Director Behavioral Health

Looking to be part of something more meaningful? At HonorHealth, you'll be part of a team, creating a multi-dimensional care experience for our patients. You'll have opportunities to make a difference. From our Ambassador Movement to our robust training and development programs, you can select where and how you want to make an impact. HonorHealth offers a diverse benefits portfolio for our full-time and part-time team members designed to help you and your family live your best lives. Visit honorhealth.com/benefits to learn more. Join us. Let's go beyond expectations and transform healthcare together. HonorHealth is one of Arizona's largest nonprofit healthcare systems, serving a population of five million people in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The comprehensive network encompasses six acute-care hospitals, an extensive medical group with primary, specialty and urgent care services, a cancer care network, outpatient surgery centers, clinical research, medical education, a foundation, an accountable care organization, community services and more. With nearly 17,000 team members, 3,700 affiliated providers and close to 2,000 volunteers dedicated to providing high quality care, HonorHealth strives to go beyond the expectations of a traditional healthcare system to improve the health and well-being of communities across Arizona. Learn more at HonorHealth.com.

Job Summary

The Director of the Behavioral Health Unit provides strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered behavioral health services in an acute care setting. This role ensures compliance with CMS regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies. The Director collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to promote a safe, therapeutic environment and drives initiatives that enhance patient outcomes, staff engagement, and operational efficiency. Additionally, this role will lead business development efforts for the Unit, including working with the community and available network resources to increase community awareness of the Unit and generate referrals. This position may be filled by a clinical or non-clinical professional with demonstrated leadership in behavioral health.

Essential Functions

• Provide administrative and operational leadership for the Behavioral Health Unit, overseeing staffing, budgeting, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement evidence-based policies, procedures, and programs to enhance behavioral health care delivery.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, promoting collaboration, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform quality, safety, and operational initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between the Behavioral Health Unit and internal departments, community partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee patient care coordination, discharge planning, and continuity of care in partnership with clinical teams.
• Guide strategic planning and growth initiatives, including service line expansion and integration of innovative care models.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, referral sources, and public health agencies to improve access and support population mental health.
• Representing the Behavioral Health Unit in community forums and outreach events, advocating for mental health resources and regional behavioral health needs.
• Address and resolve critical incidents, patient grievances, and staff concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain awareness of developments and trends in the behavioral health industry and advise Hospital Leadership on strategic opportunities.
• Educate peers and others on best practices around behavioral health.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's Degree- Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, psychology, social work, nursing, or a related field - Required

Master's Degree - Master's degree in healthcare administration, public health, nursing, psychology, social work, or a related field - Preferred

Experience

3 years Experience in behavioral health (inpatient or outpatient, preferably in an acute care setting) - Required

2 years Leadership experience in a healthcare or behavioral health environment - Required

Demonstrated knowledge of CMS regulations, behavioral health accreditation standards, and best practices in mental health care -Required

Certifications and Licensure

Clinical candidates must hold an active, unrestricted license in their discipline (e.g., RN, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PsyD, MD/DO) - Required

Non-clinical candidates must demonstrate equivalent experience and knowledge of behavioral health operations and compliance - Required

Certification in healthcare management or behavioral health (e.g., CPHQ, FACHE, PMH-CNS) is preferred but not required - Preferred

BLS certification required for clinical candidates