Position Overview:

The Director of Behavioral Health Services provides strategic and operational leadership for all inpatient and outpatient behavioral health programs within UNC Health Appalachian. This role ensures the delivery of safe, effective, and evidence-based patient care while cultivating a culture of compassion, respect, and accountability. The Director is responsible for service line development, fiscal oversight, regulatory compliance, workforce management, and strategic integration of behavioral health into the broader continuum of care.

This position requires on-call availability and provides oversight of behavioral health services operating 24/7 .

Compensation: Starting pay ranges between $48.24 - $72.36 per hour, with competitive rates based on experience and education. This is a salaried position.

The Perks and Benefits: Leadership impact: Shape the direction of behavioral health programs serving your community. Interdisciplinary collaboration: Work alongside clinical and community partners. Strategic growth: Drive integration, innovation, and quality across the behavioral health continuum. Mission-focused environment: Support whole-person care aligned with UNC Health Appalachian values. This is an exempt, full-time leadership position with benefits beginning the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. Health, dental, vision, and HSA options Supplemental insurance: short/long-term disability, life, accident, and more Tuition reimbursement & student loan refinancing options 403(b) retirement with employer match Paid time off, paid parental leave & cash-out options Discounts to local attractions and wellness programming Key Responsibilities: Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral health programs. Ensure high-quality, evidence-based care delivery across inpatient and outpatient services. Manage department budgets, staffing models, and operational efficiency. Foster a positive work environment through workforce development and engagement. Collaborate with physicians, nursing leaders, and external agencies to enhance care coordination. Ensure compliance with accreditation, legal, and regulatory requirements. Monitor and respond to performance metrics in quality, safety, patient experience, and outcomes. Participate in hospital-wide initiatives, committees, and strategic planning efforts. Position Requirements:

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree required Master's degree in Health Care Administration or Business Administration preferred Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressive leadership experience required 1-2 years of healthcare management experience with financial and service oversight preferred Broad knowledge of DSM-IV diagnoses and behavioral health treatment modalities Proven ability to manage clinical, operational, and fiscal performance Required Registration/License/Certification: None required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Leadership, team-building, and strategic planning skills Knowledge of behavioral health systems, clinical protocols, and population needs Ability to influence others, solve complex problems, and drive continuous improvement Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills Proficient in project management and regulatory compliance Ability to manage conflict and lead in dynamic environments Demonstrated emotional intelligence, resilience, and professionalism Physical Demands: Occasional stooping, walking, reaching, frequent standing, and constant sitting required Sedentary physical force is required (exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects) Visual acuity required for computer operations Ability to speak and hear is required to effectively communicate with providers, staff, and community Manual finger dexterity is required for computer operations Ability to effectively manage high-stress environment and manage emotions Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds Manual dexterity and mobility Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less Working Conditions: Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc. Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 5 hours per day Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day Lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls Frequently bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity Exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work May be exposed to ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave

About UNC Health Appalachian: UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades and serves the High Country through three hospitals and a wide network of medical practices, outpatient centers, and specialty care.

About UNC Health: UNC Health is a not-for-profit integrated health system with 14 hospitals and more than 500 clinics statewide.

Diversity & Inclusion: UNC Health Appalachian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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