:

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.

COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

Our generous benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance

• Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS

• County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage

• Additional Insurance Coverage

• Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents

• Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents

• County-Provided Benefits

• Life Insurance

• Longevity Pay

• Educational Reimbursement

• Deferred Compensation

• Employee Assistance Program

• Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits

Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:

• Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION

1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)

4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)

11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)

16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)

21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS

Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

SICK LEAVE

Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

10 days of administrative leave per fiscal year.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.

INCENTIVE PAY

County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.

Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at Human Resources | Humboldt County, CA - Official Website for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.

01

Please provide the name of the medical or osteopathic school from which you graduated and the psychiatric or neuropsychiatric residency program you successfully completed, including the completion date for each.

02

Please identify each state in which you currently hold a license to practice medicine. For each license, provide the license number and current status.

03

Please identify your current board certification in psychiatry, including the certifying board and the status of your certification.

04

Describe your progressively responsible experience administering, supervising, or providing direct medical and psychiatric care in a behavioral health setting. Include the organizations where you obtained the experience, your role, the services provided, and the length of time you performed this work.

05

Describe your management experience in a behavioral health or psychiatric setting, including your responsibility for supervising staff, directing programs or services, developing policies and procedures, and evaluating program or staff performance.

06

Describe your experience providing medical leadership or oversight for inpatient psychiatric services, outpatient behavioral health services, and substance use disorder services.

07

Describe your experience incorporating trauma-informed care into your clinical practice or the delivery of clinical services.

08

Describe your experience promoting racial and cultural equity within clinical practice or an organization.

09

Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position.

Required Question

Employer County of Humboldt

Address 825 5th Street, Room 100

Eureka, California, 95501

Phone 707-476-2349