Director of the Division of Behavioral Health Services

DIVISION DIRECTOR
Behavioral Health Services
 
Kenosha County is seeking a leader to guide its behavioral health services, shaping programs and partnerships that improve the wellbeing of residents in our community.  As Director of the Division of Behavioral Health Services, you will serve in a high-impact leadership role where your expertise and commitment to person-centered care can strengthen services and create lasting change.  If this sounds like the role for you, apply today and help lead meaningful change.
 
2026 Hiring Range:  $97,323 – $115,861 annually

Position Summary and Job Duties
Reporting to the Human Services Director, the Director of the Division of Behavioral Health Services is responsible for the overall administration of Kenosha County’s behavioral health services. The director will lead a team involving direct staff and contracted agencies to plan, manage and coordinate the division’s programs and budget, monitoring outcomes and assuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations and industry standards of services.  This role will be the department’s liaison to stakeholders and policymakers involved with the populations served by the division.  Job duties include:
Leads and administers the operations of the division, developing, communicating and reviewing goals and expectations for direct-report staff and contracted services
Assures that division services are customer focused, person centered and culturally respectful
Initiates and participates in local meetings and events to understand resident needs and engage with stakeholders for coordination and service improvement
Oversees the development and monitoring of state contracts and grants and licenses
Participates in provider selection and contracting process
Participates in budget development, expense review and revenue generating strategies
Participates in grant identification and proposal development
Maintains a positive relationship with state staff; participates directly or assures representation of the division at state meetings
Presents reports to citizen oversight and county board committees
Assures quality review of all programs and participation in quality improvement strategies
Responds to, meets with, provides coaching of, staff to address difficult consumer issues and complaints
Recommends members and holds meetings for the required behavioral health committees in accordance with state requirements
Facilitates staff and management meetings
Assures that materials and communications created and/or distributed from the division meet the highest level of accuracy and professionalism
Assure compliance of division activities with all applicable laws, regulations and contract requirements
Reviews proposed legislation and policy and communicates their impact on the populations served in a non-partisan manner in accordance with county policy
Performs other work as required or assigned

Success Factors
Knowledge and understanding of harm reduction principles
Knowledge of community stakeholders and resources
Knowledge of best practices, current research, and funding trends and sources
Knowledge and understanding of evidence-based principles and programs
Skill in written and oral communication
Skill in leadership with demonstrated ability to apply currently accepted leadership principles with direct supports and teams
Skill in creative thinking, customer service, and advocacy
Ability to work productively with local boards and committees, state staff and policy makers
Ability to work with diverse groups
Ability to remain courteous and professional at all times
Ability to lead and develop a diverse workforce and promote a sense of belonging for all staff
Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment
Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience
Possession of a Master’s Degree in human services, public administration or related field
5 years of experience working at a management level in public sector human services
Or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities
Other Job Requirements
Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle for use in the performance of the job
The ability to work in non-standard business hours, including evening meetings
Benefits
Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment, with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
Paid Volunteer Time
Twelve Paid Holidays
Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally, and up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
Frequent standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time, walking for extended periods of time, stooping, bending, climbing stairs, and constant use of a computer
Constant requirement to hear normal speech; constant hearing and talking on telephone; ability to hear faint sound
Potential contact with hostile individuals; exposure to emergency situations; may be exposed to trauma, grief, and death; frequent public contact; decision-making and concentration
Vision standards required by Division of Motor Vehicles to operate a motor vehicle
Selection Process
Application Review – Qualifying
Oral Interview – Qualifying
Background Check – Qualifying
Drug Screen – Qualifying
If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, July 17, 2026, at 12:00 noon.

To learn more about the Kenosha County Division of Behavioral Health Services, please visit:  https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/263/Behavioral-Health-Services

Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer.  Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.

The full pay grade for this position is E13 (Min. $97,323 – Max. $134,398 annually).

We are located in Kenosha County, an expanding community along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago.  To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, please visit:  https://www.visitkenosha.com/ or https://lifebalancedkenosha.com/.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!

https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/jobs

Deadline Note: