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
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Join us in transforming behavioral health services in rural MissouriApply today!