Director, Substance Use

Heritage Behavioral Health Center•Decatur, IL

About The Position

The Director of Substance Use Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all substance use programs at Heritage Behavioral Health Center. This position is responsible for supervising the Program Manager of Substance Use Services, ensuring high-quality care across all outpatient levels of care and the Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) Program, and serving as a key organizational strategist in expanding outreach and access services for individuals in the community in need of substance use treatment. The Director plays a critical role in program development, staff leadership, regulatory compliance, and community partnership building. Why You’ll Love Working Here • Collaborative, mission-driven environment • Every other Friday off paid wellness days • Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks • Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC • Professional growth opportunities, tuition assistance, and continuing education

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of substance use disorders, evidence-based treatment modalities (including medication-assisted treatment), and recovery-oriented systems of care.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to mentor program managers and clinical staff across multiple service lines.
Knowledge of ASAM criteria and the continuum of substance use care, including outpatient and intensive outpatient levels.
Familiarity with Illinois DBHR regulations, licensing standards, and Medicaid/billing requirements for substance use programs.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills for working with internal teams, community partners, and persons served.
Ability to analyze program data, identify trends, and implement quality improvement strategies.
Proficiency in clinical documentation and electronic health record systems.
Cultural humility and commitment to equitable, inclusive service delivery for diverse populations.
Ability to navigate complex organizational and community systems with diplomacy and effectiveness.
Meets the definition of a Mental Health Professional (MHP) as defined by the Illinois Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR).
Current licensure as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and/or clinical licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Social Worker (LSW).
Minimum of 21 years of age.
A valid driver's license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

Meets the definition of Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as defined by Illinois DBHR upon hire, or ability to obtain QMHP status within one year of hire date.
Experience in a director-level or other leadership role within a behavioral health or substance use treatment setting.
Demonstrated experience with outreach program development and community engagement strategies.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision and support to the Program Manager of Substance Use Services, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and person-centered care.
Provide clinical and administrative oversight of all outpatient levels of care for substance use, including standard outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), and other ASAM-level services.
Oversee the Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) Program, ensuring evidence-based practices, regulatory compliance, and integration with the broader continuum of care.
Serve as a strategic leader in the planning, development, and implementation of outreach initiatives designed to expand access to substance use services for underserved individuals in the community.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, referral sources, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to support service expansion and continuity of care.
Monitor program outcomes, quality indicators, and compliance with DBHR, CARF, and other applicable regulatory standards; implement performance improvement initiatives as needed.
Ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation and performance standards are upheld across all substance use programs in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
Participate in consultation and provide guidance to clinical staff on complex or high-risk cases.
Stay current on emerging trends, legislation, and best practices in substance use treatment and communicate relevant developments to staff and leadership.