Behavioral Health Director

The Behavioral Health Director provides strategic, clinical, and operational leadership for behavioral health services across the organization. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health care that is compliant with regulatory standards, financially sustainable, and aligned with organizational goals. The Director is responsible for program development, staff leadership, quality outcomes, and integration of behavioral health services within multidisciplinary care models.

The Behavioral Health Director is responsible for the maintenance of the Horizon Health/Client hospital contractual relationship(s) and in coordination with the client, the overall administration of patient care for the Program.

Responsibilities

• Strong knowledge of behavioral health clinical standards and best practices
• In-depth understanding of healthcare regulations, accreditation, and reimbursement models
• Ability to evaluate clinical quality and implement performance improvement initiatives
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Resilient, adaptable, and mission-driven leadership style
• Ability to manage stress appropriately and channels concerns appropriately
• Ability to build effective relationships with physicians, nurses, therapists, executives, and community partners
• Skilled at conflict resolution and staff engagement
• Ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and develop actionable strategies
• Experience using metrics to improve clinical, financial, and operational outcomes
• High ethical standards and commitment to patient-centered care
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Performs other duties as assigned/required by this position.

Clinical & Program Leadership

• Provide clinical oversight for behavioral health programs, ensuring patient safety, quality outcomes, and evidence-based practices
• Develop, implement, and evaluate behavioral health services, programs, and treatment models
• In coordination with the Hospital, Ensures compliance with federal, state, and accrediting agency regulations (e.g., CMS, Joint Commission, state licensing agencies)
• Collaborate with medical, nursing, and ancillary leadership to integrate behavioral health services across care settings
• Directs departmental staff involved in multidisciplinary teams to address process improvements involving patients, employees, other customers or teams appropriately
• Defines the philosophy, goals and objectives of the treatment program under the direction of hospital administration, Horizon’s clinical and operations staff and in conjunction with the Medical Director
• Works with divisional and national support staff to ensure that the client hospital realizes maximum value from Horizon services

Operational & Administrative Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of behavioral health departments, including inpatient, outpatient, and/or community-based services
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, including staffing models and resource allocation
• Analyze performance metrics, patient outcomes, and utilization data to drive continuous improvement
• Lead initiatives related to access to care, patient flow, and care coordination

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, mentor, and evaluate behavioral health clinical and support staff
• Promote a culture of professional growth, accountability, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, competencies, and licensure requirements are maintained
• Support staff education, training, and competency validation

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Lead quality improvement initiatives focused on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience
• Respond to regulatory reviews, audits, and corrective action plans
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, patient rights, and confidentiality requirements

Strategic Planning & Community Engagement

• Participate in organizational strategic planning related to behavioral health services
• Identify opportunities for service expansion, partnerships, and program innovation
• Represent the organization in community, professional, and regulatory settings as appropriate