Director Of Behavioral Health

Director of Behavioral Health

???? Location: St. Joseph, Missouri (Relocation Assistance Available)

???? Job Type: Full-Time, Executive Leadership

???? Reports to: CEO

???? Salary: Highly competitive and commensurate with experience, with a median salary of $210,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package and relocation assistance

About NWHS:

Northwest Health Services (NWHS) is a mission-driven Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) committed to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare to underserved communities—particularly in rural settings. As NWHS embarks on a transformative journey to reimagine behavioral health, we are seeking a visionary leader to build and develop a comprehensive behavioral health program that integrates traditional clinical care with creative, art-based therapeutic approaches.

Position Overview:

We are looking for an experienced clinical psychologist (PhD or PsyD) with exceptional leadership, business acumen, and program development skills. This role demands an entrepreneurial mindset to design and launch a profitable, state-of-the-art behavioral health program from the ground up—one that is sustainable in a rural environment and serves as a catalyst for innovation. A key component of this initiative is the development of a downtown Arts Center—a creative space designed to promote healing through art, poetry, and innovative therapeutic methods that address trauma and benefit the community at large.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Design & Development: Build and lead an integrated behavioral health program, establishing clinical protocols, operational procedures, and financial management strategies tailored for a rural setting.
• Innovative Therapeutic Integration: Develop and implement creative, non-traditional therapeutic methods—such as art therapy—to address trauma and promote mental wellness, with a strong focus on community engagement.
• Leadership & Team Building: Recruit, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team; foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and compassionate, trauma-informed care in a rural context.
• Financial & Operational Oversight: Ensure the program’s profitability and sustainability by managing budgets, tracking key performance indicators, and navigating complex business processes.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local stakeholders and creative organizations to develop an Arts Center that serves as a hub for innovative healing practices and community outreach in a rural environment.
• Quality Improvement: Use data-driven insights to continuously enhance service delivery and achieve clinical and financial benchmarks.

Essential Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Clinical Psychology.
• Minimum of 3 years’ leadership experience in behavioral health, with a focus on program development and financial management.
• Demonstrated expertise in trauma-informed care and integrated healthcare settings.
• Experience in or a strong affinity for art therapy or other creative therapeutic modalities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to foster a safe, innovative, and empowering environment for both patients and staff.
• Comfort and proven capability in working in rural settings, with an understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of rural healthcare.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and the capacity to work autonomously to build new programs from scratch.

Why Join NWHS?

• Lead a groundbreaking initiative to redefine behavioral health in a rural, community-focused setting.
• Be at the forefront of integrating clinical excellence with innovative, art-based therapeutic approaches.
• Enjoy a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and significant opportunities for professional growth.
• Make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of underserved rural populations.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter outlining their vision for integrating art and trauma-informed care within a rural behavioral health setting, and how their experience aligns with building a successful, sustainable program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

For more information or to express your interest, please contact:

Wayne Holt

Senior Account Executive – Behavioral Health Recruitment

Phone: 503-379-1524

Email: Wayne@UHCSolutions.com

Website: www.uhcsolutions.com