San Francisco DPH human resources team fills 207 behavioral health vacancies post-emergency declaration

The San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) held a meeting on July 4, 2025, to celebrate a significant achievement in addressing the urgent staffing needs related to the Tenderloin emergency declaration. The meeting highlighted the successful efforts of the DPH human resources team in expediting the hiring process to fill over 200 vacancies in behavioral health services and Mental Health SF, which were critical in responding to the ongoing crises of mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting began with an acknowledgment of the challenges faced in the Tenderloin area, where residents experienced prolonged waits for essential outpatient services and intensive care management. In response to these pressing issues, Mayor London Breed issued an emergency declaration on December 17, 2021, prompting immediate action from the DPH human resources team.

The HR team, led by Scott DeWolfe and Kimberly Walden, undertook the monumental task of recruiting and hiring from scratch, as many of the positions lacked an active eligibility list. Their innovative strategies and collaboration with various stakeholders, including the city's Human Resources Department and mental health staff, resulted in the successful filling of 207 positions by March 31, 2022.

The meeting recognized the exemplary commitment of the recruitment and merit team, as well as the operations team, for their coordinated response to the state of emergency in the Tenderloin. The teams organized multiple mass onboarding events, significantly speeding up the hiring process and demonstrating what can be achieved when dedicated professionals work together to tackle San Francisco's health disparities.

In conclusion, the meeting served not only to celebrate the accomplishments of the DPH human resources team but also to emphasize the ongoing need for effective staffing solutions in the face of public health challenges. The DPH continues to prioritize addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in San Francisco, ensuring that critical services are available to those who need them most.