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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
HCA SERVICE CHIEF I
(BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES)
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate’s qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list to fill current and future HCA Service Chief I vacancies. The eligible list established may also be used to fill similar and/or lower level classifications throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment is open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and is scheduled to close at 11:59 PM on Friday, March 13, 2026. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family and community health. Under the leadership of the Agency Director, a dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) service areas - Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Public Health Services and Specialized Medical Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Behavioral Health Services (BHS) consists of the following areas: Adult and Older Adult, Children and Youth Services, Quality Management Services, Mental Health Services Act Office, Data Analytics and Evaluation, Crisis and Acute Care Services, Substance Use Services, and Forensics and Justice Involved. These divisions provide a culturally competent and client-centered system of behavioral health services for all eligible county residents in need of treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse and mental health care.
THE PROGRAMS
Adult and Older Adult (AOA) includes Veteran services, offers a full range of programs to adults with mental health conditions that are at risk of more serious issues without treatment and supportive services. These services range from Outpatient services, which provide psychiatric medications, therapeutic services, peer support and other supportive services; to our Full Service Partnership (FSP) Programs which serve individuals with the most severe symptoms who need more intensive and focused services. These programs have a “whatever it takes” approach to treatment and often work in the field and in client homes to ensure needed treatment is being provided. AOA also offers Housing and Supportive Services for individuals with serious mental illness, and support services through contracted programs.
Crisis and Acute Care Servicesprovides responsive services to adults and youth in a behavioral health crisis. Services include mobile mental health Crisis Assessment Team (CAT), Psych Emergency Response Team (PERT), OC Links (24/7 Resources line), Crisis Stabilization Units (CSU), Crisis Residential Programs and In-home Crisis Stabilization services, as well as inpatient psychiatric hospital services and the coordination of 9-8-8.
Substance Use Disorder Services provides an array of prevention, treatment and recovery support services for youth and adults that include the Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention Team (ADEPT) community SUD prevention programs, Residential Treatment, Outpatient treatment, perinatal services, narcotic treatment programs (NTP), Medicated Assistance Treatment (MAT), Withdrawal Management, Intensive Outpatient Program, Recovery Residences and the programmatic oversight of the States Opioid Abatement Funding Plan in OC.
Children and Youth Services provides outpatient behavioral health services to Medi-Cal eligible or uninsured children and youth who need medically necessary treatment to ameliorate their mental and behavioral health conditions. CYS provides case management, assessment, individual, group and family therapy, psychological testing, psychiatric evaluation and medication support, crisis intervention, and peer support services to children and youth in Orange County.
THE OPPORTUNITIES
The immediate vacancies are within Adult and Older Adult (AOA), Crisis and Acute Care Services (CACS), Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Children and Youth Services (CYS). However, future vacancies may be in other divisions ; thus, qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
The HCA Service Chief I (SC I) position in the AOA Division may be assigned to any area within to fulfill a business need. Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, Housing & Supportive Services, and Recovery Services are service areas within AOA.
The HCA Service Chief I (SC I) positions in the CACS Division will be assigned to Crisis Assessment Team (CAT) and OC Links (24/7 Resources line). CAT provides 24-hour mobile response services to any individual experiencing a behavioral health crisis. This position may perform the essential functions as required by and under LPS Act (WIC Code Section 5150 & 5585) and provides oversight of the services to individuals in the community who are at the highest risk for hospitalization.
The HCA Service Chief I (SC I) position in OC Links supports the oversight of Navigators, including licensed clinicians and trained behavioral health professionals who provide 24/7 phone and chat support offering information, prevention resources, treatment options, direct referrals, and urgent mental health assistance. OC Links connects individuals and families to needed behavioral health services and, when appropriate, coordinates the dispatch of mobile crisis response teams for in-person intervention.
The HCA Service Chief I (SC I) position in the SUD Division will be assigned to an SUD outpatient clinic providing oversight for day-to-day operations and providing programmatic and clinical support for a diverse team providing direct treatment services.
The HCA Service Chief I (SCI) position in the CYS Division, Orange County Center for Resiliency, Education, and Wellness (OC CREW) will supervise a diverse unit of professional behavioral health providers to oversee services to OC residents, ages 12 through 25, who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
Duties and Responsibilities
In addition, duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following :
Plans, schedules, assigns, and directs the work of a multidisciplinary team assigned to BHS evaluates the performance of subordinates, recognizes good performance, and recommends disciplinary action when appropriate Orients and trains new staff and identifies and implements staff training and development Confers with program manager and human resources concerning staffing and other work- related issues Reviews cases, progress, and problem areas and acts as a resource on challenging or complex cases providing guidance to a multidisciplinary team Administers clinic operations, coordinates service delivery with other programs, and assists in evaluating program effectiveness and in program development. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures which govern program operations and funding Acts as a liaison , consultant and educator to community agencies, county, and county contracted providers to support the achievement of program goals Completes chart reviews, documentation, and medical records to ensure compliance with quality assurance and utilization review requirements Provides resource information, education, and consultation to representatives of clinic programs, outside agencies, community groups, or the general public Obtains and disseminates information relating to program needs and compliance
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess a valid license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor or Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and/or experience in the following core competencies:
Professional and Technical Expertise I Legal & Regulatory Navigation- Using and working with Integrated Records Information System (IRIS) and Electronic Health Records (EHR) software
- Expert knowledge of Medi- Cal documentation requirements and proficient use of Microsoft Suite, specifically with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other software programs
- Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
- Familiarity with federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures which govern program operations and funding
Self-Management I Coaching & Developing Others l Delegating- Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
- Values learning and finds opportunities for challenging and improving staff performance
- Providing in service training for community partners
- Promoting and supporting ethical and professional standards in the workplace , and skillfully handling personnel
- Sharing responsibility, authority, and accountability
Innovative Problem Solving I Delivering Results- Identifying and analyzing problems to propose new ways to do business
- Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
Decision Making I Critical Thinking- Choosing optimal courses of action in timely manner
- Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
Communication I Building & Maintaining Relationship I Customer Focus- Communicating effectively with staff within the department, community partners and the public
- Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
- Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to view the minimum qualifications for the Service Chief I classification as well as the physical & mental requirements and the working & environmental conditions.
NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.).
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applications exhibiting qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%)
Applicants will be interviewed and rated by panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicant's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the applicants for the job.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedure listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Email Notification
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the G o v e r n m e n t J o b s . c o m site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www. g overnmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Rasika Wijayaweera at RWijayaweera@ochca.com or by phone at (714) 834-7877.
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 3/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific - Using and working with Integrated Records Information System (IRIS) and Electronic Health Records (EHR) software
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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