Mental Health Project Manager

Job Description:

Mental Health Project Manager

Description

The Position

The Contra Costa Health Services Behavioral Health Division, in partnership with consumers, families, staff and community-based agencies, provides welcoming and integrated services for mental health, substance abuse, and other needs that promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency while respecting the complexity and diversity of the people we serve. The Behavioral Health Plan includes both mental health services and substance use services, composed of county owned and operated clinics as well as dozens of contracting agencies.

Behavioral Health is an expanding area within Contra Costa Health Services and is currently undergoing major system transformation under CalAIM and Behavioral Health Transformation (BHT). These initiatives call for increased focus on transparency and high quality patient care with measurable and meaningful outcomes, including improved access to care, demonstrating accountability and improvement on HEDIS measures, and other metrics.

Health Services is hiring for three (3) Mental Health Project Manager vacancies. These Project Manager positions will work within the Behavioral Health Division, managing various projects, some of which are complex and require strong project management skills. The position will report to the Behavioral Health Deputy Director or Designee.
We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong project planning & evaluation skills
• Possesses deep knowledge of healthcare systems & regulations
• Has excellent interpersonal & multicultural competence
• Is a skilled communicator (written, verbal, presentations)
• Has an ability to coordinate & Lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Possesses strong organizational & administrative adaptability

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Plans, coordinates, and manages special projects within the Behavioral Health Division
  
• Directs and coordinates the work of project personnel
  
• Designs and conducts project evaluations
  
• Monitors project expenditures and manages administrative components
  
• Serves as liaison to internal leadership, community partners, and state or external agencies
  
• Provides consultation, technical assistance, and training to staff and contractor
  

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You get to make a meaningful impact on the Behavioral Health system
• You’ll collaborate with dedicated, mission-driven professionals
• The work is dynamic, varied, and intellectually engaging
• You can influence policy, programs, and system transformation such as for BHT

A few challenges you might face in this job :

• Navigating complex and evolving county and state behavioral health requirements
• Coordinating across multiple programs, teams, and external partners
• Managing high workloads in a challenging dynamic system with many priorities
• Ensuring culturally responsive, equitable service planning across diverse communities

Competencies Required:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Negotiating: Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromise
• Organizational Systems Thinking: Comprehending the organization as a system of integrated and interdependent functions

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in: 1) business administration, public administration, health administration or closely related field OR 2) a mental health related field such as psychology, social work or counseling.

Experience: Three (3) years of full-time or its equivalent experience in an administrative or staff capacity with responsibility for contract management or administrative, personnel or budgetary functions that include mental health related work.

Substitution: One (1) year of additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required major OR a Master's degree in one of the fields noted above maybe substituted for one year of experience.

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process. Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire (BCQ) Assessment : Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online assessment. The online assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job and candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies, as well as an overall passing score of 70% or higher. These competencies may include but are not limited to: Legal & Regulatory Navigation, Attention to Detail, Writing, Critical Thinking, Self-Management, and Delivering Results. (Weighted 100%)

The online Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire (BCQ) assessment is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) during the week of October 19, 2026.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 10/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$120,865.81 - $146,913.18 Annually