Director of Operations (Behavioral Health)

Director of Operations

Department: Administrative
Position Classification: Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the day-to-day operational excellence of the treatment center. This position focuses on supporting Directors, clinical leadership, staff, and clients by maintaining smooth, efficient, and compliant operations across all programs. The Director of Operations serves as a strategic and hands-on leader who understands how all operational pieces fit together — from census flow and admissions to attendance, discharges, housing coordination, and financial performance metrics.

This role is highly collaborative and data-informed, with a strong emphasis on leadership, accountability, and support rather than direct billing execution. While financial awareness is essential, this position is designed to oversee operational health and performance within a primarily Medicaid-based environment.

The Director of Operations has the authority to act on behalf of program leadership when needed and plays a critical role in ensuring continuity, stability, and quality across the organization.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership & Support
• Serve as a trusted operational partner to Executive, Program, Clinical, and Site Directors.
• Maintain a strong understanding of daily operations across all treatment programs (PHP, IOP, OP).
• Provide leadership presence during operational challenges, escalations, and crisis situations.
• Support Directors in problem-solving, workflow optimization, and decision-making.
• Act as an operational bridge between leadership, staff, and clients.

Census, Admissions & Client Flow Oversight
• Monitor daily census across all programs and locations.
• Track admissions, discharges, step-ups, step-downs, and transitions of care.
• Identify trends impacting census stability, access, and retention.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Clinical, and Housing teams to resolve bottlenecks or gaps.
• Support attendance improvement strategies and accountability efforts.

Performance Metrics & Financial Awareness
• Track and monitor revenue per client per week and overall program performance.
• Review attendance, engagement, and utilization trends that impact financial health.
• Partner with leadership to identify operational drivers affecting revenue and sustainability.
• Maintain high-level awareness of reimbursement structures within a Medicaid environment.
• Provide operational insights to support forecasting and growth planning.

Housing & Facility Operations
• Provide oversight and coordination related to affiliated recovery housing operations.
• Address housing-related operational issues impacting client care and retention.
• Oversee facility operations including safety, maintenance, and environment of care.
• Ensure facilities meet regulatory, safety, and quality standards.

Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Ensure operations align with state, federal, and accreditation requirements.
• Support audits, site visits, and regulatory reviews.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and operational audits.
• Monitor safety, environment of care, and risk management concerns.
• Ensure policies and procedures are implemented consistently across programs.

Staff Support & Leadership Development
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training processes in collaboration with Directors.
• Promote a positive, accountable, and mission-driven workplace culture.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and operational support to leadership and staff.
• Assist with performance management and corrective action when needed.
• Model professionalism, ethical decision-making, and strong leadership behaviors.

Communication & Collaboration
• Facilitate clear and timely communication across departments.
• Participate actively in leadership meetings and operational reviews.
• Serve as an operational liaison with external partners as needed.
• Ensure leadership has accurate and actionable operational data.

Documentation & Reporting
• Ensure operational reports, census tracking, and performance data are accurate and timely.
• Support leadership with reporting related to operations, quality, and performance metrics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Five (5) or more years of healthcare operations experience preferred.
• Experience in behavioral health or substance use treatment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supporting multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong operational, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Travel Required (withing Ohio)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
• Strong understanding of treatment center operations and workflows.
• Data-driven mindset with ability to interpret operational and performance metrics.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead through influence, collaboration, and accountability.
• High ethical standards and commitment to client-centered care.
• Adaptable, solutions-oriented, and calm under pressure.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This role operates in a professional healthcare and office environment. Physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

POSITION TYPE & SCHEDULE
Full-time position, Monday through Friday with occasional evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities as required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable laws including ADA regulations.