Associate Director of Mental Health Programs

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position reports to senior leadership and is responsible for administrative and clinical direction of multiple direct-service programs and services at BACS. This position oversees operations including clinical, administrative, fiscal, and quality improvement to promote the highest element of service provision. The position is responsible for successfully implementing new programs and services and adhering to our strategy and growth plan. This position completes regulatory applications, funding applications, and more to ensure new business.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate for the Associate Director of Mental Health Programs at BACS is a resilient, data-driven, and hands-on leader with a strong clinical foundation and a passion for delivering high-quality, community-based mental health services. This person thrives in fast-paced, complex systems and brings both strategic oversight and tactical support to a dynamic portfolio of programs. They will have demonstrated experience managing high-acuity mental health programs—particularly full-service partnerships or similar intensive wraparound models—and must be a licensed mental health professional with experience in clinical supervision.

They must be comfortable holding teams accountable, guiding performance with empathy and clarity, and driving consistent excellence in service delivery. As a key member of the leadership team, the Associate Director will help shape program growth, oversee a caseload of 500+ clients across five programs, and supervise a mix of managers and supervisors, supporting approximately 14–25 direct service staff per program.

The successful candidate will be a proactive problem solver who understands the gray areas of community mental health, can navigate county relationships with professionalism and responsiveness, and is deeply committed to a client-first, whatever-it-takes approach. They should be well-versed in crisis intervention, CBT-based practices, and client stabilization strategies, with the flexibility to step into client- and stakeholder-facing situations when needed.

BACS is proud of its culture of collaboration, direct feedback, and high standards. The ideal candidate will align with this ethos, showing strong organizational skills, a straightforward communication style, and the ability to lead with both heart and structure. Bilingual ability (especially Spanish/English) is highly valued. Candidates must be prepared for a demanding but rewarding role that includes on-call responsibilities, staff development, and cross-divisional collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Functions)

• Independently directs programs and ensures all contracts, laws, and regulations are met.
• Works as part of the Operations Group of all Associates to collectively run the operations of BACS programs.
• Assures that services are provided in collaboration with all applicable funding streams and regulations.
• Supervises managers and/or supervisors including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Maintains responsibility for ensuring that all programs and services have a defined service delivery model and operate within the construct of BACS mission, vision, and values. Responsible to insure that all programs focus on consumer-centered services that are needs-driven and strength-based, and are culturally relevant.
• Ensures that there is a flow of participants and referrals into all programs and that discharges are managed in a way that promotes positive outcomes.
• Responsible to assure the maintenance of records and other administrative requirements of all programs. Responsible to ensure compliance with documentation and charting requirements for all funding streams.
• Responsible for Continuous Quality Improvement and works with the teams to implement systems for CQI.
• Responsible to ensure contract compliance with all funders to include grant management, presentations and reports.
• Establishes a harmonious working relationship with the community and coordinate services with appropriate community based organizations as needed to highlight the value and the purpose of programming.
• Participates in the development of new programs and services including grant writing, speeches, presentations, and more.
• Participates in the delivery and attendance at trainings for the purposes of agency, professional, and personal development.
• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Possesses influencing/negotiating skills and excellent oral and written communication. Political savvy.
• Partnering attitude; high integrity/honesty. Promotes accountability for self and others.
• Maintains a customer service and strength-based orientation. Embraces diversity in all aspects.
• Communicates effectively and conscientiously utilizing strength-based language and philosophy throughout all aspects of program management and supervision.
• Possesses problem solving skills and conflict resolution skills.
• May conduct group, individual supervision for license-bound individuals.
• Is resilient and demonstrates ability to embrace adversity. Has the ability and eagerness to promote continual learning.
• Strategic thinker and visionary. Possesses external awareness and motivation towards mission and services of agency.
• Is adaptable and open to change and new information; adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles. Adjusts rapidly to new situations warranting attention and resolution.
• Assesses strengths and needs in the supervision of clinical work. Holds an attitude of strength-based, person-centered services.
• Works well with others and behaves professionally and ethically while developing professionally.
• Expresses facts and ideas verbally and in writing in a clear, concise and organized manner.
• Ability to manage a department budget.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• LCSW/MFT/LPCC license plus two years required.
• Three years of progressive administrative, direct service, and leadership skills and experience in the social service field.
• Demonstrated capacity leading diverse and multi-disciplinary teams toward a common goal required.
• Demonstrated intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word/Excel, ability to type 45WPM.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires frequent sitting and occasional standing, walking and driving. Frequent computer use is required. Lifting is required occasionally, of no more than 20 lbs. at a time. Dexterity is required for paper manipulation and typing. The position requires the ability to see, hear and speak.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work is performed at BACS worksites or out in the community.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, keyboard, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, calculator.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires a valid California driver’s license, personal vehicle, and proof of personal vehicle insurance coverage and the ability to drive for work. DMV printout required.