State of Maryland
PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR IV Executive Director of Behavioral Health
State of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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.
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 State of Maryland 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
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 State of Maryland 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr