Director of Acute Behavioral Health

Children's Nebraska; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Children's Nebraska is seeking a mission‑driven Director of Acute Behavioral Health to lead operations within our Behavioral Health & Wellness Center and support the growth and success of a dedicated team.

The role oversees acute behavioral health services across our state‑of‑the‑art facility, providing crisis assessment, inpatient and partial hospitalization, eating disorder services, outpatient therapy, and integrated primary care for children, adolescents, and families.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in behavioral health required or PhD/Psy.D from an accredited school
• Minimum five years of behavioral health experience in a hospital or health setting
• 4-6 years of management or supervisory experience
• Experience in pediatric environment preferred

Responsibilities

• Directs and implements planning and program development for acute behavioral health services.
• Provides clinical and operational leadership for acute behavioral health services to ensure high-quality care coordination and operational systems.
• Standardizes and delivers high quality clinical care and outcomes and supports the development of the strategic plan.
• Works collaboratively with other behavioral health leaders, hospital, physician and nursing leaders to create a cohesive, quality driven behavioral health service line.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Community partnerships

Clinical supervision

Pediatric behavioral health

Program development

Education

Master's Degree in behavioral health

PhD or Psy.D in psychology

Job description

Job Description

Are you a behavioral health leader passionate about delivering high‑quality crisis and acute mental health services for children, adolescents, and families?

Children's Nebraska is seeking a mission‑driven Director of Acute Behavioral Health to lead operations within our innovative Behavioral Health & Wellness Center and support the growth and success of a dedicated team.

In partnership with senior leadership, this role will oversee acute behavioral health services across our state‑of‑the‑art facility, which provides a comprehensive continuum of pediatric mental health care, including crisis assessment, inpatient and partial hospitalization programs, eating disorder services, outpatient therapy, and integrated primary care. As a leader in pediatric behavioral health, Children's Nebraska is committed to ensuring every child and family receives expert, compassionate care when they need it most.

At Children’s Nebraska, our mission is to improve the life of every child through exceptional care, advocacy, research, and education. As Nebraska’s only full‑service pediatric healthcare center, we provide comprehensive care across a broad spectrum of services while fostering a People First culture built on belonging, wellbeing, learning, growth, and joy. Join an organization where you can turn your passion into purpose and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Children’s offers the opportunity to live in a vibrant, family‑friendly community that combines the amenities of a major metropolitan area with Midwest charm. Omaha is known for its strong economy, excellent schools, thriving arts and cultural scene, world‑class attractions, and exceptional quality of life.

Comprehensive benefits package and relocation available.

Flip though the Children's Comprehensive Benefits Guide to learn more.

Check out our Children's Nebraska YouTube Video to hear from employees and see inside the Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.

A Brief Overview

Directs and implements the planning and program development for acute behavioral health services. Provides clinical and operational leadership for acute behavioral health services to ensure high‑quality care coordination and operational systems, in collaboration with the medical director of the department(s). Standardizes and delivers high quality of clinical care and outcomes and supports the development of the strategic plan. Works collaboratively with other behavioral health leaders, hospital, physician and nursing leaders to create a cohesive, quality driven behavioral health service line.

Education Qualifications

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral health field Required or
• PhD or Psy.D from an accredited school of psychology Required

Experience Qualifications

• Minimum five years of behavioral health services experience in a hospital or health‑related setting Required and
• 4-6 years of management, supervisory, or lead experience Required and
• Experience in a pediatric environment Preferred

Skills And Abilities

• Skill in managing and supervising behavioral health professionals.
• Knowledge and skill in provision of counseling, consultation and psychotherapy, and diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.
• Knowledge and interaction with school systems and other community organizations providing services to children and families.
• Knowledge with managed care contract provisions, requirements, and regulations, including billing requirements.
• Knowledge and skill in employment contract administration.
• Knowledge and skill in program growth and development for behavioral medicine, with preference given to proven skills in pediatric/family support behavioral medicine.
• Ability to identify and coordinate with community‑based resources for support of families and children.
• Ability to develop relationships with community physicians and other referral sources.
• Demonstrated skill in managing multiple and complex budgets.

Licenses and Certifications

• LMHC-Licensed Mental Health Counselor Preferred or
• Licensed Psychologist Preferred or
• LMSW - Licensed Medical Social Worker - State Licensure Preferred or
• Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner in the state of Nebraska (will accept out of state and eligible) Preferred or
• LMAFT - Lic-Marriage & Family Therapy Preferred

Children’s is an equal opportunity employer, embracing and valuing the unique strengths and differences of people. We cultivate an inclusive environment of respect and trust where we all belong. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

BHWC