Executive Director and COO of Drug Rehab Facility

Palm Tree Recruiters•Louisville, KY

14d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an exceptional, mission-driven Executive Director/COO to lead the largest drug rehabilitation facility in the United States. This Kentucky-based facility serves up to 600 individuals and offers comprehensive treatment programs, including residential treatment, PHP, IOP, TRP, and related servicesall under Medicaid funding. This is a high-stakes, high-impact leadership role requiring deep operational expertise, Medicaid regulatory knowledge, staff leadership, and the ability to oversee a complex and dynamic facility serving vulnerable populations.

Requirements

Proven leadership experience in operating a large-scale behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment facility.
Deep knowledge of Medicaid regulations, billing practices, and Kentucky-specific healthcare compliance.
Minimum 10 years in healthcare management, including 5+ years at a senior leadership level.
Bachelors degree in Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree (MBA, MHA, MSW, or similar).
Experience with facilities of 200+ beds and managing large, multidisciplinary teams.
Familiarity with trauma-informed care, evidence-based addiction treatment models, and quality assurance processes.

Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership: Oversee daily operations of a 600-bed treatment facility, ensuring efficiency, safety, and clinical excellence.
Develop and implement strategic goals aligned with mission, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
Lead and supervise department heads (clinical, medical, nursing, HR, compliance, facilities, security, etc.).
Regulatory & Financial Oversight: Ensure full compliance with Medicaid requirements, Kentucky state regulations, and national accreditation bodies (e.g., CARF, Joint Commission).
Manage large-scale Medicaid billing operations and ensure financial integrity.
Work closely with CFO and finance team to maintain balanced budgets, reporting, and audits.
Clinical Coordination: Collaborate with clinical leadership to maintain evidence-based, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care.
Ensure programs meet the needs of diverse populations including co-occurring mental health disorders.
Human Resources & Staff Development: Lead a large interdisciplinary staff with a focus on morale, accountability, and performance.
Oversee recruitment, training, and development of staff; ensure compliance with licensure and credentialing requirements.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the public face of the facility, engaging with government agencies, funders, oversight boards, and community stakeholders.
Build relationships with Kentucky Medicaid, managed care organizations, public health officials, and local communities.