Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

About The Position
The Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is seeking a visionary and qualified leader to serve as the Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for the State of Oklahoma. This executive role is responsible for overseeing the direction and administration of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), including its statewide facilities, programs, and initiatives.

The Commissioner provides strategic oversight to ensure access to quality mental health and substance use services for all Oklahomans, with a special focus on individuals who are underserved or without the means to pay. The role requires effective leadership across clinical, operational, legislative, and policy-making domains, as well as a commitment to public health innovation, stakeholder collaboration, and organizational excellence.

This Governor appointed role reports to both the Governor and to the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and serves at its discretion, with removal only for cause, as defined by Oklahoma Statutes.

Job Type/Salary

• Application period: Until filled
• Full-time
• Vacancies: 1
• Salary: Subject to Executive Compensation Schedule on the OMES website.
• FLSA Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications (per Oklahoma Statutes

• 43A-2-201):

The Commissioner must meet at least one of the following qualifications:

• Possession of a Doctor of Medicine Degree and a license to practice medicine in Oklahoma
• Possession of an Osteopathic Medicine Degree and a license to practice medicine in Oklahoma
• Possession of a Doctor of Public Health Degree
• Possession of a Doctoral Degree in Psychology and a license to practice psychology in Oklahoma
• Possession of a Master of Public Health Degree and a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience in the administration of health services
• Possession of a Master of Arts or a Master's Degree in Business Administration, Social Science, or a related field, and a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience in the administration of health services

Preferred Qualifications And Experience

• Extensive executive-level leadership experience within public health, behavioral health, or healthcare administration
• Proven experience managing large-scale public systems or multidisciplinary clinical operations
• Strong understanding of government policy, health regulations, and fiscal oversight
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience with legislative advocacy and public representation

Special Requirements

• Applicants must be willing and able to travel in and out of state as required and must possess a valid driver's license

Benefit Highlights
ODMHSAS is proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their families, including:

• Generous state-paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
• Multiple health plan options with no pre-existing condition exclusions
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare or dependent care
• 11 paid holidays
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave during the first year
• Retirement savings plan with a generous employer match
• Longevity bonus based on years of service
• Access to professional development and continuing education resources

About Us
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) is the state's safety net provider for mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. The agency operates multiple state-run facilities and partners with community providers across Oklahoma to deliver prevention, treatment, and recovery support services that improve the lives of Oklahomans.

Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.