Director of Mental Health Program Manager Senior IV

Introduction

Join the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) in Maryland for a fulfilling career offering excellent benefits including pension, competitive salary, paid leave, and opportunities for advancement. DPSCS is one of Maryland’s largest departments with nearly 12,000 staff and over $1 billion budget, focusing on enhancing public safety through security and innovative restorative justice programs aiding offender reintegration.

Role Overview

This executive service role as Director at Patuxent Institution involves senior leadership, strategic oversight, and administration of Maryland’s sole treatment-focused correctional institution. Responsibilities include managing behavioral health programs, custody operations, fiscal oversight, compliance to state and federal mandates, and driving the institution’s mission of public safety via evidence-based offender rehabilitation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all institutional operations including behavioral sciences, clinical treatment, custody, fiscal and human resource management, maintenance, and support services.
• Develop strategic priorities aligned with DPSCS goals ensuring operational efficiency, accountability, legal compliance, and continuous institutional improvement.
• Direct clinical programs including the Eligible Person Program, Patuxent Youth Program, mental health units, and community reintegration services emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Fulfill statutory duties under Maryland Correctional Services Article 4-203, prepare annual institutional reports, and actively participate in the Institutional Board of Review decisions on parole and release eligibility.
• Represent the institution to government leaders, oversight bodies, community groups, advocacy organizations, and professional entities, fostering partnerships to advance correctional programming and public safety.
• Oversee executive staff including associate directors, wardens, clinical and administrative leaders, managing recruitment, performance, succession planning, and cultivating a culture of professionalism and accountability.
• Manage budget planning, capital projects, staffing, procurement, grants, and financial stewardship adhering to state regulations and promoting resource efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Psychology, Psychiatry, Behavioral Health, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or related area.
• A minimum of eight years progressively responsible experience in correctional administration or related behavioral health or public administration areas, with at least four years managing professional or managerial personnel.
• Experience in directing complex operations, budgeting, policy development, and multidisciplinary team leadership, particularly in behavioral health or correctional program settings.

Selective and Preferred Qualifications

• Must be licensed or eligible for licensure as a psychologist in Maryland.
• Executive leadership background in corrections, forensic, behavioral health, or public safety organizations is preferred.
• Experience presenting to senior executives, legislators, or public stakeholders is an asset.

Additional Requirements

• Fluent English communication skills essential; professional proficiency in other languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, or Korean is advantageous.
• Ability to engage respectfully with diverse populations in institutional and community contexts.

Selection Process

Applications must fully demonstrate meeting qualifications by the deadline. Candidates will be ranked based on qualifications and placed on an eligible list valid for at least one year. Assessments may include evaluation of education, training, and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans at low cost.
• Annual personal leave starting at six days, ten days of annual leave, and fifteen days of sick leave accrued yearly.
• Up to 60 days paid parental leave.
• Minimum of twelve paid holidays annually.
• State pension and supplemental retirement options.

Application Instructions

Applications are preferred online; paper applications are accepted by mail prior to the closing date. Contact support for assistance and note that veterans, persons with disabilities, and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Maryland is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment.