Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCM908: Deputy County Manager for Behavioral Health

Deputy County Manager for Behavioral Health

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM908
EX14
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
155,750.00 - 233,633.00 USD Annual
$74.88 - $93.60 - $112.32
$155,750.00 - $194,688.00 - $233,633.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Deputy County Manager for Behavioral Health guides the strategic direction and ongoing implementation of Bernalillo County’s Behavioral Health Division. Responsibilities include planning, directing, managing, and overseeing all division operations, including direct care services and contracted community programs. The division plays a critical role in the county’s social safety net, supporting a broad network of behavioral health providers. Services address substance use disorders, behavioral health crises, addiction treatment, and harm reduction. The position fosters collaboration with County departments (including Public Safety and Criminal Justice), and with local, state, and national entities—both governmental and non-governmental. Supervisory duties include hiring, training, performance evaluation, coaching, and disciplinary actions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Direct all administrative operations of the Behavioral Health Division, including a 24-hour care campus, transitional and supportive housing, re-entry centers, shelters, and community-based programs. Develop and administer policies and procedures for effective program and facility management.
  • Manage the division’s strategic direction, including the development and implementation of vision, mission, goals, policies, funding initiatives, and service delivery models.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards. Oversee relationships with government agencies, proposals for federal/state program participation, and adherence to all mandatory practices.
  • Set service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods, procedures, and resource allocation.
  • Oversee division planning and coordination through subordinate staff and local partnerships. Ensure alignment with strategic goals and evaluate division performance and operations.
  • Manage contract oversight, monitoring, and performance evaluation for behavioral and community health providers. Integrate data analysis and program evaluation into decision-making and support provider capacity-building.
  • Conduct fiscal and cost-benefit analyses. Lead implementation of special projects involving performance monitoring, data systems, strategic improvements, and reporting.
  • Oversee division operations to ensure timely execution of services, achievement of program goals, and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and County policies.
  • Coordinate with internal departments and external partners (including law enforcement, fire/rescue, youth detention, and mobile crisis teams) on data sharing, continuity of care, and related initiatives through the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and other collaborative efforts.
  • Implement quality assurance and improvement systems for behavioral health, crisis response, substance use disorder treatment, and community health services.
  • Oversee the development of trauma-responsive, evidence-based harm reduction and behavioral health programs, ensuring a holistic approach to care through community partnerships and staff coordination.
  • Manage supervisory tasks including hiring, termination, disciplinary actions, and performance evaluations.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, records, and decisions as required.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Health Administration, or a related field.
  • Twelve (12) years of directly related work experience.
  • Five (5) years working in a management capacity.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PREFERENCES

  • Experience in public speaking and effectively presenting to Commissioners, elected officials, legislative bodies, and behavioral health stakeholders.
  • Experience responding to media inquiries and representing the organization in a professional and effective manner.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Successful completion of a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
  • Compliance with all County safety guidelines.
  • Completion of required FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.
  • Completion of required supervisory training, if applicable.
  • Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of employment and maintenance of a valid license throughout employment.
  • In accordance with the Caregivers Criminal History Screening Act (NMSA 1978, Sections 29-17-1 through 29-17-5), new hires in Behavioral Health Services must complete a caregiver criminal history screening. A conviction for a disqualifying condition is grounds for termination or disqualification from hire if present at the time of application.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Most duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Some duties are performed outdoors, exposing the employee to various weather conditions.
  • Indoor surfaces are typically dry, carpeted or tiled, and may involve the use of stairs.
  • Outdoor surfaces may be even or uneven, wet or dry, and may include natural ground, asphalt, or concrete.
  • Outdoor work may require use of stairs or ladders and may occur on hills or inclines.
  • The employee may be on call for emergency situations.
  • Work may involve high-stress situations.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Office equipment used includes a telephone, computer, printer, photocopier, fax machine, and calculator.
  • Materials handled include files, forms, reports, paperwork, and basic office supplies.
  • First aid equipment, oxygen, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment may be used as needed.
  • A County vehicle may be operated as assigned.

Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM