Director of Behavioral Health Policy & Innovation

State of Georgia; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Georgia seeks a Director of Behavior and Mental Health to lead strategic direction for the Behavioral Health unit, shaping policies, waivers, and program standards across Medicaid and state initiatives. This role partners with executive leadership to advance parity, quality, and access for Georgians.

Hybrid schedule in downtown Atlanta with statewide scope, overseeing CMOs, grants, and interagency collaboration.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of Medicaid behavioral health services, financing and federal authorities.
• Proven ability to lead change, use data to make decisions, and represent the agency credibly with senior officials and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication, including presenting complex policy to non-specialist audiences.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and policy for the Behavioral Health unit.
• Directs behavioral health policy, provider manuals, State Plan Amendments and waivers.
• Leads initiatives such as Targeted Case Management, certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs), crisis services, reentry and integrated care.
• Advises executive leadership on federal and state developments.
• Parity compliance and lead for mental health and substance use disorder parity.
• Oversees relationships with residential and inpatient treatment settings, as well as out-of-state agreements and provider enrollment.
• Partnerships with program integrity on oversight of high-risk providers.
• Serves as project director for federal and philanthropic grants, ensuring compliance and sustainability.
• Establishes key performance indicators and uses data to guide policy and program decisions.

Education

Master’s or doctoral degree in behavioral health, public health, or public administration

Job description

The State of Georgia seeks a Director of Behavior and Mental Health to lead strategic direction for the Behavioral Health unit, shaping policies, waivers, and program standards across Medicaid and state initiatives. This role partners with executive leadership to advance parity, quality, and access for Georgians.

Hybrid schedule in downtown Atlanta with statewide scope, overseeing CMOs, grants, and interagency collaboration.