Behavioral Health Program Manager

Job Summary


The County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA)
is currently recruiting for the position of

Behavioral Health Program Manager

Interviews will take place the weeks of June 22, 2026 and June 29, 2026.

Job offers for selected candidates will be made the week of July 6, 2026.

This position is eligible for appointment at step 3, $114,982.40 annually.

Future Salary Increases:

** June 2026 – 5.2% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 1.7% Market Adjustment Increase)

** June 2027 – 4.7% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 1.7% Market Adjustment Increase)


The following additional pay incentives and premiums are available:

** 3% Behavioral Health Program Manager Classification Premium (applied to time worked)

The Health and Human Services Agency is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Behavioral Health Program Manager (BHPM) within Behavioral Health Services (BHS). BHS is seeking to fill multiple BHPM positions with this recruitment, including BHPMs within County Operated Clinics, Case Management, San Diego Psychiatric Hospital, and Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court. The current vacancies are with Behavioral Health Services; however, the list established from this recruitment may be used to fill vacancies in other departments.

County Operated Clinics & Case management: As a BHPM, you will have primary responsibility for the oversight of a County operated outpatient clinic or a Case Management program, including program operations, designing, implementing, supervising, and managing direct service staff.

San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital: The BHPM position at the San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital oversees the Social Work Department which includes Mental Health Case Management Clinicians, Licensed Mental Health Clinicians, and student interns. The position collaborates with county and community-based providers, legal entities, and families. The BHPM often is a hospital representative in varying external meetings around care coordination and delivery of clinical services.

Public Conservator’s Office: As a BHPM, you will have primary responsibility for the oversight of the Office of the Public Conservator’s services. Duties include supervision of conservatorship investigators, case management assistants and administrative staff, policy/guideline implementation, clinical consultations, public speaking, staff trainings, budget review and cooperation with the Superior Court of California. Strong leadership skills are a must to promote high quality output from staff and maintaining program integrity. The ideal candidate will assist leadership to meet state and BHS program expectations as well as develop strong teams and encourage collaboration with community partners.

CARE Court: As a BHPM, you will have primary responsibility for the oversight of County operated CARE Court services. Duties include supervision of direct service and administrative staff, policy/guideline implementation, clinical consultations, public speaking, staff trainings, budget review and collaboration with the Superior Court of California and the Public Defender’s Office. Strong leadership skills are a must to promote high level client care while maintaining program integrity. The ideal candidate will assist leadership to meet state and BHS program expectations as well as develop strong teams and encourage collaboration with community and partners.

Read additional information for Behavioral Health Program Manager, including required education and experience, essential functions, working conditions, etc.

Interviews and Hiring Process

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
  • Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
  • Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
  • Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

  • A current license by the State of California to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist; AND,
  • A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in psychology, counseling, social work, or a closely related field; AND,
  • Three (3) years of full-time post-master's degree experience in a mental health program providing case management and/or counseling, and crisis intervention to a particular group or program under clinical supervision.
Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Condition of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation Process
  • The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a three (3) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.

Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader).
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

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