Director of Behavioral Health

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive Compensation – Salary and benefits package designed to reward your expertise, leadership, and contributions.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options to support you and your family.
• Future Security – 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) to support work-life balance and personal well-being.
• Career Growth Opportunities – Professional development, leadership training, and advancement opportunities across our organization.
• Recognition & Reward Programs – We celebrate employee achievements and contributions to our success.
• Exclusive Employee Discounts & Perks – Access to special savings and benefits designed for our team members.

Role: Director of Behavioral Health
Location: Lower Keys Medical Center

Schedule: Day Shift Hours

Job Summary 

The Director of Behavioral Health is responsible for overseeing, establishing, and planning the department's overall policies and goals. This role involves patient assessments and care planning, as well as assisting patients and their families in adjusting to new environments. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected as they rely on their experience and judgment to accomplish goals and lead others. The director is familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures, and typically reports to top management. 

Essential Functions

• Provides strategic direction and operational oversight for all Behavioral Health services, ensuring alignment with hospital and system-wide goals.
• Oversees patient assessment, treatment planning, and discharge processes to ensure individualized, clinically appropriate, and coordinated care.
• Collaborates with medical staff, nursing, social services, and ancillary departments to coordinate and optimize patient care delivery.
• Monitors clinical and operational outcomes, including quality indicators, patient satisfaction, length of stay, and readmission rates; develops action plans for improvement as needed.
• Maintains oversight of patient safety, seclusion/restraint practices, and crisis intervention procedures to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and patient rights.
• Collaborates with case management and community agencies to facilitate appropriate patient transitions and continuity of care.
• Serves as a clinical resource for staff in the management of complex psychiatric or behavioral cases.
• Coordinates with risk management and quality departments to investigate and address behavioral health-related incidents, trends, or performance gaps.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management
  • Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
  • Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
  • Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation and long-term planning.
  • Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.
  • Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.
  • Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.
  • Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.
  • Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities
  • May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required or
• Seven (7) plus years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree required
• Master's Degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in closely related field with Bachelor's degree required
• 3-5 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools. 

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure Registered Nurse required or
• LMSW - Licensed Medical Social Worker - State Licensure required

Why Work at Lower Keys Medical Center?
At Lower Keys Medical Center, we’re more than healthcare providers, we’re a team dedicated to compassionate care and community wellness. Join us for a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our patients every day. Your skills, your passion, and your commitment matter here.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.

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