Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

South Sound Behavioral Hospital - Lacey, WA

Overview

Salary Range $280,000.00 - $350,000.00 Salary

Position Summary

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER (CMO)!

Annual bonus eligibility!

Your Work Matters How will you make a difference?

As our Chief Medical Officer, you'll serve as the clinical leader of the hospital—guiding the quality, safety, and overall direction of care we provide every day.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role where you'll work closely with our executive team to ensure patients receive thoughtful, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment. You'll help shape clinical strategy, support our providers, and play a key role in our growth and evolution as a hospital.

If you're someone who values both clinical excellence and building strong, collaborative teams, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What you'll do:

• Lead our clinical vision
• Provide direction and oversight for all medical and psychiatric services
• Help define what high-quality care looks like—and ensure we deliver on it consistently
• Support providers in complex or high-risk cases
• Encourage the use of evidence-based practices and continuous improvement

Support and develop our medical staff

• Recruit and retain physicians and advanced practice providers
• Oversee credentialing and privileging processes
• Lead the Medical Executive Committee and collaborate across disciplines
• Provide feedback, coaching, and accountability around performance and quality
• Build a culture where providers feel supported, respected, and engaged

Keep us aligned and compliant

• Ensure we meet standards set by The Joint Commission, CMS, and state agencies
• Maintain readiness for surveys and lead efforts during reviews
• Support strong, timely clinical documentation
• Oversee policies related to patient rights, safety, and clinical protocols

Drive quality and outcomes

• Lead our Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) efforts
• Monitor key indicators like readmissions, length of stay, and patient safety events
• Oversee peer review and follow through on improvement opportunities
• Help elevate patient satisfaction and overall outcomes

Champion patient safety

• Foster a culture where safety and accountability are part of everyday practice
• Review and respond to adverse or sentinel events
• Partner with risk and legal teams when needed
• Ensure strong clinical oversight for higher-acuity patient populations

Partner across the organization

• Work closely with the CEO, COO, CNO, and HR leadership
• Support patient flow—from admission through discharge
• Provide guidance on medical necessity and admissions criteria
• Contribute to staffing models and resource planning

Invest in learning and growth

• Support ongoing education and development for medical staff
• Reinforce training in areas like suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention
• Help create an environment where people are always learning and improving

Help shape what's next

• Contribute to strategic planning and growth initiatives
• Support the development of new programs and service lines
• Stay connected to community needs and referral patterns
• Represent the hospital externally as a clinical leader

Your Experience Matters What we're looking for:

• Education & Licensure (if applicable): MD or DO required. Board certification in Psychiatry is required. Active, unrestricted medical license (or ability to obtain).
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years' experience in the psychiatric/mental health field, with a minimum of three (3) years' experience in a medical leadership role. Inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health hospital experience is strongly preferred.
• Additional Skill Requirements: A strong knowledge of Joint Commission and CMS standards, OSHA regulations, patient rights standards, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations governing mental health care facilities.

Your Care Matters What we provide for our team:

• 401(k) + matching
• Health insurance
• 100% company-paid life insurance coverage up to 2x your annual salary
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 100% company-paid long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Cafeteria on site
• Employee engagement events
• Employee assistance program
• Employee recognition program
• Free parking

What sets us apart?

• Career & training development opportunities
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment
• Engaged management team dedicated to your success
• A guiding mission and set of values that serve as both our north star and yours, anchoring our collective purpose and aspirations

Disclaimer: Certain benefits are available only to full-time employees. Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of South Sound Behavioral Hospital.

Compensation:

This is a full-time role, with an expected annual compensation range of $280,000.00 to $350,000.00. Wage is negotiable, with an additional stipend for Medical Director and opportunity for annual bonus. We're eager to engage with all qualified candidates, and consideration will be provided to experience and skill level. Join us as our Chief Medical Officer!

About SSBH

Get to know us Outstanding Care, Compassionate People, Unparalleled Service

Welcome to South Sound Behavioral Hospital (SSBH), where passion meets purpose in the realm of mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

Our 138-bed facility located in Lacey, WA, SSBH is the newest behavioral health facility in the area equipped with cutting-edge safety features to ensure a secure and supportive environment for both our employees and our patients. At SSBH, our expert team, including licensed psychiatrists, compassionate nurses, skilled therapists, and adept technicians, is united by a singular commitment — to deliver exceptional care to every individual, regardless of their financial circumstances. We offer specialized programs to create a haven for patients to embark on their healing journey in utmost comfort.

Join us in our transformative mission to redefine mental healthcare through person-centered care. Here, your unique skills and boundless compassion have the power to make a profound impact on the lives of those in need. If you are ready to contribute to a community that values excellence and empathy, seize this opportunity to apply and become a catalyst for positive change at South Sound Behavioral Hospital.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE POSITIVE I.M.P.A.C.T.S.

I ndividuals M aintaining P ositive A ttitude and C ommitment T o S ervice