Behavioral Health Division Director

Multnomah County; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 128,464 - 205,543; Full time

Job summary

Multnomah County seeks a Behavioral Health Division Director to lead its Behavioral Health Division. The role involves overseeing critical mental health services, managing a diverse team, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership experience and a commitment to equity in care.

The position offers a hybrid telework opportunity and a competitive salary ranging from $128,464.44 to $205,543.27.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of behavioral health program leadership with fiscal oversight, staff supervision, and policy development.
• Knowledge of Oregon’s mental health laws, Medicaid system, and LMHA responsibilities.
• Experience building partnerships across government, healthcare systems, and community organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a division of 300+ staff across multiple behavioral health service areas.
• Manage the division’s budget and oversee staffing.
• Ensure performance measures and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Skills

Leadership in behavioral health

Strategic planning

Policy development

Fiscal management

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Behavioral Health or related field

Job description

Overview

Behavioral Health Division Director (Mental Health Director) leads one of Multnomah County’s largest and most complex divisions. The role provides strategic leadership for county-wide behavioral health and addiction services, overseeing clinical care, policy direction, fiscal management, workforce development, and system transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a division of 300+ staff across multiple behavioral health service areas, driving strategic planning, policy development, resource allocation, and operational excellence.
• Plan & program development: assess community needs, develop comprehensive service plans, and oversee new program initiatives from concept to implementation.
• Program management: direct services and ensure county representation on relevant state and regional committees; oversee contracts, performance measures, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Daily operations: manage the division’s budget, oversee staffing, and respond to operational challenges.
• Lead the following key units: Addiction Services, Care Coordination, Civil Commitment & Forensics, Direct Clinical Services, Office of Consumer Engagement, Safety Net Services, and Quality Management.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or higher) in Behavioral Health, Public Administration, Public Health, or a related field.
• 8+ years of behavioral health program leadership with fiscal oversight, staff supervision, and policy development.
• Knowledge of Oregon’s mental health laws, Medicaid system, and LMHA responsibilities preferred.
• Strategic, inclusive, and collaborative leader with a deep commitment to equity, trauma-informed practice, and culturally responsive care.
• Experience building partnerships across government, healthcare systems, and community organizations.
• Strong communication skills and experience representing an organization in governmental and community settings.
• Experience working with unions preferred.

Benefits

Competitive salary range of $128,464.44 to $205,543.27, hybrid telework opportunity, Monday to Friday schedule (8:00am–5:00pm) with occasional weekends and evenings, and full compliance with Oregon Equal Pay Law.

Multnomah County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.