BH Director

Job Description

Job Description

Behavioral Health Director

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Director provides clinical and administrative leadership for mental health and substance use disorder services at Thrive Medical Services' contracted New Mexico correctional facilities. This role oversees behavioral health staff, develops and implements programming and protocols, ensures compliance with NCCHC, NMAC, and facility standards, and drives quality of care for the incarcerated patient population. The Behavioral Health Director exercises independent professional judgment while collaborating with medical providers, nursing, MAT, re-entry, administration, and custody leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

Behavioral Health Leadership

• Provide clinical and administrative oversight of behavioral health services, staff, and programming across assigned facilities.
• Supervise behavioral health clinicians, counselors, and support staff; provide clinical direction, case consultation, and performance management.
• Recruit, train, onboard, and evaluate behavioral health personnel; participate in screening interviews to assess clinical knowledge and fit within the corrections environment.
• Develop and maintain behavioral health staffing plans and schedules to ensure adequate coverage with appropriately credentialed personnel.

Program Development and Clinical Oversight

• Develop, implement, and evaluate behavioral health programming, including crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and substance use disorder services.
• Establish and maintain clinical protocols, policies, and procedures consistent with correctional behavioral health standards.
• Coordinate behavioral health care with psychiatric providers, nursing, MAT/MOUD, and re-entry teams to support continuity of care.
• Oversee behavioral health intake screening, assessment, treatment planning, and documentation practices.

Crisis Response and Safety

• Direct and support the facility suicide prevention and crisis intervention programs.
• Provide guidance on restrictive-housing monitoring and management of patients with acute behavioral health needs.
• Collaborate with custody and clinical staff to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.

Quality, Safety, and Compliance

• Monitor and maintain the behavioral health Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program; identify trends or gaps in care and lead improvement initiatives.
• Ensure behavioral health practice conforms to state licensure, accreditation, and regulatory agency requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with documentation, infection control, and incident reporting requirements.
• Adhere to Thrive Medical Services policies, NCCHC standards, NMAC, and applicable laws and regulations.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related behavioral health field.
• Active, unrestricted independent clinical license in the State of New Mexico (e.g., LCSW, LPCC, LMFT, or licensed psychologist).
• Three (3) to five (5) years of behavioral health clinical experience, including supervisory or program leadership experience.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and substance use disorder treatment, including MAT/MOUD.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior correctional or detention behavioral health leadership experience.
• Specialty certification desired (e.g., CCHP, CCHP-MH).
• Familiarity with NCCHC mental health standards and electronic medical records.

What We Offer

Competitive pay. Stable scheduling. Supportive leadership and clinical oversight. Opportunity to be part of a growing correctional healthcare organization. Meaningful work serving an underserved population.

About Thrive Medical Services, LLC

Thrive Medical Services, LLC is a New Mexico-based correctional healthcare provider committed to delivering high-quality medical, mental health, and substance use disorder services to county detention facilities. Our mission is to provide ethical, compliant, and patient-centered care while supporting our clinical staff with strong leadership and clear clinical protocols.