Assistant Commissioner for Behavioral Health Programs

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:  

This position assists in the management of the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Commission. The BHS Commission serves as the federal single state agency authority and is responsible for processing and overseeing the functions of community-based services and institutional services, including the Block Grants for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health services, housing and employment services, Nursing Facilities for Mental Health (NFMHs), problem gambling, crisis services, suicide prevention, psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs) and the Client Assessment Referral and Evaluation (CARE)/Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) processes. The Behavioral Health Commission has approximately 70 employees, including both full time employees and contracted staff, and works on the implementation of statutes by development of state regulations, interpretation of state and federal laws and the on-going maintenance of the behavioral health services’ continuum of care that are the responsibilities of the BHS Commission. More than $1 billion dollars of the KDADS’s budget, is directly dependent on the quality of work accomplished by this Commission. This work includes continued implementation of the CCBHC model, quality assurance across the BHS commission, and continued grant work for temporary and permanent funding opportunities.

As Assistant Commissioner for Behavioral Health Programs, this position is directly responsible for oversight of federal programming and grants to continue adequacy with KDADS federal partners. This includes working with directors and program managers on existing and new development opportunities in the federal grant space, and responsibility of the Mental Health and Substance Use Block Grant dollars that is administered by KDADS and the Behavioral Health Commission. Additionally, this position will have a particular focus on developing, building, and sustaining the Behavioral Health workforce for KDADS and the state of Kansas, in partnership with internal and external stakeholders. This position will also be directly responsible for overseeing and monitoring state operated programs related to adult services, children’s and prevention services, and crisis services. Other duties may be assigned by the Commissioner for Behavioral Health.

The BHS Commission is organized into five Divisions by function: Crisis Services, Adult Services, Youth Services, CARE/PASRR, and Quality and Innovation.

The Assistant Commissioner for Behavioral Health Programs will serve as a member of the KDADS’s Leadership Team.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:  

Develop, monitor, and direct programs within the commission responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining the Mental Health and Substance Use Block Grant, the 988-state fee fund and grant dollars, the Housing and Urban Development housing grant, the Problem Gambling and Addictions Fund, the Mental Health Intervention Team Program, the Crisis Intervention Center and Crisis Stabilization Unit programming, and more. 

Engage with the KDADS’s Leadership Team and attend weekly meetings. Be prepared to report out to the group on the programs directly assigned to this position.

Develop commission policy, procedures, and regulatory interpretations in accordance with agency objectives, state and federal law. Coordinate closely with internal and external stakeholders for feedback on policies, procedures, and regulations.

Coordinate with the Commissioner for Behavioral Health on all Commission activities, as needed. Connect with other state or federal agencies, including providing liaison or support services.

Represent the BHS Commission at hearings, meetings, and conferences, including public speaking, as needed and coordinated with the Commissioner for Behavioral Health, Deputy Secretary for Programs, and Secretary for KDADS.

Provide in-depth legislative analysis and written testimony for bills affecting health facilities and present testimony as requested by the Commissioner for Behavioral Health, Deputy Secretary of Programs, and the Secretary for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).

Develop and monitor division budget, in concert with the Commissioner for Behavioral Health, and Assistant Commissioner for Behavioral Health Oversight.

Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to ensuring the agency is adequately staffed during and immediately following natural and/or manmade disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and/or acts of terrorism. Assists other employees in the work unit in accomplishing assignments as necessary.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field of study.  Four years direct experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency.
• 5 years’ experience in a related profession working in behavioral health services. 
• Travel 

Preferred: 

• Masters, JD, PhD in relevant field of study (Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration) 
• Ability to develop and implement programs consistent with the mission and objectives of behavioral health principles, legislative actions and requirements of the Secretary for Aging and Disability Services. 
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state and agency policies and procedures and related regulations and laws. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with lay and professional groups, public and private officials, consultants, contractors, and the public.

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