Everyone who works with Mercy Health is united under one purpose: to help our patients be well in mind, body and spirit. This drive, along with our history of faith, is a powerful combination. It gives us a shared calling to work toward every day. Join our exceptional team and help us continue to provide the highest quality of health care possible to our communities.

SYSTEM DIRECTOR, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH | Work From Home/Remote

WFH/Remote anywhere in the US (Eastern/Central Time Zone Preferred)

*We operate in the Eastern Time Zone*

Reports to: Vice President, Hospital Services

# of Direct Reports: 1

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

​​The System Director of Behavioral Health Services provides strategic leadership, clinical oversight, and operational direction for behavioral health programs across the health system. Serving as the organization’s primary subject matter expert in behavioral health, this individual ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care that meets the mental health and substance use needs of patients and the community.

The Director will collaborate with executive leadership, physicians, nursing, and community partners to develop and implement integrated behavioral health strategies that align with the health system’s mission, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

Essential Job Functions:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

Serve as the system’s subject matter expert for all behavioral health services, policies, and initiatives.

Identify opportunities to expand access to care, improve clinical outcomes, and enhance patient experience.

Monitor emerging trends, regulatory changes, and innovations in behavioral health to inform system strategy.

Clinical & Operational Oversight

Provide clinical leadership and direction to behavioral health programs, ensuring alignment with best practice models, clinical guidelines, and accreditation standards and system standardization.

Collaborate with key stakeholders including to ensure coordination and integration of behavioral health services throughout the continuum of care.

Lead quality improvement initiatives focused on patient safety, outcomes, and experience.

Regulatory & Compliance Management

Ensure all behavioral health programs comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Joint Commission standards.

Partner with compliance and quality teams to develop policies, procedures, and documentation that support regulatory readiness.

Interdisciplinary & Community Collaboration

Promote effective partnerships with community mental health agencies, social service organizations, and local/state behavioral health authorities. 

Support education, training, and professional development initiatives for staff across the health system related to behavioral health.

Promote a culture of compassion, inclusion, and stigma reduction within the organization.

Licensing/Certification

Current, active licensure LISW, LPCC, RN in good standing state(s) of operation required.

Education

Master’s degree Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred

Work Experience

Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in behavioral health, including 3–5 years in a leadership role

Skills​

Hard/Technical Skills:

Strong understanding of behavioral health regulations, evidence-based care models, and integrated behavioral health practices

Soft/Interpersonal Skills:

Experience in training employees, excellent communication skills, and ability to navigate change

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; communication style that is open and fosters trust, credibility and understanding. Ability to lead through influence.

Ability to ensure a high level of customer service for all customers including patients, physicians and other medical professionals, and external stakeholders

Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills

Proven ability to drive clinical and operational excellence across multiple sites

Strong data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and change management abilities

Commitment to patient-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented care

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

\n

What we offer

\n \n Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)\n Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts\n Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders\n Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support\n \n

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com