Senior Director Behavioral Health

Providence•Everett, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director, Behavioral Health is accountable for leading, setting strategic direction, coordinating, and supporting the Behavioral Health service line for the Providence Swedish North Service Area (NWSA). Reporting directly to the PRMCE Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and with a matrix reporting relationship to the CNO of Swedish Edmonds, this role partners closely with intraprofessional teams, community stakeholders, and system leadership to improve patient care and promote high‑quality, cost‑effective outcomes. The Senior Director collaborates with Puget Sound and System Population Health leadership and councils to implement and advance value‑based care initiatives that support behavioral health integration and whole‑person care. This leader develops data‑driven strategic and operational plans for an integrated behavioral health model designed to lower total cost of care through coordinated, connected care experiences. The role holds service‑area accountability for a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health services, including behavioral health urgent care, emergency department behavioral health services, substance use treatment and recovery services, inpatient behavioral health units, behavioral health integration models, consult teams, the Providence Intervention Center for Sexual Assault and Abuse, transitions of care, community partnerships, and legislative advocacy as appropriate.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Nursing or Master of Social Work (MSW).
Washington Registered Nurse License or Washington Clinical Independent Social Worker License (required upon hire; vendor managed) .
7+ years of healthcare administration or services leadership experience.
Progressive experience managing people.
Experience in: Program development Acute and ambulatory care Case management Data analysis and data systems development Financial management and budgeting Staffing and scheduling Process improvement methodologies
Strong knowledge of care and case management processes, benefits coordination, and utilization optimization.
Knowledge of Joint Commission standards and applicable regulations.
Ability to develop policies and procedures that enhance utilization and documentation management.
Proven ability to manage diverse professional and technical teams.
Strong change‑management capability and resilience.
Excellent communication skills with staff, physicians, peers, patients, and families.
Ability to recognize, de‑escalate, and resolve difficult situations.
Strong organizational, time‑management, and prioritization skills.
Ability to apply continuous improvement principles to daily operations and systems.

Nice To Haves

Coursework and/or certification in Behavioral Health or Chemical Dependency (preferred)

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Program Development Strategically develop programs that address the behavioral health needs of NWSA patients and communities.
Lead service‑line business planning in partnership with Business Development leadership.
Develop tactics aligned to identified needs and oversee effective implementation.
Track progress and outcomes of strategies, initiatives, and improvements in patient health.
Serve as the content expert and operational leader for behavioral health planning and program development.
Integrated Care & Resource Optimization Monitor data to ensure processes are in place to reduce unnecessary readmissions and improve care transitions.
Ensure behavioral health processes and procedures are fully integrated across care settings.
Use data to guide decision‑making related to resource utilization and service optimization.
Identify and implement best practices related to behavioral health, chemical dependency, length‑of‑stay management, and post‑acute services.
Financial Stewardship & Performance Ensure service‑line productivity and expenses meet or exceed budget targets, with appropriate variance documentation.
Utilize financial data to improve systems, structures, and long‑term sustainability.
Maintain strong understanding of behavioral health billing, contracting, compliance, and revenue flow .
Technology Enablement Collaborate with IT to ensure behavioral health workflows are integrated into electronic documentation and clinical systems.
Facilitate development, distribution, and use of reports that support clinical, operational, and financial decision‑making.
Patient, Provider & Employee Experience Identify improvement opportunities and lead action plans to enhance patient, family, and caregiver experiences.
Develop inpatient and outpatient programs that improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Monitor and enhance processes to ensure provider satisfaction.
Identify and mitigate patient and employee safety risks.
Implement strategies that improve employee engagement and satisfaction.
Human Resources & Team Leadership Manage and oversee human‑resource functions across the service line, including:
Performance evaluations Progressive discipline and documentation Hiring and onboarding using approved processes Compliance with employment laws and policies Competency‑based training and service‑line meetings Timecard and payroll oversight Lead and coach teams through change with clear communication, accountability, and support.
Compliance, Confidentiality & Governance Ensure confidentiality of all patient and organizational information.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Joint Commission standards.
Collaborate with regional leadership to ensure consistent application of standards of care, employee performance expectations, and financial management processes.
Participate in and support system‑wide and regional initiatives, committees, and councils.