Program Director - Behavioral Health Operations

Now Hiring: Program Director – Behavioral Health Operations

OMHC | Substance Use Disorder (SUD) | Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP)

Elite Healthcare, Inc.

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Position: Full-Time, Onsite

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications

About the Position

Elite Healthcare is seeking an experienced, motivated, and results-driven Program Director to assume full responsibility for the organization's daily operations.

Our organization provides behavioral health services, including outpatient mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and psychiatric rehabilitation.

We are looking for a strong operational leader who can independently manage clinic activities, supervise personnel, ensure regulatory compliance, strengthen service delivery, and lead efforts to grow the organization.

This is a senior management position with direct accountability for operational performance. The Program Director will report to executive leadership but will be expected to manage routine operations independently.

Key Responsibilities

Clinic Operations and Leadership

Assume primary responsibility for day-to-day clinic operations across OMHC, SUD, and PRP programs.

Direct administrative personnel, program managers, intake coordinators, and other assigned staff. Ensure adequate staffing, scheduling, patient access, and uninterrupted service delivery. Develop and enforce operational policies, procedures, and staff accountability standards. Resolve routine staffing, patient service, and operational challenges without requiring daily executive intervention.

Compliance and Quality Management

Maintain compliance with applicable Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration, COMAR, Medicaid, and payer requirements.

Coordinate with appropriately credentialed clinical and medical leadership to ensure required clinical supervision and oversight. Monitor documentation quality, treatment plan completion, authorizations, and audit readiness. Oversee corrective action plans, incident follow-up, and continuous quality improvement.

Program Growth and Development

Develop and implement strategies to increase appropriate referrals, admissions, and patient engagement.

Build and maintain relationships with hospitals, clinics, treatment programs, community organizations, and referral partners. Identify opportunities to strengthen and expand existing services. Monitor referral conversion, patient census, retention, and program utilization. Establish measurable growth goals in collaboration with executive leadership.

Financial and Operational Accountability

Monitor staff productivity, operational costs, and resource utilization.

Work closely with billing personnel to reduce avoidable claim denials and documentation-related revenue loss. Identify operational inefficiencies and implement cost-effective solutions. Prepare monthly operational reports covering census, productivity, staffing, compliance, revenue-cycle issues, and program growth.

Staff Management

Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes within delegated authority.

Establish measurable expectations for employees. Promote professionalism, teamwork, ethical practices, and patient-centered care.

Qualifications

Required

Minimum five years of relevant behavioral health, human services, or healthcare operational experience preferred, including at least two years in a leadership or supervisory role.

Demonstrated ability to manage daily operations in an outpatient behavioral health setting. Working knowledge of Maryland behavioral health regulatory requirements. Experience supervising staff, improving operational processes, and managing performance. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and take accountability for results. Education and credentials sufficient for the regulatory responsibilities assigned to the position.

Professional Credentials

Candidates with the following credentials are encouraged to apply

CAC-AD – Certified Associate Counselor–Alcohol and Drug

LCADC – Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor LCSW-C – Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical Other applicable Maryland behavioral health credentials or qualifying graduate education

CAC-AD candidates are welcome and will be considered based on their education, management experience, operational capabilities, and eligibility for the specific regulatory duties assigned.

Strongly Preferred

Previous experience managing Maryland OMHC, SUD, or PRP programs.

Experience overseeing more than one behavioral health service line. Demonstrated success growing patient census and developing referral relationships. Familiarity with Medicaid billing, payer authorizations, electronic health records, and quality assurance. Experience preparing for regulatory surveys, inspections, or accreditation reviews.

What Success Looks Like

The successful Program Director will

Maintain organized, compliant, and efficient daily clinic operations.

Build a dependable team that performs with limited executive intervention. Improve staff productivity and documentation compliance. Increase appropriate referrals, admissions, and patient engagement. Reduce avoidable operational and revenue-cycle problems. Provide executive leadership with accurate performance reports and practical recommendations.

Reporting Structure

The Program Director reports directly to executive leadership and will have delegated authority to manage routine operational decisions, staff accountability, and program performance.

Executive leadership will retain oversight of organizational strategy, major financial commitments, and significant policy decisions.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief summary of their experience managing behavioral health programs.

Please highlight your professional credentials, management experience, knowledge of Maryland OMHC/SUD/PRP operations, and examples of programs you have helped improve or grow.

Website: www.elitehcsi.com

Application Email: care@elitehcsi.com

Subject: Program Director Application – Elite Healthcare

Elite Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.