Behavioral Health Manager

Class Characteristics

Under general direction, to plan, organize and oversee clinical operations of behavioral health services and programs delivered through either the H3S Health Centers or Behavioral Health Division; to oversee service delivery and regulatory compliance; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Department of Health, Housing & Human Services (H3S) provides a wide variety of services to individuals, families, and communities through its Divisions: Children, Family, and Community Connections, Public Health, Behavioral Health, Health Centers, Social Services, and Housing & Community Development. 

The Behavioral Health Manager is a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) responsible for directing the provision of behavioral health services across multiple programs. Incumbents collaborate with program management and senior leadership to execute policies, programs, and goals of behavioral health clinics and assigned behavioral health programs. The Behavioral Health Manager directly supervises supervisors, managers, and professional staff to ensure effective and responsive delivery of service. This classification is used in both:

• Health Centers Division: Focuses on integrated behavioral health services delivered as part of an FQHC model alongside medical and dental providers.
• Behavioral Health Division: Oversees behavioral health and crisis intervention programs, including care coordination and support services outside the FQHC model.

The Behavioral Health Manager differs from the Clinical Operations Manager, which is responsible for managing the operations of primary care and dental programs delivering direct client services in the clinic environment and does not direct clinical practice. It also differs from the Mental Health Program Supervisor which manages day-to-day clinic operations and directly supervises frontline clinical staff. It is further distinguished from the Behavioral Health Clinical Director which focuses on high-level strategic planning, funding and system design for division wide impact.

Typical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Oversees clinical operations for behavioral health services and programs; participates in discussions with other functional areas within the department of H3S to establish and coordinate integrated services for client populations; provides clinical recommendations to senior leadership and other administrative staff members on matters of policy and program formulation; develops and evaluates new and revised policies, procedures, goals and priorities to respond to division needs and emerging trends, and to improve legal compliance and the effectiveness of behavioral health program operations.
2. Participates in the development of annual and supplemental budgets for behavioral health programs and services; participates in forecasting additional funds for staffing and resources; monitors revenue and expenditures; participates in the interpretation, negotiation, management, and enforcement of financial contracts.
3. Develops, coordinates, assigns, supervises and evaluates behavioral health services, which may include testing, research and consultation; provides input in and oversight of subcontracted services related to behavioral health clinic programs and services.
4. Participates in the analysis and interpretation or application of laws, rules, procedures, and regulations to inform behavioral health program design; reviews staff clinical performance for appropriateness and productivity; ensures clinical records conform to standards, policies, and legal guidelines; responds to client and staff grievances.
5. Assesses and recommends program design, staff assignments and allocation of resources; hires and directs clinical management, professional, paraprofessional and support personnel; prepares performance evaluations; recommends and administers progressive discipline; conducts and/or facilitates staff training and development programs; acts as a clinical resource to provide direction, guidance, and leadership to staff on complex and sensitive issues; promotes cooperative team efforts among staff and with other County department; motivates employees to provide quality services to clients and staff; fosters and supports a diverse workforce and environment; encourages creativity and teamwork among staff.
6. Serves as a liaison with other County departments and divisions, government agencies and community groups to ensure collaborative service delivery; represents their assigned division at County, State, and community meetings as assigned; develops, presents and provides reporting, presentations, and supplemental materials to governing or advisory bodies as required by the division.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Comprehensive knowledge of: Principles and practices of behavioral health and addiction treatment delivery; clinical supervision and documentation standards; ethical and legal issues in direct service provision; quality assurance protocols; interdisciplinary care coordination; and integrated or crisis program workflows; applied research methods and data collection techniques.

Thorough knowledge of: Community-based behavioral health systems, managed care models, and integrated care delivery; assessment of programmatic operations and staffing needs; State of Oregon Mental Health Division rules; care coordination and recovery-oriented treatment principles; and principles of public administration, personnel management, budget preparation, and program evaluation. Positions within Health Centers require a thorough knowledge of FQHC guidelines and standards.

Working knowledge of: Clinic operations, supervisory practices, training methods, and public sector organizational management; applied decision-making based on data analysis; standard office technology and clinical software systems.

Skill to: Interpret and apply clinical and operational policies; supervise and support teams delivering behavioral health services; ensure compliance with documentation and service standards; communicate effectively with internal teams and external partners; prepare program reports and presentations; evaluate team performance; promote continuous improvement and inclusive leadership; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; assist in the development and implementation of clinical policies; interpret Federal, State and County statutes, rules and regulations; organize, train, evaluate and discipline supervisory and professional staff providing mental health and community health services.

Working Conditions

Incumbents manage various programs serving a wide range of consumers with unique and complex needs that may include mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and/or challenges with various social determinants of health (i.e. housing and food insecurity, etc.).

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated on the job announcement.

Experience: A minimum of six (6) years of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position, including a minimum of two (2) years in a supervisory or managerial role.

Licenses/Certifications:

The following licensure/certifications are required at the time of hire.

• Designation as a “Qualified Mental Health Professional” as established by the State of Oregon Mental Health Division.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Positions within Health Centers require possession of licensure granted by the State of Oregon to practice as a Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as established by contractual or statutory requirements.

Pre-employment Requirements

Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.

Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

CLASSIFICATION NO. 578
Established: 8/26
FLSA: Exempt
EEO: 2