Behavioral Health Director

About the Role

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) seeks a Behavioral Health Director to lead behavioral health services across our organization. The position is based at our HQ Center and will oversee program planning, clinical support, integration of services, and strategic partnership development. The director will manage risk, data analysis, grant applications, staff training, and technology integration to ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective behavioral health care.

• Develop and implement clinical practices and service models for behavioral health services across the agency, optimizing quality, outcomes, efficiency, and financial sustainability.
• Provide clinical consultation, support, and oversight of challenging clinical situations, including final clinical decision on risk‑laden client situations.
• Partner with Executive Directors and the VP of Program Development and Operations to analyze data, recommend improvements, and ensure achievement of agency goals.
• Contribute to grant applications and, once secured, offer guidance on program planning and implementation.
• Support Executive Directors, Program Directors, and supervisors in meeting behavioral health performance expectations.
• Collaborate with Intake staff to integrate behavioral health services with other service lines, creating a seamless system of care.
• Standardize and develop management practices and monitoring tools for all behavioral health areas, ensuring alignment with agency values and strategic goals.
• Ensure consistency of deployment and service provision across MFS sites, centers, and teams.
• Align the behavioral health service delivery system with billing, quality management, and operational systems to minimize risk for clients and staff.
• Lead internal and external stakeholders in developing strategic and innovative behavioral health programs responsive to changing needs, funder requirements, and compliance.
• Maintain documentation systems aligned with accreditation and funder mandates.
• Collaborate with IT, Evaluation and Outcomes, Operations, and Revenue Cycle Management to guide technology implementation, including the EHR.
• Work with the Training Manager to keep staff training current with best practices, funding, and accreditation requirements.
• Coordinate with the Director of Government Affairs to monitor legislative impacts and advocate for supportive policies.
• Identify, develop, and cultivate strategic partnerships to support agency mission and growth.
• Represent the Agency at external meetings and build relationships with key representatives of private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
• Champion collaborative communication across all departments to ensure program alignment and efficiency.
• Provide input in hiring of behavioral health program directors and supervisors.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated success in managing supervisory staff and overseeing behavioral health services.
• Proven record of improving organizational processes and driving change management.
• Collaborative relationship‑building with program staff, leadership, and administration.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment and meet multiple deadlines.
• Highly motivated self‑starter capable of working independently and owning processes.
• High level of emotional intelligence and self‑awareness.
• Client‑focused, mission‑driven attitude.
• Operational ability at both hands‑on and strategic levels.
• Minimum ten years in behavioral health services or related fields, including program development, delivery, and supervision of clinical staff.
• Strong decision‑making and leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and team‑building skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

• Master’s Degree.
• Illinois LCSW or LCPC license.

• Pass all relevant screening and criminal background checks.

• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.

While performing essential duties, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods,…