Director Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Director

This position provides strategic direction and enterprise-wide leadership for behavioral health across all lines of business, including Medicaid, Medicare, Commercial, and D-SNP. The Director will drive innovation in behavioral health delivery, with a focus on ensuring compliance, improving health outcomes, and supporting whole-person care through integrated physical and behavioral health services.

The role shapes policies, programs, and partnerships to help members with behavioral health needs, collaborating across the enterprise to establish a comprehensive approach to cultural competence and behavioral health transformation.

This position is eligible to work onsite or hybrid (9 or more days a month on site) in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.

Are you ready to make a difference? Choose to work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas.

Why Join Us

Make a Positive Impact : Your work will directly contribute to the health and well-being of Kansans.

Family Comes First : Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees.

Professional Growth Opportunities : Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs.

Dynamic Work Environment : Collaborate with a team of passionate and driven individuals.

Trust : Work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas.

Stability : 80 years of commitment, compassion, and community.

Flexibility : Options to work onsite or hybrid available.

What You'll Do

Provide strategic and operational leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral health programs and services that promote access.

Direct and oversee behavioral health operations for the enterprise, including network management, utilization management, case management, and quality improvement.

Develop and implement behavioral health strategies to address disparities, coordinate models, and advance whole-person care.

Lead enterprise-wide behavioral health initiatives that align with risk adjustment strategies, care coordination, and population health goals.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement behavioral health policies and procedures.

Serve as a key liaison with state and federal regulatory agencies.

Direct and oversee behavioral health compliance programs with MHPAEA (Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act) and other state and federal requirements.

Provide clinical and strategic leadership to behavioral health teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other behavioral health professionals.

Monitor and evaluate behavioral health program performance and outcomes, and make recommendations for improvement.

Develop and manage behavioral health budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.

Represent the organization in behavioral health-related meetings, conferences, and workgroups.

Collaborate with other departments to ensure integration of behavioral health services into overall care delivery.

Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including state agencies, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups.

Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.

Work closely with Enterprise Population Health, Quality, Medical Care, Compliance, Data Analytics, and other departments to support behavioral health.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Deep knowledge of behavioral health systems, regulations, and compliance requirements (including MHPAEA and state / federal standards).

Strong understanding of integrated care models and population health strategies.

Expertise in behavioral health program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Ability to lead enterprise-wide initiatives and manage cross-functional teams.

Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate policy data into actionable behavioral health initiatives.

Strong financial acumen for managing budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.

Exceptional communication and collaboration skills for engaging internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to interpret and apply data analytics to improve behavioral health outcomes.

Knowledge of cultural competence principles and health equity strategies.

Proficiency in policy development and regulatory liaison activities.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to align diverse stakeholders around shared objectives.

Familiarity with behavioral health HEDIS metrics, parity compliance indicators, and behavioral health risk scoring and reporting.

Collaborative leader who fosters an inclusive culture that values transparency continuous improvement in member-centered care.

Committed to advancing health equity reducing disparities in access to behavioral health services.

Energized by innovation in care delivery models including digital therapeutics collaborative care community-based solutions.

Education and Experience

Masters Degree in relevant subjects such as psychology, social work, counseling, or public health required.

Certifications and licensures as a Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor or Registered Nurse (RN) required.

Minimum 8 years of leadership experience in behavioral health within a health plan, managed care organization, or integrated delivery system required.

Demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance, utilization management, provider relations, and quality improvement in behavioral health required.

Proven ability to lead high-performing clinical and operational teams in a complex, matrixed environment required.

Experience engaging with state Medicaid agencies, CMS, and behavioral health regulatory bodies on audits, reporting, and strategic planning required.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, conferences, or vendor site visits, as required.

Must be able to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.

May require occasional lifting of office materials or files (typically up to 10 pounds).

Work is typically performed in an office environment with standard lighting and climate control.

Benefits & Perks

Base pay is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package.

Incentive pay program (EPIP)

Health / Vision / Dental insurance

6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers

Fertility / Adoption assistance

2 weeks paid caregiver leave

5% 401(k) plan matching

Tuition reimbursement

Health & fitness benefits, discounts, and resources

Our Commitment to Connection and Belonging

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we are committed to fostering a culture of connection and belonging, where mutual respect is at the foundation of our workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, belief, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military or veteran status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas conducts pre-employment drug screening, criminal conviction check, employment verifications, and education as part of a conditional offer of employment.