Director of Behavioral Health Operations

Rescue Mission of Trenton • Trenton, NJ

16d • Onsite

About The Position

The Rescue Mission of Trenton is seeking an experienced and mission-driven leader to serve as their Director of Behavioral Health Operations. This role is critical in shaping the future of their Behavioral Health programs. They are looking for a strategic operator who understands that strong systems, culture, and leadership are the foundation for exceptional client care. Reporting to the Chief Behavioral Health Officer and working closely with the Director of Behavioral Health, this position provides operational leadership to ensure Behavioral Health services are organized, effective, consistent, and aligned with the Mission’s vision and standards of excellence. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who can translate strategy into action, strengthen operational processes, develop teams, and create an environment where staff are empowered and clients experience dignity, safety, and meaningful recovery. This role is for a leader who enjoys building systems, developing people, solving complex challenges, and creating lasting organizational improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health, Human Services, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Progressive leadership experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, residential services, healthcare, human services, or another complex 24-hour operating environment.
• Experience leading managers, supervisors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to improve operations, develop leaders, strengthen culture, and implement organizational change.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered behavioral health services.
• Strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on operational execution.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic operational leadership for Behavioral Health programs, ensuring daily operations support organizational priorities, treatment philosophy, and client outcomes.
• Partner with the Chief Behavioral Health Officer and Director of Behavioral Health to implement program goals, strengthen services, and support continuous improvement.
• Oversee operational systems, workflows, and processes that improve efficiency, consistency, accountability, and overall program effectiveness.
• Support the development of a strong organizational culture built on professionalism, teamwork, respect, accountability, and commitment to client success.
• Collaborate with behavioral health leadership to ensure operational practices support recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered care.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to managers and supervisors while promoting staff growth, engagement, and performance.
• Evaluate operational challenges and develop sustainable solutions that improve workflow, communication, service delivery, and employee effectiveness.
• Monitor key performance indicators related to staffing, attendance, overtime, incidents, client satisfaction, engagement, environmental standards, and operational performance.
• Use data, feedback, and observation to identify opportunities for improvement and implement measurable solutions.
• Partner with clinical and operational leaders to enhance the client experience from admission through discharge.
• Ensure residential operations support a safe, respectful, therapeutic environment that promotes dignity and recovery.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Quality Assurance, Compliance, Facilities, Environmental Services, and other departments to support successful program operations.
• Support regulatory readiness and compliance with organizational policies, licensing requirements, CARF standards, and contractual obligations.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence throughout the program, building trust with staff, removing barriers, and modeling the Mission’s values.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance starting the first month after hire
• 100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with a 2% employer contribution and up to a 4% employer match
• Immediate Paid Time Off plus accrued Sick Time
• 12 Floating Holidays available after 90 days
• Supportive, collaborative, mission-driven leadership team
• Annual reimbursement for professional development and continuing education
• Ongoing in-house learning opportunities and collaborative support
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director