Director of Behavioral Health

Director of Behavioral Health

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services, the Director of Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is responsible for overseeing and directing the clinical operations of both the Intake Department and Consumer Services, as well as the Substance Use Department. This includes ensuring the effective delivery of services across both departments, establishing program goals and objectives, developing policies and procedures, evaluating program activities, and overseeing the implementation of key initiatives. The Director is tasked with ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines while ensuring that staff are well-supported and that all operational functions are executed efficiently. This position requires a leadership role that ensures high-quality care and seamless coordination across various services.

The Director of BHS will work collaboratively with other clinical and administrative staff to provide oversight of the intake and consumer services processes, and the substance use program, ensuring that all clinical resources are effectively utilized, that targets and averages are met, and that deliverables are submitted on time. Additionally, the Director will have oversight for the Substance Use Department's program development, staff workflow, and productivity, including reporting on program performance and progress. This position has potential for one work-from-home day per week that is contingent on performance.


The Director of Behavioral Health Services plays a critical role in the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA), overseeing intake and consumer services for individuals seeking mental health services, as well as the operational aspects of the substance use program. The position works under minimal supervision and involves a high level of responsibility, requiring initiative and independent judgment.


Education, Training, and Experience (including licensure and certification)

• Must be licensed as an LPHA.
• Must have at least one (1) year of formal supervisory experience in mental health care services.
• Five (5) years of experience with direct care of individuals with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) is preferred.
• Three (3) years of experience in psychopharmacology and medical/psychiatric co-morbidity preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, or Other Qualifications:

• Active license through the state of Texas as an LPC, LCSW, LMFT, RN, or Licensed Doctoral Level Psychologist is required.
• Must maintain a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance, and a driving record acceptable to the Center's insurance requirements.
• All job-specific training must be completed within thirty days of hire.
• As a representative of DCMHMR and the consumers we serve, this position requires the ability to establish and maintain a positive, respectful, and ethical working relationship with others at all times.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to mental health and substance use treatment; of public administration and management techniques; of statistical analysis processes; of budget processes; of research techniques; of training and marketing techniques; and of program management processes and techniques.
• Must demonstrate a strong understanding of utilization review, quality assurance, and performance improvement processes, along with the ability to effectively translate the use of Center resources into the delivery of high-quality care across both mental health and substance use programs.
• Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program and staff performance and in operating a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to establish goals and objectives; to devise solutions to administrative problems; to develop, evaluate, and interpret administrative policies and procedures; and to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties:

1. Team Leadership : Supervise and provide guidance to the intake coordinators, substance use staff, and consumer services teams, ensuring they are well-trained and supported in their roles. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork, professional development, and effective communication. Be available on-call until 8pm for staff who work 12pm-8:30pm shifts.
2. Intake and Consumer Services Management : Oversee the intake process from initial contact through assessment and referral, ensuring the collection of accurate and timely information. Review performance metrics, make improvements to intake procedures, and manage the operations of the consumer services department.
3. Substance Use Program Oversight : Ensure that the Substance Use Department meets all service delivery standards, with an emphasis on productivity, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. Monitor workflows, make recommendations for improvements, and ensure that services are delivered effectively and in a timely manner. Oversee staff performance and address any issues that may arise within the department.
4. Customer Service and Client Interaction : Interact with individuals seeking services, family members, and community agencies in a professional and compassionate manner. Work with front desk and other staff to coordinate care and address any client or customer service concerns, particularly related to intake or substance use services.
5. Client Assessment and Diagnosis : Collaborate with intake coordinators to conduct initial screenings and assessments for clients, including mental health and substance use needs. Review and triage incoming referrals as needed. Perform intake assessments for individuals seeking services, including assessments, diagnoses, Recovery Plans, and supplemental documentation.
6. Compliance and Documentation : Ensure that all intake, consumer services, and substance use procedures comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including confidentiality and data management. Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records and service documentation.
7. Program Planning and Policy Development : Review and recommend updates to policies and procedures (P&P) for both the Intake and Substance Use departments. Ensure that the Intake Team follows all P&P and quality management (QM)/utilization management (UM) plans.
8. Resource Coordination : Collaborate with mental health professionals and community partners to ensure that clients are connected with the appropriate resources, services, and treatment plans, including substance use services. Coordinate with external partners for mental health evaluations and ensure timely scheduling.
9. Crisis Management : Work with crisis intervention teams to handle emergency situations, ensuring individuals in crisis receive immediate support and appropriate referrals, including for substance use issues.
10. Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement : Implement and monitor quality assurance measures for both the intake and substance use programs, using client and staff feedback to identify areas for improvement. Ensure compliance with established performance standards and benchmarks.
11. Staff Training and Development : Ensure that employees are up-to-date with education and training requirements. Organize training sessions for intake, substance use, and consumer services staff, keeping them informed on protocols, regulations, and best practices. Maintain certifications and ensure all staff comply with professional standards.
12. Team Meetings : Conduct regular team meetings to disseminate information, provide consultation, and offer support for addressing challenges related to intake, substance use, and consumer services.
13. Monthly Supervision and Performance Evaluations : When necessary, provide individual written face-to-face supervision to staff members each month, ensuring that they meet performance goals and are adhering to protocols. Complete performance evaluations on time and provide regular feedback to staff members to promote professional growth.
14. Reporting and Documentation : Prepare and submit regular reports on program performance, including intake statistics, substance use program utilization, and client outcomes. Present findings to the management team and utilize data to inform decision-making and strategic planning.
15. Availability and Responsiveness : This Director-level position requires availability during standard working hours, with the expectation to be accessible outside of those hours when necessary. The role demands being on call until 8:30 PM, as staff may be working until that time. Additionally, the Director must remain responsive during non-working hours for urgent matters, including issues such as staff calling in sick or other time-sensitive concerns. This flexibility is essential to ensure smooth operations and support for the team.

The above essential duties are representative of major duties of positions in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.