Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Remove James Diel as the Acting Director of Local Mental Health Services effective August 26, 2025; and
2) Appoint Justine Collinsworth to the position of Director of Local Mental Health Services, effective August 27, 2025.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 9, Section 1111, and as required under the County’s Mental Health Plan (MHP) agreement with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), HHSA Behavioral Health Division, serving as the MHP in El Dorado County, shall have a Director of Local Mental Health Services responsible for overseeing the County’s mental health treatment programs. In accordance with California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5607, “local mental health services shall be administered by a local director of mental health services to be appointed by the governing body.”
Following the successful completion of the recruitment and selection process for the HHSA position of Director of Behavioral Health, Justine Collinsworth, meets the Director of Local Mental Health Services provisions outlined in CCR, Title 9, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 8, Section 620(d). HHSA recommends the Board appoint Justine Collinsworth as the County’s permanent Director of Local Mental Health Services, succeeding James Diel, who has been serving in the Acting role since April 8, 2025.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could recommend an alternative appointment, however this role is historically filled by the Director of Behavioral Health.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
04/08/25, 25-0199, HHSA Appointment of Acting Mental Health Director
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to Net County Cost associated with this item. The Director of Behavioral Health position is allocated in the Personnel Allocation and included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget....
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