The Iowa Judicial Branch is seeking applicants for a Statewide Behavioral Health Manager within State Court Administration. This position works with state and community stakeholders to strengthen responses at the intersection of behavioral health and the courts, with a focus on diverting individuals with serious mental illness from deeper involvement in the criminal justice system. The position also supports court-involved families and children by facilitating access to evidence-based behavioral health assessment and treatment services. This position reports directly to the State Court Administrator or designee.
The Statewide Behavioral Health Manager serves as a statewide subject-matter expert on behavioral health issues impacting the courts. Key responsibilities include:
- Serving as primary staff to the State Mental Health Advisory Council, supporting cross-system collaboration on mental health and court-related issues.
- Representing Iowa courts on statewide committees, councils, and workgroups related to behavioral health and criminal justice.
- Coordinating Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) mapping efforts in court communities across the state.
- Analyzing behavioral health-related proposals, policies, statutes, and court rules, and developing recommendations for system improvement.
- Providing court-focused expertise on behavioral health issues, including community sentencing alternatives, competency evaluations and restoration, and involuntary commitments.
- Supporting development of an integrated, evidence-based treatment system for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
- Facilitating communication and coordination among courts, state agencies, community providers, and other government partners.
- Coordinating or securing training and technical assistance for problem-solving courts and court personnel related to evidence-based behavioral health practices.
- Supporting data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement efforts related to behavioral health and court involvement.
This is a full-time grant-funded position; continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funds.
What’s in it for you:
- Collaborative, positive professional work environment
- Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the Iowa communities
- Excellent benefits package
- Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave
- Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) plan
- Employee discount program
- Employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program.
The pay range for this position is $76,980.80 to $122,990.40 annually. This is a contract-covered, FLSA exempt position. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Adjustments may be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience.
Position classification is determined as the ‘best fit’ of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as a Program Manager as summarized below.
Summary
Oversee and develop program(s) that support the Iowa Judicial Branch’s mission and goals.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
- Organize daily activities based on the goals of the program(s).
- Devise program objective, metrics, and goals that support the Iowa Judicial Branch.
- Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to develop program budgets and plans.
- Develop evaluation methods and assess program(s) strengths and weaknesses.
- Develop and monitor projects that support the program’s strategic direction and goals.
- Meet with stakeholders to discuss program(s) status, updates, and events.
- May supervise staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Organizational skills and the ability to schedule and manage tasks effectively.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Presentation and communication skills.
- Reliable transportation and the ability to travel.
The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations. Please go to www.iowacourts.gov and click on the Careers page.
Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.
This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch. Candidates must follow the instructions in the “To Apply” section.
Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.
Minimum Qualifications
The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position.
- Bachelor’s degree in a closely related field of the program.
- Six (6) years of experience in the administration, operation, or execution of a program or closely related experience.
Experience may be substituted with related education on the basis that successful completion of thirty (30) semester hours or academic equivalent equals one year of experience.
A completed IJB LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certificate is equivalent to six months of education or experience for supervisory-level positions.
Preferred Qualifications
- A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field is required.
- Current licensure by the State of Iowa as one of the following:
- Psychologist (PsyD or PhD)
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Five (5) years of experience in the delivery of behavioral health treatment services.
- Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:
- Program management or organizational leadership
- System-level planning or coordination
- Strong ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary stakeholders, communicate professionally, and navigate complex systems involving courts, behavioral health providers, and government partners.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of behavioral health treatment systems, including services for individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
- Experience working across systems such as courts, criminal justice, child welfare, mental health, and substance use treatment.
- Ability to analyze policy issues, develop recommendations, and support system improvement efforts.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.