Senior Director of Behavioral Health

Northern Children Services • Philadelphia, PA

11d

About The Position

Northern Children’s Services (Northern) is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Senior Director of Behavioral Health (Senior Director) to lead a dynamic and evolving department serving children, youth, and families across Philadelphia. This leadership role requires a leader who is strategic and mission-driven with strong capacity to integrate clinical expertise and excellence with strong administrative discipline, embraces data and measurable outcomes, and is committed to building a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and solid, achievable outcomes. The Senior Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring that our behavioral health services not only meet regulatory standards — but demonstrably improve lives. The Senior Director provides oversight and ensures high-quality clinical care across all Northern’s Behavioral Health Programs and services: Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS), Outpatient, Early Intervention, Wellness & Resiliency, and psychiatric (medication management), This role requires advanced clinical licensure, extensive leadership and management experience, and strategic vision for growth, innovation, and sustainability. The Senior Director is responsible for ensuring: High-quality, evidence-based clinical care Strong census and financial sustainability Measurable client outcomes Clear performance accountability (including existing benchmarks, client surveys, quality assurance, and city and state audits Effective supervision structures Cross-department collaboration A culture of professionalism, transparency, and continuous improvement

Requirements

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field
• One or more of the following licenses (active and issued by PA Commonwealth: Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) with Mental Health Certification Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) Licensed Psychologist (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Licensed Physician (practicing psychiatry)
• At least four (4) years of experience in a senior managerial/leadership role in an organization providing behavioral health treatment of a clinical nature to children, adolescents, and families in residential, inpatient, outpatient and/or educational settings, with a minimum of five (s) years of clinical supervision experience, with at least two (2) of these years related to directly serving children and youth.
• Deep knowledge of OMHSAS, DBHIDS, CBH, and other key entities and correlating regulations and requirements.
• Passionate about Northern's mission and able to promote and communicate the philosophy, mission, and core values of Northern to external and internal stakeholders.
• Strong relationship builder and communicator with experience leading diverse work teams, developing an organization-wide strategy for program excellence, engaging community partners, and partnering with Northern's Leadership Team.
• Analytical thinker with operational follow-through
• Strong administrative and financial acumen
• Data-literate and outcomes-oriented
• Clear, direct communicator
• High emotional intelligence
• Courageous accountability
• Collaborative and cross-functional

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the child welfare system is a strong plus.
• Strong relationships with stakeholders in all these agencies.
• Direct experience managing and working in IBHS

Responsibilities

• Clinical Excellence & Systems Oversight
• Executive & Strategic Leadership
• Administrative Leadership & Operational Discipline
• Data, Benchmarks & Outcomes Ownership
• Financial & Census Accountability
• Performance Accountability & Leadership Integrity
• Clarity of Expectations & Supervisory Discipline
• Openness to Innovation & Continuous Improvement
• Cross Department Collaboration
• Professional Culture & Organizational Trust

Benefits

• We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees.
• Life Insurance/AD&D and LTD: We provide full-time employees with a $20,000 life insurance policy through Mutual of Omaha Company at no cost. Additionally, Mutual of Omaha LTD coverage and AD&D insurance offer financial security to our employees and their families. A partner insurance company offers a range of self-funded insurance plans, including accident insurance, cancer insurance, life insurance, critical illness coverage, and short-term disability insurance, providing additional financial protection to our employees.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: We offer a 401(k)-savings plan with a generous matching contribution after one year of employment.
• NCS Educational Expense Reimbursement program
• Paid Leave: Employees have access to generous paid time off or sick leave, allowing them to prioritize their health and well-being.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP offers confidential referral and counseling services to help employees and their families manage life's challenges, including stress management, legal and financial concerns, depression, and substance abuse.
• Legal Services: Self-funded legal services provide valuable support and resources for various legal matters.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director