Branch Chief of Housing - Placement and Grants

Salary: $138,713.12 - $177,037.12 The County of Santa Barbara'sBehavioral Wellness Departmentis seeking a dynamic and strategic Branch Chief of Housingleader to oversee complex, high-impact health services operations in Santa Barbara, CA. This senior management role leads multiple programs and teams with significant operational scope and organizational influence, driving innovation, accountability, regulatory compliance, and service excellence across critical health initiatives. The Housing Branch spans the behavioral health housing continuum and is responsible for developing and coordinating housing and placement resources for individuals with complex behavioral health needs. The Branch Chief will oversee housing placement strategies, contracted housing services, grants, and long-term care functions, with particular emphasis on increasing appropriate community-based placement capacity and supporting transitions from higher levels of care. A significant focus of this position will be developing strategies to return individuals currently placed outside of Santa Barbara County to appropriate local placements when clinically, legally, and operationally appropriate. The Branch Chief will work across Behavioral Wellness programs and with community providers, housing organizations, long-term care facilities, fiscal and contracts staff, and other County partners to address placement barriers, maximize available housing resources, and develop new housing opportunities. This