Chief Mental Health Officer

Description

Since 1972, Therapeutic Health Services (THS) has provided evidence-based, culturally appropriate and compassionate behavioral health treatment, programs and services for children, youth, and families with substance use and mental health disorders. We are on the frontlines:

• Fighting the region’s opioid epidemic
• Providing behavioral health support for those experiencing homelessness
• Lowering barriers to behavioral health for youth and adults who have had challenges accessing quality care
• Specialists in serving the needs of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities
• A family of caring and compassionate providers dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in our community

We are seeking a visionary Chief Mental Health Officer (CMHO) to lead innovation, equity, and clinical excellence across our mental health and psychiatric programs for adults and youth in Washington State.  This is a high-impact leadership role at the forefront of integrated, whole-person care. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CMHO will guide strategy, empower cross-functional teams, and drive operational success across both established services and new initiatives—like THRIVE, our groundbreaking program for commercially insured clients. You'll play a key role in expanding access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for the diverse communities we serve.  The hours for this position are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday- Friday. The pay for this role is $145,000 - $150,000 DOE/annually. 

Requirements

 Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Drive clinical operations across all mental health programs, aligning services with THS’s bold vision and strategic goals.
• Lead program integration, clinic expansion, and infrastructure development with a focus on innovation and sustainable growth.
• Build and standardize systems that enhance care quality, efficiency, and staff performance.
   

Clinical Oversight & Workforce Development

• Supervise and empower licensed clinicians, program leaders, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Foster a culture of excellence, learning, and accountability rooted in evidence-based practices.
• Oversee documentation quality, compliance audits, and continuous performance improvement.
   

Financial Stewardship & Program Sustainability

• Manage a multi-million-dollar budget with an eye on fiscal health, payer compliance, and billing optimization.
• Collaborate with our development team to secure funding through grants and partnerships.
• Lead the design and launch of innovative programs and service lines.
   

Community Impact & Client-Centered Design

• Represent THS at state and national behavioral health forums, influencing policy and championing equity.
• Build strong partnerships with healthcare systems, schools, tribes, and community organizations.
• Embed community voice into the design and evolution of our services.

Compliance, Innovation & Quality

• Ensure rigorous compliance with CARF, HIPAA, Medicaid/MCO standards, and all regulatory bodies.
• Stay ahead of emerging clinical models, policy trends, and innovations in mental health and substance use treatment.
• Promote trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices across the organization.
   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in psychology, social work, counseling, psychiatric nursing, or a related behavioral health discipline.
• Current WA State Department of Health licensure (e.g., LMHC, LICSW, ARNP-PMH).
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in behavioral health services, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership or executive capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in clinical systems, quality improvement, budget management, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced, values-driven, and community-based care environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and change management skills.
• Familiarity with Medicaid/Medicare and commercial insurance billing, behavioral health integration, and managed care models. skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Dual licensure or significant experience in both mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. MBA or extensive coursework in business fundamentals.
• Experience launching, scaling, or transforming behavioral health programs or clinical care sites.
• Knowledge of Washington State behavioral health systems, funding structures, and public policy landscape.

 We offer the following benefits to full and some part-time staff:

• Employer paid medical/dental/vision insurance packages.
• Employer paid life insurance
• 12 accrued vacation days for year one, up to 20 days in subsequent years
• 12 days sick leave accrual per year
• Mental Health Day
• 1 Personal Day
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Plan
• 403(b) Retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training Allowance/License Reimbursement
• We are also a Second Chance Employer