Director, Intensive Outpatient Program – Thompson Center

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Thompson Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia is seeking a Director of the Intensive Outpatient Program to provide strategic leadership and oversee clinical operations.

You will supervise staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner with multidisciplinary teams to deliver evidence-based behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and families.

The role also involves budget oversight, recruitment, training, and driving quality improvement across the program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related/relevant area or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
• Independent clinical licensure required: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Minimum of two (2) years of leadership or supervisory experience
• Experience developing, managing, or supervising intensive outpatient or behavioral health programs preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the overall operations of the Intensive Outpatient Program, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and best practices
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of IOP services, workflows, and clinical programming
• Provide clinical leadership and consultation to multidisciplinary team members, promoting evidence-based care and positive patient outcomes
• Collaborate with providers, therapists, behavioral health professionals, and administrative teams to ensure coordinated, efficient service delivery
• Monitor program performance, patient outcomes, access metrics, and quality indicators to identify opportunities for improvement and growth
• Contribute to short- and long-term strategic planning efforts to expand access to services and enhance program effectiveness
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, licensing requirements, organizational policies, and applicable regulations
• Allocate resources effectively and establish operational priorities to meet clinical and business objectives
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, supervision, training, and professional development of program staff
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility through productivity oversight, and efficient resource utilization while maintaining high-quality care
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational and clinical challenges using strong leadership, judgment, and problem-solving skills
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the program
• Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, families, staff, and stakeholders, managing sensitive situations with discretion and empathy
• Support community outreach, referral relationships, and partnerships that enhance program visibility and access to care

Skills

Leadership

Clinical leadership

Program development

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Job Description

The Thompson Center is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing care, research, and education for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Designed to support interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative service delivery, the Center provides a modern, patient-centered environment equipped with cutting-edge clinical spaces, technology, and resources. This setting empowers our teams to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care while fostering professional growth and collaboration.

Hiring Department

The Thompson Center

The Director of the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Thompson Center's Intensive Outpatient Program. This role is responsible for ensuring clinical excellence, optimizing program operations, advancing quality improvement initiatives, and supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the overall operations of the Intensive Outpatient Program, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and best practices
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of IOP services, workflows, and clinical programming
• Provide clinical leadership and consultation to multidisciplinary team members, promoting evidence-based care and positive patient outcomes
• Collaborate with providers, therapists, behavioral health professionals, and administrative teams to ensure coordinated, efficient service delivery
• Monitor program performance, patient outcomes, access metrics, and quality indicators to identify opportunities for improvement and growth
• Contribute to short- and long-term strategic planning efforts to expand access to services and enhance program effectiveness
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, licensing requirements, organizational policies, and applicable regulations
• Allocate resources effectively and establish operational priorities to meet clinical and business objectives
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, supervision, training, and professional development of program staff
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility through productivity oversight, and efficient resource utilization while maintaining high-quality care
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational and clinical challenges using strong leadership, judgment, and problem-solving skills
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the program
• Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, families, staff, and stakeholders, managing sensitive situations with discretion and empathy
• Support community outreach, referral relationships, and partnerships that enhance program visibility and access to care

Why This Role Matters

This position plays a critical role in expanding access to intensive behavioral health services for children and families. Through strategic leadership, clinical oversight, and operational excellence, the Director of the Intensive Outpatient Program helps ensure that patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care that promotes meaningful outcomes and supports long-term success.

Shift

Monday – Friday

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related/relevant area or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Independent clinical licensure required: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Minimum of two (2) years of leadership or supervisory experience
• Experience developing, managing, or supervising intensive outpatient or behavioral health programs preferred

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000 annually

Grade: GGS - 011

University Title: MGR CLINICAL SERVICES

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

In addition to the Online Application, please provide Resume and cover letter.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.