Director of Behavioral Health
About The Position
A 48-bed inpatient Behavioral Health Unit in the Fort Walton Beach region is seeking a Director of Behavioral Health to lead clinical operations, regulatory readiness, patient experience, and workforce performance across a high-acuity inpatient program. The unit maintains an average daily census of 38 and functions within a Level II Trauma environment, requiring a leader skilled in quality improvement, team engagement, and oversight of behavioral health services. This position holds full accountability for the behavioral health service line and reports directly to senior nursing leadership.
Requirements
- 5+ years of recent inpatient Behavioral Health leadership at the Manager or Assistant Nurse Manager level (acute care required).
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Active RN license (Florida or Compact).
- BLS within 30 days of hire.
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (or equivalent) within 90 days of hire.
- Ability to meet fingerprinting and background check requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in behavioral health leadership within a trauma-center environment.
- Strong communication, crisis-management, and team-building skills.
- Advanced leadership training or national behavioral health certifications.
Responsibilities
- Provide operational and clinical leadership for inpatient behavioral health services, ensuring safe, patient-centered care.
- Implement evidence-based practices to improve quality, safety, and clinical outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.
- Manage staffing, scheduling, competence development, and labor utilization across approximately 24 FTEs .
- Lead initiatives to enhance patient experience, satisfaction, and care coordination.
- Oversee admission, discharge, and patient throughput processes to support efficient flow.
- Monitor budgets, staffing ratios, and expenses; initiate corrective action as needed.
- Foster collaboration among nursing, medical providers, and support teams.
- Develop and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and clinical standards.
- Promote employee engagement, retention, professional development, and recognition.
- Identify opportunities for program growth, service expansion, and strategic improvements.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with 100% match on 3–9% (based on years of service)
- Employee stock purchase program (10% discount)
- Tuition reimbursement, certification support, dependent scholarships
- Paid family leave, PTO, and disability benefits
- Mental health resources, financial/legal counseling, crisis support
- Optional benefits including FSAs, supplemental health plans, identity protection, and pet insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
