Behavioral Health Services Administrator

Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff’s Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted Application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Closing Date: May 4, 2026 @ 11:00pm CST, or upon the receipt of 50 application submissions.

Behavioral Health Services Administrator

Department: Behavioral Health Services

Full-time, Salary

Salary Range: $119,225.60 – $178,796.80/yr

Job Summary

Manages and provides leadership and direction for all facets of the service area Behavioral Health Services within the Department of Health and Human Services which includes Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS), Crisis Services, Wraparound Children’s programs and outpatient services for adults and children. Provides leadership and supports policy direction, programmatic and fiscal management, staff supervision, research and analysis of data, budget development, procurement of services, development of cooperative alliances with outside agencies and adherence to state and federal laws. Leads with a commitment to advancing community mental health and overall wellbeing by promoting equitable, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and culturally grounded approaches across the continuum of care. Ensures services strengthen resilience, foster healthy child and family development, and support population-level mental health outcomes across Milwaukee County.

Job Responsibilities

• Programmatic and Financial Leadership Provides leadership and direction for all facets of the Milwaukee County mental and behavioral health delivery -. Provides oversight of staff in addition to numerous contract service providers strategically linked to the mental health system. Comprehensive delivery of CCS, CARS, Crisis Services, Wraparound Children’s programs, and outpatient services for adults and children. Emphasizes strategies that improve community mental wellbeing, expand access to prevention and early intervention services, and address social determinants that influence mental health outcomes.
• Oversight/Management – Lead staff using vision, goals, objectives, performance measures, and personal accountability for all BHS community-based services, while continuously considering operational improvements. Mentor the leadership staff to assure coordination, consistency, and collaboration in service delivery. Target areas include CCS, CARS, Crisis services, Wraparound Children’s programs, and outpatient services for youth and adults. Manage and oversee a service area of 282 professional and non-professional staff and oversight of 150 provider agencies. Monitor and observe staff to ensure compliance with DHHS values. Investigate and conduct disciplinary hearings as needed.
• Compliance – Ensure awareness of and assure compliance with federal, state, and county laws and regulations, local requirements and policy, and any other regulations or requirements impacting the funding and service delivery within assigned programs. Participate in statewide committees and work groups on mental and behavioral health issues. Provide leadership in implementing policies, procedures, and practices across mental and behavioral health areas within the Department and with contracted providers.
• Collaboration – Facilitates collaboration among all mental and behavioral health services to ensure consistent implementation of these policies and procedures and to ensure continuous consensus building and ownership.
• Strategic Planning – Coordinate with other Milwaukee County departments and service areas on joint policy initiatives and strategic planning that impacts persons with mental and behavioral health issues. Promotes authentic community engagement by building partnerships with residents, community-based organizations, youth-serving agencies, and grassroots mental health advocates to co-design solutions that strengthen community wellbeing.
• Community Support – Act as liaison and maintain positive relations with other department units, community and state groups, and agencies specifically around mental and behavioral health issues. Advances community mental wellness by maintaining strong relationships with neighborhood partners, culturally specific community groups, schools, health systems, and stakeholders committed to improving mental health access and outcomes.
• Financial Monitoring and Maintenance – Monitor the BHS budget, financial performance and maintain fiscal integrity. Continuously pursue new funding initiatives and grant applications in line with the strategic goals and objectives of the service area.
• Communication – Responds to the Department of Health and Human Services Director, County Board, MHB and County Executive on issues regarding services for mental and behavioral health to ensure efficient, effective and consumer focused delivery of services. Remains well informed of national best practices related to multi-disciplinary and cross- agency collaboration that benefit children and adults and report out to stakeholders. Responds to media requests with assistance of the Communications Director.
• Legislative Representation – Represent Milwaukee County at state, regional and federal meetings on service/program issues including new legislation impacting mental and behavioral health issues for children and adults, as well as maintaining state and federal policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required education, License/Certification and Experiences

• Valid Driver’s License and a reliable insured vehicle are required and must be maintained throughout incumbency
• Master’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Social Work, Psychology or closely related field required
• Five (5) years or more of work experience in Mental and Behavioral Health required
• Five (5) years or more of work experience in a Management or Director role required
• Intermediate knowledge of all related computer and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams required

Preferred Education, License/Certification and Experiences

• Previous clinical experience preferred
• Mental Health clinical licensure preferred
• Education or formal training in Population Health, Public Health, Community Health, or related fields preferred
• Background or coursework in Child Development, Early Childhood Mental Health, or Family Studies preferred

NOTE: This position is unclassified and not subject to Civil Service Rules and Regulations. This original application is open to qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of appointment and maintain such residency during incumbency. During the application process please upload your updated resume and cover letter outlining experience.

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Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.