Director of Behavioral Health Services

DIVISION DIRECTOR

Behavioral Health Services

Kenosha County is seeking a leader to guide its behavioral health services, shaping programs and partnerships that improve the wellbeing of residents in our community. As Director of the Division of Behavioral Health Services, you will serve in a high-impact leadership role where your expertise and commitment to person-centered care can strengthen services and create lasting change. If this sounds like the role for you, apply today and help lead meaningful change.


2026 Hiring Range: $97,323 – $115,861 annually

Position Summary and Job Duties

Reporting to the Human Services Director, the Director of the Division of Behavioral Health Services is responsible for the overall administration of Kenosha County’s behavioral health services. The director will lead a team involving direct staff and contracted agencies to plan, manage and coordinate the division’s programs and budget, monitoring outcomes and assuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations and industry standards of services. This role will be the department’s liaison to stakeholders and policymakers involved with the populations served by the division. Job duties include:

• Leads and administers the operations of the division, developing, communicating and reviewing goals and expectations for direct-report staff and contracted services
• Assures that division services are customer focused, person centered and culturally respectful
• Initiates and participates in local meetings and events to understand resident needs and engage with stakeholders for coordination and service improvement
• Oversees the development and monitoring of state contracts and grants and licenses
• Participates in provider selection and contracting process
• Participates in budget development, expense review and revenue generating strategies
• Participates in grant identification and proposal development
• Maintains a positive relationship with state staff; participates directly or assures representation of the division at state meetings
• Presents reports to citizen oversight and county board committees
• Assures quality review of all programs and participation in quality improvement strategies
• Responds to, meets with, provides coaching of, staff to address difficult consumer issues and complaints
• Recommends members and holds meetings for the required behavioral health committees in accordance with state requirements
• Facilitates staff and management meetings
• Assures that materials and communications created and/or distributed from the division meet the highest level of accuracy and professionalism
• Assure compliance of division activities with all applicable laws, regulations and contract requirements
• Reviews proposed legislation and policy and communicates their impact on the populations served in a non-partisan manner in accordance with county policy
• Performs other work as required or assigned

Success Factors

• Knowledge and understanding of harm reduction principles
• Knowledge of community stakeholders and resources
• Knowledge of best practices, current research, and funding trends and sources
• Knowledge and understanding of evidence-based principles and programs
• Skill in written and oral communication
• Skill in leadership with demonstrated ability to apply currently accepted leadership principles with direct supports and teams
• Skill in creative thinking, customer service, and advocacy
• Ability to work productively with local boards and committees, state staff and policy makers
• Ability to work with diverse groups
• Ability to remain courteous and professional at all times
• Ability to lead and develop a diverse workforce and promote a sense of belonging for all staff
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment

Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience

Required Education and Experience

• Possession of a Master’s Degree in human services, public administration or related field
• 5 years of experience working at a management level in public sector human services
• Or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

Other Job Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle for use in the performance of the job
• The ability to work in non-standard business hours, including evening meetings

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment, with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally, and up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• Frequent standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time, walking for extended periods of time, stooping, bending, climbing stairs, and constant use of a computer
• Constant requirement to hear normal speech; constant hearing and talking on telephone; ability to hear faint sound
• Potential contact with hostile individuals; exposure to emergency situations; may be exposed to trauma, grief, and death; frequent public contact; decision-making and concentration
• Vision standards required by Division of Motor Vehicles to operate a motor vehicle

Selection Process

• Application Review - Qualifying
• Oral Interview - Qualifying
• Background Check - Qualifying
• Drug Screen - Qualifying

If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, July 17, 2026, at 12:00 noon.

To learn more about the Kenosha County Division of Behavioral Health Services, please visit:

Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.

The full pay grade for this position is E13 (Min. $97,323 – Max. $134,398 annually).

We are located in Kenosha County, an expanding community along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago. To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, please visit: or

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.