Chief Executive Officer (Behavioral Health & SUD)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview :

Liberty Community Programs is a growing healthcare organization committed to providing high-quality services in behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment. Our mission is to empower individuals and families through compassionate, evidence-based care that promotes recovery, stability, and long-term wellness.

We are in search of a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our organization in the Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder sectors. The CEO will be responsible for setting the strategic direction, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. This role demands strong leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of behavioral health services, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities.

This individual will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and community partners to expand services, maintain compliance, and drive growth while keeping our mission at the heart of decision-making.

Mission of the Role

Lead a high-performing, compliant, and financially sound behavioral health & SUD organization that delivers equitable, trauma-informed, evidence-based care across outpatient, residential, and community settings.

Primary Responsibilities

1) Strategy & Leadership

• Set and execute a 3–5 year strategic plan aligned to access, quality, equity, and financial sustainability.
• Build an accountable, values-driven culture; model trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centered principles.
• Partner with the Board on governance, risk, and long-range planning; provide clear dashboards and timely reporting.

2) Clinical & Quality Governance

Ensure clinical models align with ASAM criteria and evidence-based practices (e.g., MAT, CBT, MI, contingency management).

Oversee Quality & Patient Safety : incident review, sentinel event response, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement (PDSA).

Maintain accreditation and readiness (e.g., CARF or The Joint Commission ); ensure robust peer review and privileging.

3) Compliance & Privacy

Own enterprise compliance program : HIPAA / HITECH, 42 CFR Part 2 (SUD privacy), OSHA / Cal / OSHA (as applicable), OIG exclusion screening, DEA controls (if dispensing / ordering controlled substances).

Ensure adherence to federal / state Medicaid / Medicare rules, commercial payer contracts, grant terms, and state behavioral health regulations.

Maintain an effective grievance and compliance hotline process; report to the Board Compliance Committee.

4) Operations & Access

Ensure timely access (intake-to-first-appointment, same-day starts), care coordination, and step-up / step-down pathways (detox ↔ residential ↔ outpatient / HCBS).

Oversee efficient site operations : scheduling, no-show reduction, outreach, referral management, transportation / logistics (if applicable).

Implement workplace violence prevention and emergency preparedness plans.

5) People & Culture

Recruit, develop, and retain diverse talent; build a high-trust leadership team (Clinical, Finance, Operations, HR, IT, Development).

Drive engagement, professional development, equitable compensation frameworks, and succession planning.

6) Finance & Growth

Own P&L, cash flow, and reserves; align budgets with mission and strategic priorities.

Optimize revenue cycle (eligibility, coding, authorizations, utilization review, denials management, cost-to-collect).

Lead payer strategy (Medicaid managed care, commercial, Medicare Advantage), grant development, and philanthropic partnerships.

7) Community & Stakeholder Relations

Serve as primary spokesperson; advance partnerships with health systems, courts, schools, housing providers, tribal partners, and community-based organizations.

Advocate for policies that expand access, parity, housing and recovery supports.

8) Technology & Data

Oversee EHR strategy, data governance, cybersecurity, and interoperability (e.g., eRx, PDMP, HIE participation).

Use analytics and dashboards to manage access, quality, and financial performance; promote data-driven decisions.

Core Competencies

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Change leadership

Financial acumen

Regulatory savvy

Data literacy

Relationship building

Decision quality

Talent magnet

Cultural humility

Supervisory Scope

Direct reports typically include : Chief Clinical Officer , Chief Operating Officer , Chief Financial Officer , Chief People Officer / HR , Chief Information Officer / EHR Director , and Development / Grants .

Work Environment & Travel

Community-based with periodic travel to program sites, partners, and Board meetings; may include evening / weekend events.

Requirements

Qualifications :

Required :

10+ years progressive leadership in behavioral health / SUD, including multi-site or community-based services.

Demonstrated success leading P&L, quality programs, accreditation, and payer relations.

Deep knowledge of ASAM levels of care , MAT , HIPAA / HITECH , 42 CFR Part 2 , Medicaid / managed care, and state licensing.

Track record in DEI, trauma-informed care, and community partnerships.

Preferred :

Advanced degree (MPH, MHA, MSW, MBA, MD / DO, PhD / PsyD).

Experience with housing / recovery supports, harm reduction, criminal-justice diversion, or school-based services.

Fundraising / grant management and public policy advocacy experience.

EEO & Background Checks

Liberty Community Programs is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to equity and inclusion. Employment subject to background checks consistent with law (e.g., criminal history, OIG / LEIE, driver record if required).

Candidates in Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania are welcome to apply, relocation assistance will be provided.

Benefits

Salary Range : $130,000 – $160,000 (commensurate with experience).

Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, CME / professional development).

Relocation Assistance provided.