Director of Triage

Compass Health; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation

Sick days and wellness day

Paid holidays

Professional development funds

Education leave

Job summary

Compass Health in Northwest Washington seeks a Director of Triage to lead strategic operations across Triage departments and locations, ensuring high-quality care and aligned performance.

The role drives inpatient services, establishes protocols, and advances quality improvements with executive leadership and cross-functional partners.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctorate in behavioral health.
• Active ARNP or MD license in Washington.
• Current DEA registration.
• 5 years of direct psychiatric care experience in behavioral health.
• 2 years of medical direction and supervision experience.
• Board certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning for Triage departments and align services with organizational objectives and community needs.
• Provide administrative oversight of Triage staff and management.
• Provide direct oversight of crisis stabilization (Triage) units and managers.
• Oversee Triage scheduling and coverage for vacancies and leave.
• Coordinate recruitment of Triage staff and onboarding of new hires.
• Provide direct services for a caseload of active inpatient clients.
• Provide call coverage for 24-hour programs.
• Collaborate with CMO/Medical Director on psychiatric medication management.
• Offer clinical guidance and mentorship to Triage staff.
• Facilitate team meetings and coordinate training programs.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Team management

Medical direction

Electronic health records

Communication skills

Quality improvement

Teaching & mentorship

Operations planning

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's or Doctorate in behavioral health

Active ARNP or MD license in Washington

Current DEA registration

Job description

Director of Triage

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Reports to: Chief Medical Officer

Union: No

About the Role

The Director of Triage provides strategic leadership and comprehensive oversight for all Triage departments and locations, with a focus on maintaining high standards of care, optimizing departmental performance, and aligning operations with broader organizational goals.

This role manages inpatient services, establishes clinical and operational protocols, monitors performance measures, and leads quality improvement initiatives within Triage. Through collaboration with executive leadership and cross-functional partners, the Director supports efficient processes and systems while advancing person-centered care across Triage services.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Program Operations

• Lead strategic planning for Triage departments, identifying priorities, setting goals, and aligning services with organizational objectives and community needs.
• Provide administrative oversight of Triage staff and management.
• Provide direct oversight of crisis stabilization (Triage) units, including managers and their direct reports.
• Oversee Triage scheduling and ensure coverage for vacancies and leave.
• Manage coverage planning and PTO requests.
• Partner with PSS to recruit Triage staff as necessary.
• Meet with and ensure onboarding for new Triage team hires, supporting engagement and retention.
• Provide direct services for a caseload of active inpatient clients.
• Provide call coverage for 24-hour programs.

Clinical Leadership & Staff Development

• Work with the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director to ensure comprehensive psychiatric medication management services are provided.
• Provide or ensure clinical consultation for direct reports as appropriate to degree type, experience, and need.
• Provide ongoing guidance, clinical support, and mentorship to Triage staff to support high-quality care and staff development.
• Facilitate Triage team meetings and supervisory meetings with direct reports.
• Collaborate with Directors, Managers, and Supervisors to design, implement, and provide training on team cohesion and best practices for working together in an integrated care model.
• Develop and implement training sessions and assess the need for and coordinate professional educational and training programs for medical and non-medical personnel, as well as external community partners.

Quality Improvement & Compliance

• Develop an ongoing review process to ensure optimal quality of care across all services.
• Implement Quality Assurance programs, measures, and monitoring, including performance reviews for Triage staff and a system of peer review.
• Evaluate current practices and develop, implement, and maintain clinical and operational protocols to support consistency, safety, and effectiveness in Triage service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant clinical, legal, and accreditation standards for Compass Health services.
• Partner with clinical teams, Quality, and other appropriate parties to address client complaints.

What You Bring Required Education, Licensure & Certifications

• Completion of an accredited program with a Master's or Doctorate Degree in a behavioral health-related field.
• Active ARNP or MD License in the State of Washington.
• Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) controlled substance registration.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• 5 years of direct psychiatric care experience in behavioral health preferred.
• 2 years of experience providing medical direction and supervision of teams preferred.
• Current Board Certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong teaching skills.
• Ability to adapt to a continually evolving environment, be operations-savvy, and collaborate effectively with Compass Health workforce members throughout the continuum of care.
• Experience developing and implementing standards of care, medical protocols, and quality assurance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to apply strategic thinking to department-level planning, service development, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Creativity, resourcefulness, and sound judgment in the analysis and resolution of medical, managerial, and administrative problems.
• Experience working with information technology staff to manage electronic health records and apply technological solutions to emerging problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, abstract reasoning, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to furthering the mission and vision of Compass Health.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance at NO COST to full-time employees
• 16 days of paid vacation in the first year
• 12 sick days, including a wellness day
• 13 paid holidays - 11 traditional holidays plus 2 personal choice holidays
• Professional development funds
• Up to 5 days of paid education leave
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 2% company match after the first year
• And much more

About Compass Health

Compass Health is Northwest Washington's behavioral healthcare leader. For over 110 years, we have provided compassionate and innovative behavioral health services to individuals and families across Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom counties.

Our services include outpatient treatment, crisis response, inpatient care, supportive housing, children's services, and community-based care.

Learn more: www.compasshealth.org

Physical Demands / Work Environment

The employee will be working in an office environment and will provide outreach to community settings as needed, which could include client homes, hospitals, medical facilities, schools, jails, community organizations, and other settings.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and use close vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Compass Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer, supporting equity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification.

Education

Graduate/Masters

Master - Science