Senior Director, Healthcare Compliance & Risk

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD seeks a Compliance Director to lead the organization’s compliance program and risk management efforts. This role oversees auditors, rights protections, interpretation services, and policy compliance while collaborating with senior leadership to embed governance across all programs.

Ideal candidates bring extensive healthcare compliance experience, staff leadership, and a proven ability to navigate state and federal regulations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling/clinical mental health or related field required.
• JD preferred to support governance and risk management.
• Minimum 5 years managing staff and departmental budgets.
• 7+ years managing complex healthcare compliance projects.
• 10+ years experience in health plan compliance, operations, audits or consulting.
• CHC or CHPC or comparable healthcare regulatory compliance certification.
• Knowledge of state and federal healthcare regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversees day-to-day compliance, translation/interpreter and rights protection activities.
• Develops and implements compliance policies and procedures for the Harris Center.
• Maintains current policies and a library of up-to-date procedures.
• Develops a compliant program supporting state and federal laws.
• Monitors the compliance program and advises leadership and the Board.
• Supervises teams identifying compliance issues and provides training.
• Coordinates internal/external audits and follows up on findings.
• Establishes whistleblower systems and ensures safe reporting of concerns.
• Ensures disciplinary mechanisms align with deviations and policies.
• Maintains awareness of contract and statutory requirements affecting operations.
• Reports to the Audit Committee and communicates requirements to leadership.
• Conducts investigations into fraud, waste, and abuse as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by leadership.

Skills

Healthcare compliance

Staff management

Budget management

Audit coordination

Policy development

Risk assessment

Education

Master’s in Counseling and Education, Clinical Mental Health, or related discipline

Juris Doctor (JD) preferred

Job description

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD seeks a Compliance Director to lead the organization’s compliance program and risk management efforts. This role oversees auditors, rights protections, interpretation services, and policy compliance while collaborating with senior leadership to embed governance across all programs.

Ideal candidates bring extensive healthcare compliance experience, staff leadership, and a proven ability to navigate state and federal regulations.