Deputy Director - Office of Behavioral Health

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Public Services Manager III

Opening Date: May 14, 2024

Closing Date: May 31, 2024

Job Class Code: MA36
Grade:  36 (Confidential) 
Salary: $90,147.20 - $122,782/year

Position Number:  09590-0077

Core Responsibilities:

The Deputy Director for OBH is responsible and will provide leadership for the overall strategic planning and development, in addition to the execution and implementation of key strategic priorities and initiatives for OBH. The position evaluates OBH, DHHS, and the behavioral health service system assets and determines whether they are meeting the needs of Maine residents with mental health and/or substance use disorders; determines priorities, sets goals, and works with OBH and its stakeholders to refine a vision. The Deputy Director assists and advises the OBH Director in identifying behavioral health system needs and system gaps, developing strategies to address these gaps, securing resources, and insuring implementation in service of the identified goals.  

Additionally, this position will also be responsible for overseeing grants: developing funding applications in line with strategic plan priorities; insuring timely and effective implementation of grant activities; and reporting data, activities, and spending to federal funders. This position will work with OBH leadership to ensure Office resources are directed toward strategic plan priorities and distributed in alignment with Office goals. The Deputy Director will contribute to communications efforts on behalf of OBH, play a key leadership role in community partner outreach and engagement as well as behavioral health disaster response and other special projects as needed.  

Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify, you must have a Master’s Degree in public health, rehabilitation, psychology, counseling, communications, or a related field and a minimum of 6-years’ experience in governmental agencies or large, complex organizations in designing, funding, and managing innovative programs for at-risk populations, preferably those with behavioral health disorders.

The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate the following competencies:

•    Proven ability to interact with a wide variety of constituencies, build strong partnerships and develop and advance strategic initiatives.
•    Demonstrated track record in securing and administering grants. 
•    Established record of teaching, mentoring, and/or managing professionals in grant writing and management. 
•    Demonstrated competency in providing technical assistance.
•    Proven ability to interpret, develop, and implement policy.
•    Demonstrated leadership in program development and oversight.
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills.
•    Proven record of success in project management, with a focus on the establishment of quality standards, results tracking, and evaluating outcomes.
•    Outstanding skills in needs assessment.
•    Extensive knowledge of behavioral health 

Thinking about applying?

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Agency information: 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) within DHHS is responsible for providing leadership, coordination, and oversight of Maine’s Behavioral Health System of Care. OBH works collaboratively with a network of community providers actively to support individuals with substance use and mental health conditions across areas of promotion, prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join OBH and to work to advance and strengthen the continuum of behavioral health services in Maine. This position will be based in Augusta, Maine and allows for partial telewor