DIRECTOR OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

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 , plus a comprehensive benefits package and relocation assistance

Position Overview

Northwest Health Services (NWHS) is seeking a Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD) with strong financial acumen and executive leadership experience to serve as Director of Behavioral Health . This is an opportunity to lead a community-centered behavioral health program while ensuring operational sustainability and fiscal accountability .

As Director of Behavioral Health , you will be responsible for expanding and optimizing behavioral health services, overseeing financial performance, and ensuring evidence-based care in a rural healthcare environment . The ideal candidate is a results-driven leader who thrives in integrated care settings, understands budgetary oversight, and can drive measurable improvements in service delivery and financial outcomes .

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Accountability

Drive Performance & Financial Sustainability - Set clear productivity standards , oversee financial metrics, and hold staff accountable to meet clinical and operational benchmarks.

Lead a Multidisciplinary Team - Establish a culture of accountability, clinical excellence, and data-driven performance management .

Optimize Clinical Programs - Integrate evidence-based interventions , expand beyond CBT , and promote group therapy as a cost-effective, high-impact solution .

Financial & Operational Management

Budget Oversight & Fiscal Responsibility - Monitor departmental budgets, revenue trends, and financial performance , ensuring long-term sustainability.

Revenue Cycle & Grant Utilization - Align behavioral health services with value-based care models, funding opportunities, and strategic financial planning .

Data-Driven Decision Making - Utilize financial and clinical data to inform program improvements, staff performance, and service expansion .

Program Development & Integrated Care Expansion

Advance Integrated Care Models - Strengthen collaboration between primary care, psychiatry, and behavioral health for whole-person care.

Expand SUD & MAT Programs - Enhance Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services for opioid and methamphetamine addiction, in partnership with psychiatry and nursing teams .

Develop Neurodiversity & Group Therapy Services - Implement specialized assessments for neurodiverse populations and champion group therapy models to improve access and financial sustainability.

Community Engagement & Behavioral Health Innovation

Forge Strategic Partnerships - Collaborate with schools, social services, law enforcement, and public health organizations to expand outreach and service accessibility.

Drive Behavioral Health Innovation - Introduce creative treatment modalities , including art therapy, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive interventions .

Advocate for Rural Mental Health - Elevate NWHS's impact by leading initiatives that enhance behavioral health accessibility for underserved communities .

Qualifications

PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology ( Licensed or License-Eligible in Missouri ) - No LCSWs, LMFTs, or other disciplines will be considered .

Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in behavioral health administration .

Proven financial acumen - Experience in budget oversight, financial management, and revenue cycle optimization within behavioral health programs.

Demonstrated success in performance management - Ability to set and enforce clinical and financial benchmarks for staff.

Experience with rural healthcare & integrated behavioral health models is highly preferred.

Familiarity with grant funding & alternative payment models (e.g., value-based care, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, FQHC models ) is a plus.

Why Join Northwest Health Services?

Mission-Driven Impact - Shape behavioral health services in a rural healthcare setting , improving outcomes for underserved communities.

Autonomous Leadership - Lead with high independence , managing both financial and clinical performance without day-to-day CEO oversight.

Comprehensive Behavioral Health Expansion - Oversee a full-scale revitalization of behavioral health services , integrating primary care, SUD treatment, and neurodiversity programs .

Relocation Support & Competitive Compensation - Attractive salary, relocation assistance , and a comprehensive benefits package .

Long-Term Growth & Career Development - Opportunity to shape the future of behavioral health in a dynamic, growing organization .

How to Apply

If you are a strategic, results-oriented Clinical Psychologist seeking an executive leadership role in community-based behavioral health , we encourage you to apply.

Contact : Wayne Holt at

Schedule a Discussion : Click Here

Join us in transforming behavioral health services in rural Missouri -Apply today!