Associate Director of Behavioral Health

ABOUT THE ROLE The Associate Director of Behavioral Health evaluates community needs while leading the development, implementation, monitoring, and analysis of the social work program. This professional role operates in a fast-paced environment, requiring collaboration with service providers, city officials, advisory groups, citizens, and government agencies. The incumbent works closely with Salt Lake City First Responder teams to supplement existing services, exercising independent judgment and discretion in handling confidential information while maintaining a positive, friendly, and professional manner with the general public. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Direct, oversee, and evaluate the department’s social work program addressing homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse issues - Supervise social workers, social work managers, case workers, and support staff, ensuring performance standards and accountability - Perform ongoing assessments of departmental and community needs and apply evidence-based practices to improve program outcomes - Serve as a liaison with community organizations, government agencies, and advisory groups - Develop and monitor budgets, approve expenditures, and oversee state and local grant funding - Create and implement program regulations, policies, and schedules, ensuring adherence to applicable rules - Deliver assessments, treatment plans, crisis counseling, therapy, case management, and referrals for individuals and families impacted by crime or social challenges - Collaborate with healthcare professionals and community resources to ensure holistic care - Maintain accurate records, reports, and mental health assessments, and provide expert testimony or serve as a court liaison when required - Address employee grievances and disciplinary issues, partnering with leadership to align processes with organizational mission and values MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Master’s degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling from an accredited college or university, plus three years of related work experience assessing physical, mental, social, and economic needs of a diverse population (must include a minimum of two years of social work case management or similar experience, and experience supervising others) - Current licensure with the State of Utah as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) - Alternative qualification: In lieu of the Master’s degree and current licensure, at least 10 years of experience in co-response and direct service delivery, including crisis management - Valid state driver license or Utah driving privilege card - Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate as part of a team - Strong evaluation, professional written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills - Preferred qualifications include experience working with multiple community organizations, fluency in Spanish, experience conducting community-based needs assessments, and Mental Health Officer Certification SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Operation of a city-owned vehicle may be required - Successful completion of a pre-hire physical fitness assessment - Working conditions include standing, walking, or sitting uncomfortably for extended periods - Moderate exposure to elements such as heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust, or grease - Considerable exposure to stressful situations resulting from human behavior, with considerable magnitude of occupational hazards in field operations - All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities SELECTION PROCESS - Review of application and qualifications against minimum and preferred criteria - Pre-hire physical fitness assessment - Standard background, reference, and licensure verification checks as per city hiring protocols HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application for job requisition ID JR6244 through the official city careers portal - Ensure all qualifications, licensure details, and relevant experience are clearly documented in the application EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: Salt Lake City - Department: Police - Location: Police Community Connection Center - Job Type: Full-Time - Scheduled Hours: 40 hours per week - Job Requisition ID: JR6244