Behavioral Health Administrator

The Behavioral Health Administrator is responsible for the administration, coordination and oversight of the Pennsylvania Courts’ Office of Behavioral Health. The Office of Behavioral Health works to improve court responses to behavioral health challenges within the judicial system. The office was created to identify gaps in the system, address key issues, including access to services and support, and pinpoint intersections between at-risk populations and the courts. This office is focused on improving court responses, identifying and supporting continuums of care, and assisting with measuring outcomes for court-involved individuals and families facing behavioral health challenges in Pennsylvania. Through collaboration with government partners, the Behavioral Health Administrator serves as liaison between the AOPC and judges, government officials, criminal justice professionals, and other stakeholders about behavioral health matters. This position provides leadership and technical assistance to local jurisdictions and conducts in-person and virtual education, training and programs for judges and court staff.

Job Duties

• Collaborates with the State Court Administrator and Judicial District Operations leadership to establish short-term and long-term goals, priorities, action plans, and deadlines for the Office of Behavioral Health.  Works closely with the Office of Behavioral Health staff to recommend program improvements and initiatives while effectively managing tasks to achieve set objectives.                 

• Organizes and leads regular meetings with the Behavioral Health Executive Committee, facilitating discussions among leaders from state and local government agencies to review statewide behavioral health concerns, prioritize initiatives, and develops solutions to enhance court and community responses to behavioral health challenges.                      

• Provides direction and guidance to Judicial co-chairs and the seven Regional Councils to enhance county-state collaboration, identify resource gaps, and track progress.  Assists with planning virtual and in-person meetings and provides technical assistance in developing content for meetings and presentations. Supports regional initiatives and local projects.

• Encourages the leadership of each County Action Team to meet regularly to plan local initiatives and report to their regional council. Provides technical assistance and support as needed to the local teams.

• Offers technical support to County Action Teams and Regional Councils in developing programs and collaborating with stakeholders to drive systemic change.

• Plans and coordinates periodic statewide Behavioral Summits or Regional Summits to elevate the work being done regionally and statewide.

• Oversees and administers regular in-person and virtual training for judges and court staff on behavioral health issues.

• Serves as liaison and primary point of contact to justices, judges, district court administration, government agencies, and committees on behavioral health initiatives.   

• Prepares analysis and recommendations regarding behavioral health proposals, rules, statutes, or policies. Engages regularly with the AOPC Legislative Affairs Director to stay informed of pending legislation related to behavioral health topics.

• Networks with other statewide court behavioral health administrators to stay informed of national trends and developments. Represents the judiciary on intergovernmental bodies in Pennsylvania dealing with behavioral health issues.                   

• Collaborates with Treatment Courts Administrator on mental health court and related behavioral health matters.           

• Plans and manages the budget for the Office of Behavioral Health and considers future funding needs for upcoming summits and planned events. Research and share grant opportunities with County Action Teams. Research and consider grant opportunities that can fund future projects for the Office.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field, or a field related to mental health or behavioral science, AND

• Four years of experience in court management or five years of experience performing professional analytical work in program analysis.

• Knowledge of mental health law and treatment systems.

• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training may be considered.

Additional Requirements/Preferences

• Grant writing and/or grant administration experience preferred.

• Occasional overnight travel required.

• Valid driver’s license required.

• Satisfactory criminal background check required.

Job Highlights

• Excellent benefits program, including comprehensive, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans for employees and eligible family members beginning on the first day of employment.

• 13 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 12+ paid vacation days per year.

• Salary increases, employee assistance programs, and State retirement plans.

Salary information

Starting Annual Salary

$80,606 - $97,123

Applicants requiring accommodation, for any part of the application and/or interview process, should contact Human Resources at (717) 231-3309 or human.resources@pacourts.us.