Director of Outpatient Services – Chicago, IL

Gated Talent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in behavioral health is seeking a Director of Outpatient Services to lead its partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs in Chicago. The role involves overseeing operations, achieving performance targets, and providing clinical leadership while ensuring compliance and quality assurance. Ideal candidates will possess strong managerial experience in behavioral healthcare and hold relevant licenses to practice.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years in behavioral healthcare with 2+ years in operations.
• Experience with PHP and IOP levels of care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations for PHP and IOP services.
• Achieve key business objectives for revenue and patient satisfaction.
• Hire, onboard, and supervise a high-performing team.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Operational management

Behavioral healthcare

Education

Master’s or Doctorate-level Licensed Clinician

Job description

The Director of Outpatient Services is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations and long-term success of the facility’s partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). This role is accountable for achieving key performance targets – including volume growth, financial performance, patient experience, and clinical quality – by driving clinical excellence, operational rigor, referral growth, and standardized care delivery across the behavioral health care continuum. The Director will serve as a clinical leader, performance coach, and community advocate, ensuring a seamless transition for patients stepping down from inpatient care and patients stepping up from community-based care.

Responsibilities

Clinical & Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations and clinical program for PHP and IOP services, including occasional facilitation of groups
• Achieve key business objectives including ADC, visits, revenue, EBITDA, patient retention, patient satisfaction, and clinical quality outcomes
• Monitor KPIs regularly and adjust operations to meet goals, address barriers, and ensure continuous improvement.
• Serve as a visible leader with internal stakeholders to drive step-down admissions from inpatient units and build advocacy for outpatient care/behavioral health care continuum
• Actively support business development and outreach activities to enhance brand awareness and drive direct admissions.
• Coordinate weekly group assignments and session topics to balance clinician workloads and tailor care to patient cohort needs. Utilize feedback, patient outcome data, and satisfaction surveys to enhance care delivery and program relevance and to ensure services remain accessible and responsive to the needs of the target population.
• Collaborate with divisional and corporate leadership on identifying and implementing strategic growth initiatives, including expansion planning and program development.

Team Development & Supervision

• Hire, onboard, and retain a high-performing team
• Provide supervision, training, and mentorship for clinical and support staff, including therapists, counselors, BHAs, and students.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant licensure, accreditation, regulatory, and contractual obligations (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, state laws).
• Develop and assist with the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient records and services delivered.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Required to be a Master’s or Doctorate-level Licensed Clinician – e.g., LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, PsyD, PhD.
• Minimum of 4 years in behavioral healthcare, including 2+ years of operations and managerial experience.
• Experience with PHP and IOP levels of care strongly preferred. Preference for experience working with acute psychiatric hospital and/or residential SUD treatment providers.

Licenses/Designations/Certifications

• Master’s or Doctorate-level Licensed Clinician – e.g., LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, PhD (Clinical, Counseling or Educational Psychology), or PsyD

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS: Supervises a team of employees

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