Director of Behavioral Health & Public Guardian

Benefits

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this position is $197,129 to $276,008 annually, DOQ. An employee in this position will also be eligible for the following:

• General Salary Increase: A general salary increase of 3.5%, effective December 20, 2026, and 3.5% effective December 19, 2027.
• Educational Incentive:
  Additional cash payment of 2.5% for completing an associate degree, 3.5% for a bachelor's degree, or 5% for a graduate degree each pay period.
• Executive Annual Leave:
  The selected candidate will earn 248 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service, 328 hours after 10 years of service, and 368 hours after 15 years of service. Credit for prior public service may be considered (Management Resolution,
• 1202A).
• Annual Leave Redemption:
  The ability to “cash in” or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year after using 80 hours of annual leave within the previous 12 months (Management Resolution,
• 1207).
• Holidays: 13 paid days annually, including a scheduled floating holiday.
• Deferred Compensation:
  Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions. Effective February 9, 2024 (and annually thereafter), eligible employees meeting the criteria in Sec. 1907 of the Management Resolution will receive a two percent (2%) of their annualized compensation non-elective contribution into their 401(k) account.
• Health Insurance Plans:
  Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents. A flexible credit allowance of up to $1,024.11 biweekly, depending on enrollment plan tier.
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  Boost your spending power by reimbursing yourself with pre-tax dollars for IRS-approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan:
  Both you and the County contribute to the County’s Retirement Plan. If eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems, such as CalPERS.
• Additional Benefits:
  Incumbents are entitled to County-paid membership in professional organizations related to their position; other benefits include Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, and Wellness Program.
• Professional Membership:
  Eligible for county-paid membership in professional organizations related to the position.

Ventura County seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as its next Director of Behavioral Health & Public Guardian. This is a rare dual-mandate executive role that combines oversight of one of the County's largest and most complex service systems with direct legal authority over some of the community's most vulnerable residents.

Reporting to the Director of the Health Care Agency, with additional accountability to the County Executive Officer and the Board of Supervisors, the Director of Behavioral Health oversees the development and management of all County Behavioral Health programs and services — including the Adult, Youth and Family, and Substance Use Services divisions, along with Driving Under the Influence programs. Appointed by the Board of Supervisors as both Director of the Behavioral Health Department and the statutory Mental Health Director, this position carries broad authority to set departmental direction, establish priorities, and represent Ventura County's behavioral health system before federal, state, and local partners.

As Public Guardian, the Director also holds legal responsibility — through Superior Court appointment — for individuals deemed unable to care for themselves or manage their own finances due to grave disability, mental illness, or the effects of aging, including…