Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The mission of DBHIDS is to improve the health status of Philadelphians in need of behavioral health and/or intellectual disability services. This is accomplished through an emphasis on recovery and resilience-focused behavioral health services, as well as an emphasis on self-determination for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The goal is to help individuals realize their goals and attain the highest quality of life possible. DBHIDS works with persons recovering from mental health and/or substance use, individuals with intellectual disabilities, families, communities and service providers to ensure that high quality services are accessible, effective and appropriate and is committed to developing a system of care that is data-driven, trauma-informed, employs evidence-based practices, promotes cultural competence and eliminates health care disparities. DBHIDS is the principle funder and provides oversight to Community Behavioral Health (CBH), a not-for-profit 501c (3) corporation contracted by the City of Philadelphia to provide mental health and substance abuse services for Philadelphia County Medicaid recipients.

Job Description

The Commissioner of DBHIDS is an innovative leader who will oversee one of the nation’s most comprehensive behavioral health systems. Recognized for its client-centered and community-focused approach, DBHIDS is a nationally acclaimed organization known for its innovation and commitment to quality care.

The Commissioner will provide strategic vision and leadership, ensuring accessible, culturally competent, and trauma-informed services. This leader will strengthen DBHIDS’ continuum of care, emphasizing client-centered and community-based initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish DBHIDS as a cohesive and accessible provider of behavioral health and intellectual disability services.
• Develop and implement a client-centered, community-informed programmatic vision.
• Improve access to services across the lifespan while enhancing quality standards and cultural competency.
• Leverage the flexibility of a behavioral health managed care system to expand services and meet community needs.
• Integrate project management, strategic planning, and quality improvement principles agency-wide.
• Support reform initiatives to address the needs of children, families, and consumers.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders, including elected officials, advocacy groups, and community organizations.

Required Skills and Competencies

Knowledge of:

• The interplay between behavioral health services and social determinants of health, such as education, housing, and justice systems.
• Programmatic strategies for mental health, substance use, and intellectual disability services.

Skills in:

• Visionary leadership and clear communication (both written and verbal).
• Collaborative, collegial leadership styles and strong interpersonal skills.
• Decisive action that reflects programmatic vision and organizational goals.

Ability to:

• Navigate political environments effectively while maintaining focus on client-centered care.
• Lead fiscal management initiatives that balance resource optimization with discipline.
• Drive systemic change and build trauma-informed, culturally competent systems of care.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a behavioral health discipline.
• 10+ years of senior management experience overseeing large behavioral health programs.
• Proven expertise in managed behavioral health systems or mental health policy.
• Experience working with political systems, advocacy organizations, and diverse urban communities.
• Demonstrated success managing organizational and cultural change in large systems.
• A track record of bold leadership, innovation, and partnership-building.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $178,640 - $267,959

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx