
Associate Director of Behavioral Health
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At a glance
Requirements
Credentials this posting asks for.
Job overview
The Associate Director of Behavioral Health evaluates community needs and leads the city’s social work program, overseeing staff, budgets, and partnerships with agencies. The role involves data analysis, policy development, crisis counseling, and collaboration with first responders while ensuring compliance and delivering services to address homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Police Community Connection Center
Full time
JR6244
Position Title:
Associate Director of Behavioral Health
Job Description:
Incumbent evaluates the needs of the community while leading the social work program development, implementation, monitoring and analysis. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: collaboration amongst service providers, City officials, various advisory groups, citizens, and other government agencies at a local, state, and federal level; facilitating internal and/or external meetings; performing complex analytical duties that include gathering data, data analysis, and developing comprehensive information packages; supervising social work program staff; developing and/or modifying policies and procedures to fit the social work program, all while working closely with the designated Salt Lake City First Responder teams, to supplement existing services where appropriate.
This is a professional position in a fast-paced work environment, requiring excellent written and verbal communication skills, the exercise of independent judgment, and discretion in handling confidential information. The incumbent must have the ability and skills necessary to work with the general public in a positive, friendly, and professional manner.
Operation of a city-owned vehicle may be required in this role and the candidate may be required to posses a valid driver license.
TYPICAL DUTIES:
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Direct, oversee, and evaluate the department’s social work program addressing homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse issues. Supervise social workers/Social Work Managers (police department only), case workers, and support staff, ensuring performance standards and accountability.
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Perform ongoing assessments of departmental and community needs; research and apply evidence-based practices to improve program outcomes.
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Serve as liaison with community organizations, government agencies, and advisory groups.
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Develop and monitor budgets, approve expenditures, and oversee state and local grant funding.
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Create and implement program regulations, policies, and schedules; ensure adherence to applicable rules and agreements.
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Deliver assessments, treatment plans, crisis counseling, therapy, case management, and referrals for individuals and families impacted by crime or social challenges – as aligned with licensure and scope of practice.
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Collaborate with healthcare professionals and community resources to ensure holistic care and effective case management.
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Maintain accurate records, reports, and mental health assessments (as aligned with licensure and scope of practice); provide expert testimony and serve as court liaison when required.
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Address employee grievances and disciplinary issues; partner with leadership to align processes with organizational mission and values.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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Master’s degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling from an accredited college/university and three years of related work experience, which includes assessing physical, mental, social, and economic needs of a diverse population. Experience must include a minimum of two years of social work case management or similar experience. Experience supervising others.
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Current licensure with the State of Utah as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC).
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In lieu of a Master’s degree in Social Work or Mental Health counselling and current licensure with the state of Utah as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC), must have at least 10-years of experience in co-response and direct service deliver including crisis management.
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Must possess a valid state driver license or Utah driving privilege card.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently and to take initiative and work collaboratively as part of a team.
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Ability to demonstrate strong evaluation skills, excellent professional written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, and active listening skills.
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Successful completion of a pre-hire physical fitness assessment (Fire Dept only).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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Experience working collaboratively with multiple community organizations (e.g., Law Enforcement, Road Home, Family Justice Center, Schools, Hospitals, and Volunteers of America (VOA)).
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Fluent in oral and written Spanish communication.
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Experience conducting community-based needs assessments.
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Mental Health Officer Certification.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
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Must stand, walk, or sit uncomfortably for extended periods. Moderate exposure to elements including, but not limited to, heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust, or grease.
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Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior. In field operations, exposure to stress as well as occupational hazards is of considerable magnitude.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
POSITION TYPE
Full-Time
POSITION SALARY RANGE
$85,728 - $148,376
DEPARTMENT
Police
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
Scheduled Hours:
40
Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work—from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs—with integrity and professionalism.
We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference.
If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we’d love to work with you.
Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/) site.
Health & Wellness
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Medical insurance
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Dental, vision, life insurance
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HSA (with $1,000–$2,000 City contribution)
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Wellness clinic for employees & families
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Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Financial Perks
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Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year)
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Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k))
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Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more
Thinking about applying or weighing another offer?
Use our Total Compensation Calculator (https://tools.slc.gov/totalcompensation/) to see the true value of your job offer—including salary, benefits, retirement, and more.
We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/paid-leave/) site.
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12 vacation days to start
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12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday
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Up to 80 hours personal leave annually
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6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave
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Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers
Our Recruitment Team is ready to assist you throughout the entire hiring process—from questions about job openings to application support. Reach the Recruitment Team at 801-535-6699
Or email: [email protected]
The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801-535-7900.
Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.
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