Director Of Behavioral Health

Job Title: Director of Behavioral Health

Location: St. Joseph, Missouri (Relocation Assistance Available)

Job Type: Full-Time, Executive Leadership

Reports to: CEO

Salary: Highly competitive and commensurate with experience, with a median salary of $210,000 and a comprehensive benefits package, including relocation assistance.

Position Overview

Northwest Health Services seeks a decisive and financially minded Director of Behavioral Health to lead our community-centered behavioral health program. This role is ideal for a proactive leader who can balance clinical priorities with fiscal accountability to build a sustainable, high-performing behavioral health program.

Our CEO is committed to establishing an integrated model that meets the diverse needs of our rural community and reduces dependency on the CEO for team accountability. This unique opportunity is to independently manage a multidisciplinary team and ensure financial viability through structured oversight and creative, impactful leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Accountability: Establish clear performance standards for all team members, focusing on productivity and financial metrics. Hold staff accountable through regular performance reviews, data-driven coaching, and corrective measures, particularly addressing productivity challenges.
• Financial & Operational Management: Monitor departmental budgets, income statements, and revenue trends. Work closely with direct reports to ensure alignment with financial goals, interpret financial data, and reinforce the importance of budgetary adherence among clinicians.
• Program Development & Integration: Lead a revitalization of our behavioral health services, integrating behavioral health with primary care. Expand therapeutic models to include Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches.
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Expansion: Enhance the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program to address addiction challenges specific to our community, collaborating with psychiatry and nursing teams for comprehensive care.
• Community Partnerships & Engagement: Develop partnerships with local organizations, schools, and social services and introduce creative initiatives, such as art therapy, to expand community access and improve patient engagement in group settings.
• Therapeutic Expansion & Neurodiversity: Expand beyond Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to include group therapies and specialized assessments for neurodiverse populations. Champion group therapy implementation to optimize care access and support financial sustainability.

Qualifications

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist, LCSW, or other Medicare/Medicaid-billable credential eligible for Missouri licensure, with a clinical background complemented by demonstrated financial acumen.
• Minimum of 5 years in behavioral health leadership, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams, setting and enforcing productivity standards, and fostering a patient-centric culture with self and team accountability.
• Strong experience in budget oversight, financial management, and interpreting income statements within a healthcare setting.
• Proven success in building integrated care models in rural healthcare environments.
• Background in grants management or funding initiatives for behavioral health programs is advantageous.

Why Join Northwest Health Services?

• Mission-Driven Impact: Shape behavioral health outcomes for St. Joseph's rural community, driving sustainable change.
• Autonomous Leadership: Enjoy high independence, managing financial performance and staff accountability without CEO intervention.
• Community Focus: Collaborate with local partners to build a long-term legacy of mental health and substance use care.
• Growth & Development: Join a growing organization with opportunities to influence program direction and professional development.
• Competitive Compensation: Benefit from a competitive salary, relocation assistance, and comprehensive benefits to support professional and personal growth.

If you are a results-oriented leader with a strategic vision for community-centered behavioral health and a strong grasp of financial management, we would love to hear from you. Join us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in St. Joseph. Apply today by contacting Wayne Holt at or scheduling a discussion through Wayne's Calendly link (click here) to learn more about this role.