System Director, Behavioral Health

SYSTEM DIRECTOR, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH | Work From Home/Remote

WFH/Remote anywhere in the US (Eastern/Central Time Zone Preferred)

We operate in the Eastern Time Zone

Reports to:
Vice President, Hospital Services

# of Direct Reports: 1

The System Director of Behavioral Health Services provides strategic leadership, clinical oversight, and operational direction for behavioral health programs across the health system. Serving as the organization’s primary subject matter expert in behavioral health, this individual ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care that meets the mental health and substance use needs of patients and the community.

The Director will collaborate with executive leadership, physicians, nursing, and community partners to develop and implement integrated behavioral health strategies that align with the health system’s mission, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

• Serve as the system’s subject matter expert for all behavioral health services, policies, and initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to expand access to care, improve clinical outcomes, and enhance patient experience.
• Monitor emerging trends, regulatory changes, and innovations in behavioral health to inform system strategy.

• Provide clinical leadership and direction to behavioral health programs, ensuring alignment with best practice models, clinical guidelines, and accreditation standards and system standardization.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders including to ensure coordination and integration of behavioral health services throughout the continuum of care.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives focused on patient safety, outcomes, and experience.

• Ensure all behavioral health programs comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Joint Commission standards.
• Partner with compliance and quality teams to develop policies, procedures, and documentation that support regulatory readiness.

• Promote effective partnerships with community mental health agencies, social service organizations, and local/state behavioral health authorities.
• Support education, training, and professional development initiatives for staff across the health system related to behavioral health.
• Promote a culture of compassion, inclusion, and stigma reduction within the organization.

Current, active licensure LISW, LPCC, RN in good standing state(s) of operation required.

Master’s degree Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.

Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in behavioral health, including 3–5 years in a leadership role.

• Strong understanding of behavioral health regulations, evidence-based care models, and integrated behavioral health practices.

• Experience in training employees, excellent communication skills, and ability to navigate change.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; communication style that is open and fosters trust, credibility and understanding. Ability to lead through influence.
• Ability to ensure a high level of customer service for all customers including patients, physicians and other medical professionals, and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to drive clinical and operational excellence across multiple sites.
• Strong data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and change management abilities.
• Commitment to patient-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented care.

As a Bon Secours Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA…