Associate Director of Behavioral Health

Recovery Works NW; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance options

Dental insurance covered

Life insurance covered

HSA/FSAs available

Supplemental insurance options

PTO accrual

Sick leave

Holiday pay

401k with employer match

CEU reimbursement

Licensure costs paid

Job summary

Recovery Works NW is seeking an Associate Director of Behavioral Health to lead operations across four outpatient clinics and a detox facility. You will partner with executive leadership to ensure high-quality services, regulatory compliance, and scalable growth while fostering staff development and collaboration.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, program expansion, and continuous quality improvement in a fast-paced behavioral health environment in Oregon.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA), MBA, MPH, MSW, Counseling or related field; or a BA/BS with CADCII and 10+ years of management experience.
• Experience in substance use disorder treatment programs, full outpatient continuum.
• Proven track record launching new programs (IOP, PHP, Mental Health).
• Knowledge of OARs, Medicaid/OHP, Joint Commission or CARF standards.
• Lean, Six Sigma or process improvement training desired.
• Project management certification (PMP or equivalent) desired.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations across multiple behavioral health programs and clinic locations.
• Develop and implement standardized workflows, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor clinic performance metrics, patient access, productivity, scheduling, and outcomes.
• Identify challenges and develop solutions to improve patient care and organizational effectiveness.
• Coordinate operational needs between outpatient clinics and detox services.
• Lead staffing, patient flow, and resource allocation with site leadership.
• Lead projects from planning through implementation with timelines.
• Support expansion of PHP and Mental Health programs.
• Assist with opening new programs or clinic locations.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state/accreditation standards.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Collaborate across departments and with external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Regulatory compliance

Process improvement

Stakeholder collaboration

Strategic planning

Education

Master's degree in Healthcare Administration or related field

Bachelor's degree and CADCII with 10+ years of management experience

Job description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

We have changed thousands of lives through our outpatient clinics over the last nine years We are a no-judgment, harm-reduction, down-to-earth organization specializing in addiction treatment and we are growing rapidly in hopes to make an even bigger difference within our community. Come join our awesome crew of change makers!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Behavioral Health serves as a key operational leader responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) services across four outpatient clinics and one medically managed detoxification facility. This position partners closely with the Director of Operations and executive leadership to ensure operational excellence, clinical program efficiency, regulatory compliance, and organizational growth.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader with exceptional operational, logistical, and project management skills. They thrive in fast-paced environments, embrace continuous improvement, and possess a growth mindset focused on building sustainable systems that support both staff and patient success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

Operational Leadership

• Support day-to-day operations across multiple behavioral health programs and clinic locations.
• Develop and implement standardized workflows, policies, and procedures to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Monitor clinic performance metrics, patient access, productivity, scheduling efficiency, and operational outcomes.
• Identify operational challenges and proactively develop solutions to improve patient care and organizational effectiveness.
• Assist in coordinating operational needs between outpatient clinics and detox services.
• Partner with site leadership to optimize staffing, patient flow, and resource allocation.
• Lead operational projects from planning through implementation while ensuring timelines are met.

Program Development & Growth

• Support expansion of existing behavioral health and substance use disorder services including PHP and Mental Health programs.
• Assist with opening new programs, service lines, or clinic locations as organizational growth occurs.
• Evaluate operational processes and recommend improvements that increase scalability.
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives that promote organizational growth and long-term sustainability.
• Foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and continuous quality improvement.
• Provide coaching and operational guidance to program managers and supervisors.
• Promote collaboration between clinical, medical, administrative, and support teams.
• Help develop leadership capacity throughout the organization by mentoring emerging leaders.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention initiatives in partnership with Human Resources.
• Assist with employee performance management and professional development planning.

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure operational compliance with applicable federal, state, and accreditation standards.
• Support readiness for audits, licensing reviews, and accreditation surveys.
• Monitor quality indicators and participate in performance improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with compliance and quality teams to implement corrective action plans when necessary.
• Maintain knowledge of Oregon behavioral health regulations, Oregon Administrative Rules, substance use disorder treatment standards, and payer requirements.

Financial & Resource Management

• Assist with operational budgeting and resource planning.
• Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities for cost-effective improvements.
• Review productivity, census, staffing levels, and operational reports to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with finance and executive leadership on operational forecasting.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with medical leadership, clinical leadership, Human Resources, Finance, Billing, Credentialing, and Operations teams.
• Facilitate communication across departments to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Represent the organization in meetings with community partners, referral sources, and external stakeholders as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Master's degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), Public Health (MPH), Social Work (MSW), Counseling, or related field OR Bachelors degree and CADCII with 10+ years of management experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
• Experience working within substance use disorder treatment programs , specifically with the full continuum of outpatient services.
• Proven track record of launching new programs (i.e. IOP, PHP, Mental Health)
• Knowledge of Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs), Medicaid/OHP requirements, Joint Commission or CARF standards required.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement training desired.
• Project management certification (PMP or equivalent) desired.

BENEFITS

• We offer three medical insurance plan options, allowing employees to choose the coverage that best first their needs and budget
• Dental insurance 100% paid by the company (option to add family members which are paid for by the employee)
• Life insurance 100% paid for by the company
• HSA, Medical FSA, and Dependent Care FSA available
• Access to supplemental accident, critical illness, and additional life insurance coverage
• PTO (earned on an accrual basis with increases at one year and every 5 years thereafter)
• Sick Time (40 hours annually)
• Time and a Half Holiday Pay
• 401k and up to 3% match after 3 months of employment
• Up to $400 per year for approved CEUs
• All required licensure/certification costs for position paid for by the company

**Position is contingent on passing an OHA Background check and successful completion of a urine analysis (UA) after accepting job offer**

Recovery Works NW is an "Equal Opportunity Employer" and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recovery Works NW participates in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program, a federal initiative that provides tax incentives to employers who hire individuals from targeted groups facing barriers to employment. Submission of information for WOTC eligibility is voluntary and will not affect your consideration for employment.