DIR - CLINICAL SVCS - BH (Nursing or LISW)

UHS•Kennewick, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Horizon Health is seeking a Program Director of Behavioral Health (LISW or RN) to oversee the Long-Term Civil Commitment (LTCC) program at Aristo Behavioral Health in Kennewick, Washington. This visible leadership role combines operational discipline with recovery-oriented behavioral healthcare. The Director partners with clinical, nursing, medical, quality, and administrative leaders to ensure safe, effective care and strong operational performance, and collaborates with the court system. The Director provides strategic, clinical, and operational leadership for behavioral health services across the organization. The role is responsible for delivering high-quality, evidence-based care that complies with regulatory standards, is financially sustainable, and supports organizational goals. Responsibilities include program development, staff leadership, quality outcomes, and integrating behavioral health services into multidisciplinary care models. The Director maintains Horizon Health/client hospital contractual relationships and, in coordination with the client, administers patient care for the program. This includes developing and maintaining a high-quality treatment program, implementing a comprehensive community relations program, strategic planning and program administration and development, and contributing to nursing and hospital goals through supervision of clinical staff.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) required.
Active RN license or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) license in Washington required.
Five to eight or more years of related work experience required.
American Heart Association-issued BLS and ACLS required.
CPR certification required.
Strong knowledge of behavioral health clinical standards and best practices.
In-depth understanding of healthcare regulations, accreditation, and reimbursement models.
Ability to evaluate clinical quality and implement performance improvement initiatives.
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Resilient, adaptable, and mission-driven leadership style; ability to manage stress appropriately and channel concerns appropriately.
Ability to build effective relationships with physicians, nurses, therapists, executives, and community partners.
Skill in conflict resolution and staff engagement.
Ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and develop actionable strategies.
Experience using metrics to improve clinical, financial, and operational outcomes.
High ethical standards and commitment to patient-centered care.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Strong understanding of and ability to collaborate and work within the court system.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide clinical oversight for behavioral health programs, ensuring patient safety, quality outcomes, and evidence-based practices.
Develop, implement, and evaluate behavioral health services, programs, and treatment models.
Coordinate with the hospital to ensure compliance with federal, state, and accrediting-agency regulations, including CMS, Joint Commission, and state licensing requirements.
Collaborate with medical, nursing, and ancillary leadership to integrate behavioral health services across care settings.
Direct departmental staff involved in multidisciplinary teams and address process improvements involving patients, employees, customers, and teams.
Define the treatment program’s philosophy, goals, and objectives under the direction of hospital administration and Horizon clinical and operations staff, in conjunction with the Medical Director.
Work with divisional and national support staff to help the client hospital realize maximum value from Horizon services.
Oversee day-to-day operations of behavioral health departments, including inpatient, outpatient, and/or community-based services.
Develop and manage departmental budgets, staffing models, and resource allocation.
Analyze performance metrics, patient outcomes, and utilization data to drive continuous improvement.
Lead initiatives related to access to care, patient flow, and care coordination.
Recruit, hire, mentor, and evaluate behavioral health clinical and support staff.
Promote professional growth, accountability, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Ensure appropriate staffing levels, competencies, and licensure requirements are maintained.
Support staff education, training, and competency validation.
Lead quality improvement initiatives focused on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
Respond to regulatory reviews, audits, and corrective action plans.
Ensure compliance with ethical standards, patient rights, and confidentiality requirements.
Participate in organizational strategic planning related to behavioral health services.
Identify opportunities for service expansion, partnerships, and program innovation.
Represent the organization in community, professional, and regulatory settings as appropriate.
Maintain Horizon Health/client hospital contractual relationships and administer patient care in coordination with the client.
Develop and maintain a high-quality treatment program and implement a comprehensive community relations program.
Contribute to program nursing and hospital goals and supervise clinical staff.
Perform other duties as assigned or required by the position.