Director of Behavioral Health - Correctional Medicine

Hiring Department : Department of Family and Community Medicine Location : Rockford, IL USA Requisition ID : 1043404 Salary : The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $82,000 to $87,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. About The University Of Illinois Chicago UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Position Summary The Director of Behavioral Health is responsible for ensuring optimal and timely care for detainees at the Winnebago County Justice Center (WCJC). This position is responsible for performing behavioral health assessments to determine detainees' level of mental health functioning, evaluating the presence of mental health and/or substance use disorders, and providing individual and group counseling sessions. This position also has administrative and leadership responsibilities, including the supervision, coordination, and scheduling of the behavioral health team. Additional responsibilities include overseeing data collection for the county, and both monitoring and reporting of data. This position works under the supervision of the Chief Psychiatrist. Duties & Responsibilities Provide supervision and written performance evaluations to the behavioral health team, manage day-to-day work assignments and schedules, mentor and support the onboarding of new hires. Perform behavioral health assessments of detainees, diagnose behavioral health and substance use disorders, and make referrals for treatment services within WCJC as well as post-discharge services. Develop comprehensive behavioral health treatment plans addressing detainees’ mental health, substance use disorder, and social service needs. Provide individual and group counseling sessions and education to detainees. Provide education and training to WCJC staff related to behavioral health needs of the detainee population. Provide social service recommendations to corrections and criminal justice professionals regarding detainee cases. Coordinate with the judicial system to optimize detainee care and outcomes. Enter data into electronic medical records for patient encounters, group visits, and assessments. Provide timely reports for monthly departmental meetings as well as those required by the WCJC. Attend administrative, leadership, team, and multidisciplinary meetings. Monitor the quality of care provided by the behavioral health team. Performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree from an accredited school or university in social or behavioral science Unrestricted State of IL licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker OR Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor OR Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, required by the start date. Preferred Qualifications Experience providing clinical supervision. Demonstrated leadership experience. Previous correctional healthcare experience or experience working with underserved or justice-involved patient populations. Experience related to substance use and co-occurring disorders. Application Instructions To apply, include a cover letter, résumé, and list three professional references. Applications will be accepted through Friday, December 4th, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central Time. The search committee will begin reviewing applications shortly after the fullest consideration date. Candidates selected to move forward in the search process will be contacted following the committee's initial review. Fullest consideration date: Friday, November 20, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central Time. The search committee will review applications received before this date for early action. Final date to apply: Friday, December 4th, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central Time. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. #J-18808-Ljbffr