Chief Executive Officer (Behavioral Health & SUD)

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.

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.

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.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Range: $130,000 – $160,000 (commensurate with experience).
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, CME/professional development.
• Relocation Assistance provided.