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PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR IV

Executive Director of Behavioral Health

Recruitment #25-005485-0023

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Introduction


This Management Service position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. 


A resume must accompany your completed application.


MISSION: To transform young people’s lives, create safer communities, and forge more equitable systems through community-based partnerships that hold youth accountable while building on their strengths and support systems. 


VISION: Providing pathways to success for youth and families through partnerships across Maryland.

GRADE

26

LOCATION OF POSITION

217 E. Redwood Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The Executive Director of Behavioral Health plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety within the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) by providing leadership in best-practice mental health and substance abuse services for youth in custody. With oversight of an $8.8 million budget for detention and placement services, including private vendors, totaling approximately $51.5 million annually, the Executive Director also administers an additional $860,000 budget for court-ordered assessments. These assessments guide commitment decisions, prevent at-risk youth from entering the juvenile justice system, and implement intervention strategies for first-time and non-serious offenders. In addition, the Executive Director oversees community- and residential-based behavioral health resources and collaborates with partner agencies to ensure the effective delivery of services while building a continuum of support for justice-involved young people. The Executive Director also provides critical oversight of the Cognitive Transformational Model (CTM) including training, coaching and curriculum development.

This position is eligible to work a hybrid telework schedule as determined by the supervisor.

POSITION DUTIES

As the Executive Director of Behavioral Health, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing public safety by providing visionary leadership to ensure the implementation of best-practice behavioral health and substance abuse services.

This position's key responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Leadership and Oversight: 
  • Directs the operations of the behavioral health and substance use assessments unit 
  • Establishes and leads the assessment team for comprehensive evaluations of youth in residential care 
  • Develops unit operating procedures, ensuring compliance with established protocols 
  • Utilizes appropriate assessment tools, maintaining fidelity to the highest standards in assessment report quality 
  • Establishes and oversees interdisciplinary staffing/placement teams for comprehensive identification of youth needs, including pending placement 
  • Reviews and approves services and programs, providing crucial guidance to ensure that youth needs are appropriately addressed by providers and facility staff 

Ensuring Compliance with Standards and Accrediting Bodies: 
  • Oversee the provision of behavioral health and substance abuse services in the facilities by monitoring the performance of psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed counselors, psychiatrists, and interns 
  • Monitor staffing to ensure the efficient and appropriate allocation of resources to serve the needs of the populations 
  • Develop and implement a quality assurance program for the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services 
  • Develop and coordinate training and monitors to ensure that professional staff maintains appropriate licensure and certification 
  • Meet routinely with providers to instruct, train, and evaluate the provision of services in keeping with industry standards and best practices 

Ensures Fidelity of Evidence-Based Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services:
  • Monitor utilization and outcome reports, research, and training 
  • Oversee providers through weekly utilization reports, monthly meetings, and monthly collaborative calls 
  • Collaborate with staff to monitor developments in vendor fidelity, outcomes, and new advances in evidence-based practices

Overseeing Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Services: 
  • Assess needs and approve contracts with private vendors and intergovernmental agreements (IAAs) for mental health and addiction services 
  • Develop policies and best practice procedures for mental health and substance abuse programs and services, monitoring their quality implementation 
  • Ensure coordinated and quality services are provided to youth in the care of DJS 

Leading Champion and Expert in Youth Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Matters: 
  • Consults with behavioral health, substance abuse, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who offer care and consultation services to DJS 
  • Consults and testifies as appropriate at the juvenile court on behalf of Department matters related to DJS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Minimum Master’s degree (minimum) in a relevant field such as: Social Work (MSW) Psychology (Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology), Counseling, Public Health (with behavioral/mental health focus), Psychiatric Nursing or other advanced practice nursing field.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in Behavioral Health and program development initiatives, youth programming, staff supervision and leadership role with a demonstrated progression of responsibilities.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Doctoral degree (preferred ): PhD or PsyD in Psychology. DSW (Doctor of Social Work), Dr PH in Public Health

Licensure / Certification (preferred), Independent clinical licensure in Maryland (or equivalent in other states): LCSW-C (Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical), LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), Licensed Psychologist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner license 

Strong knowledge of evidence-based practices (DBT, CBT, trauma-informed care, etc.) 

7–10 years progressively responsible experience in behavioral health or juvenile justice settings 

Experience overseeing budgets, contracts, and vendor management 

Supervisory/leadership experience in multidisciplinary teams 

Familiarity with community-based and residential behavioral health systems

SELECTION PROCESS

Please ensure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date; we will not consider information submitted after this date.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment will be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience related to the position’s requirements. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related experience and education. For education obtained outside the U.S., you must provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online application process is strongly urged. However, if you are unable to apply online you may mail a paper application and resume to the address below or fax a paper application and resume to the fax number below. If you choose to fax or use regular mail, you must include on each page of the attachment your First and Last Name, the Recruitment Number that is located at the top of the bulletin and the last 4 digits of your SS#. The paper application must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for this recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted:

Maryland Department of Juvenile Services   
OHR-Recruitment & Examination Unit   
217 E Redwood St. 
Baltimore, MD 21202
Attn: Recruitment #25-005485-0023
Fax number 410-333-4188   
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 

Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required or if you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Recruitment and Examination Unit at djs.careers@maryland.gov. Include the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin. 

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or application.help@maryland.gov. 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.

DJS values the experience gained by veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments. 

Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are welcome to apply for all recruitments. 

We welcome experienced professionals transitioning from federal service to explore rewarding career opportunities.



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