Chief Operating Officer (, FL, United States)

Description

New Horizons is the largest mental health and addiction recovery provider on the Treasure Coast (and beyond), serving 15,000 children and adults annually through inpatient crisis services, 24‑hour help line and mobile response team, and outpatient programs conveniently located across Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties. In addition, New Horizons assists 22,000 students in area schools, and we work closely with the courts, law enforcement, jails, and hospitals to help improve the health of individuals and the quality of life in our community.

New Horizons is seeking a Chief Operating Officer who will serve as the executive leader responsible for the daily operational management, strategic execution, and organizational performance of New Horizons of the Treasure Coast & Okeechobee (NHTC). Working in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors, the COO provides oversight of organizational operations while ensuring operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and strategic growth.

The COO serves as the bridge between executive leadership and operational departments by translating organizational strategy into measurable results, fostering collaboration, removing operational barriers, and promoting a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and exceptional service delivery. The COO champions organizational initiatives that improve employee engagement, patient access, financial sustainability, technology advancement, regulatory readiness, and community partnerships while ensuring New Horizons remains positioned to meet the evolving behavioral healthcare needs of the communities it serves.

As a Chief Operating Officer, your responsibilities include:

1. Provide executive oversight for organizational operations including:
   • Information Technology (IT)
   • Finance
   • Quality Assurance (QA)
   • Revenue Cycle Management (RCM)
   • Utilization Review (UR)
   • Facilities and Infrastructure
   • Operational Support Services
   • Strategic Initiatives
2. Serve as the primary communication bridge between Directors and the CEO, promoting organizational alignment, transparency, and timely decision‑making.
3. Identify operational efficiencies and recommend organizational restructuring when appropriate.
4. Provide coaching, mentorship, and leadership development to Directors and executive leaders.
5. Conduct regular skip‑level meetings with employees to obtain feedback regarding leadership effectiveness, communication, employee engagement, and organizational culture.
6. Partner with Human Resources to:
   • Recruit, interview, and select executive leadership positions
   • Develop leadership competencies
   • Support employee engagement, retention, and organizational culture initiatives
7. Financial Stewardship:
   • Review monthly financial statements and operational performance
   • Review payroll expenditures, overtime utilization, staffing trends, and labor costs
   • Collaborate with Finance, Revenue Cycle, and external consultants to improve financial performance
   • Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning
8. Contracts, Legal Affairs & Risk Management:
   • Review and negotiate organizational contracts
   • Partner with legal counsel regarding contractual and operational matters
   • Evaluate vendor relationships to maximize organizational value
   • Support enterprise risk management initiatives
9. Communications & Organizational Brand:
   • Ensure communications align with organizational mission, strategic priorities, and brand standards
   • Partner with Human Resources and Marketing to promote employee engagement, recruitment, and community awareness initiatives
10. Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation:
    • Serve as executive lead during announced and unannounced surveys
    • Coordinate corrective action plans following audits and regulatory reviews
    • Monitor compliance with organizational policies, contractual obligations, and accreditation standards

Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Healthcare Leadership, or related field preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Must pass Level 2 Background through DCF and AHCA Clearinghouse. For more information, click on the link:

Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience.
• Five (5) or more years of executive healthcare leadership experience preferred.
• Experience within behavioral healthcare, nonprofit healthcare, hospital operations, or community mental health preferred.
• Experience leading regulatory surveys, accreditation activities, strategic planning, financial management, and organizational operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional executive leadership skills.
• Strong financial and operational management expertise.
• Knowledge of behavioral healthcare regulations.
• Experience with CARF accreditation.
• Knowledge of Revenue Cycle Management and healthcare finance.
• Experience with strategic planning and organizational development.
• Strong presentation and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to influence leaders and drive organizational change.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Experience with EHR systems, Paylocity, reporting platforms, and business analytics.