Justice Alliance Manager

** NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment will now remain open until filled.

The County of Santa Barbara's Behavioral Wellness Department is accepting applications for one (1) full-time Justice Services Manager position. This leadership position manages countywide behavioral health programs serving justice-involved individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions. The countywide classification is Health Services Manager II. This position is "At-Will" and is exempt from Civil Service provisions.

Under the direction of the Branch Chief of Specialty Programs, the Justice Services Manager oversees prevention, intervention, diversion, treatment, and recovery-oriented programs designed to reduce criminal justice involvement and improve access to behavioral health services. Responsibilities include program planning and evaluation, staff supervision, contract and grant oversight, regulatory compliance, strategic collaboration, and coordination with internal and external partners.

The Justice Services Manager works closely with courts, law enforcement agencies, correctional health providers, community-based organizations, and other County departments to support coordinated care and positive outcomes for vulnerable populations. This position serves as a member of the Behavioral Wellness management team and exercises independent judgment in establishing program priorities and operational strategies.

May be based in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. However, this position has countywide responsibility and requires routine travel to offices and partner agencies.

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

The ideal candidate will have:

• Extensive knowledge of legal system and behavioral health
• Proven track record of working with adults and youth with justice involvement
• History building strong partnerships with courts, judges and law enforcement
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams
• Background of testifying in court
• Knowledge of court room proceedings and the role of mental health professionals in the justice system
• Strong skills in collecting and analyzing data
• Ability to inspire, coach, develop, and empower staff
• Experience leading change initiatives
• Familiarity with the statewide inpatient system
• Ability to respond effectively in adversarial proceedings
• Familiarity with the Behavioral Health Services Act principles, funding, and reporting requirements
• Experience leading a Full-Service Partnership program
• Proficiency in leading and partnering to solve complex, systemic programs
• Solid public speaking skills

• Quality services for persons of all ages with mental illness and/or substance abuse
• Integrity in individual and organizational actions
• Dignity, respect, and compassion for all persons
• Active involvement of clients and families in treatment, recovery, and policy development
• Diversity throughout our organization and cultural competency in service delivery
• A system of care and recovery that is clearly defined and promotes recovery and resiliency
• Emphasis on prevention and treatment
• Teamwork among department employees in an atmosphere that is respectful and creative
• Continuous quality improvement in service delivery and administration
• Wellness modeled for our clients at all levels; i.e., staff who regularly arrive at the workplace healthy, energetic and resilient
• Safety for everyone

These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.

• Lead and oversee countywide justice services behavioral health programs supporting justice-involved individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions.
• Direct prevention, diversion, treatment, recovery, and reentry services delivered through County staff and contracted providers, ensuring high-quality, coordinated, and equitable service delivery across Santa Barbara County.
• Build and strengthen collaborative partnerships with courts, law enforcement agencies, correctional health providers, hospitals, community organizations, and other County departments to improve system coordination and client outcomes.
• Develop and implement innovative programs and service strategies that reduce criminal justice involvement, address unmet community needs, and expand access to behavioral health care and supportive services.
• Lead cross-agency initiatives focused on complex system challenges, including competency restoration, conservatorships, reentry planning, state hospital transitions, and services for incarcerated youth and adults.
• Establish policies, procedures, performance standards, and operational practices that ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, contractual obligations, and evidence-based behavioral health practices.
• Monitor program performance, outcomes, budgets, contracts, and funding streams; prepare reports, proposals, and other documentation related to grants, strategic planning, and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise, mentor, and support multidisciplinary professional, clinical, technical, and administrative staff; foster a collaborative and mission-driven work environment focused on accountability, innovation, and service excellence.
• Use data, outcome measures, and continuous quality improvement practices to evaluate program effectiveness, identify system gaps, and guide operational and strategic decision-making.
• Represent the Department at community meetings, stakeholder groups, interagency workgroups, court-related meetings, and public forums involving high-level partners and decision-makers.

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list.
• Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list.

• Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open until filled. Applications and job postings can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.