Program Director, School Based Services

Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team!

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description

Statewide Director, School-Based Services

Department: School-Based Services - Illinois

Employment Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Lead School-Based Mental Health Services That Change Lives

Are you a visionary behavioral health leader passionate about expanding access to mental health services for children and families? Join our mission-driven team as the Director of School-Based Services and play a key role in shaping the future of school-based behavioral healthcare across Illinois.

In this leadership position, you will provide strategic oversight for school-based programs, ensuring high-quality clinical services, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth.

You'll collaborate with school districts, community partners, funding sources, and internal stakeholders to strengthen behavioral health services and improve outcomes for youth and families.

This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative leader who thrives on building teams, developing partnerships, and creating lasting community impact!

Why Join Us?

Compensation

• Salary Range: $90,000 -$112,520 annually

Outstanding Benefits

• 29 days of Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Eligible positions may qualify for HRSA Loan Repayment Assistance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid basic life insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 5% employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare & Dependent Care)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program
• Emergency Medical Leave Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Mileage reimbursement (when applicable)

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Provide leadership and oversight for all Illinois School-Based Services programs statewide.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that support program growth, sustainability, and service excellence.
• Identify opportunities to expand services and enhance access to behavioral healthcare in schools and communities.
• Monitor program outcomes, productivity, quality standards, and key performance indicators.

Clinical & Operational Oversight

• Ensure services are delivered in accordance with licensing standards, ethical guidelines, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support quality assurance initiatives, chart reviews, utilization management, and compliance activities.
• Analyze program data to evaluate effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee departmental orientation, training, and ongoing professional development initiatives.

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-performing school-based staff.
• Provide supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for assigned team members.
• Conduct regular evaluations and support employee growth and career advancement.
• Assess workforce training needs and coordinate clinical, documentation, and professional development opportunities.

School & Community Partnerships

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with school districts, administrators, community organizations, and stakeholders.
• Serve as a behavioral health ambassador by educating schools and communities on the value and impact of school-based services.
• Collaborate with school personnel and community partners to improve access to care and support student success.
• Represent the organization through community presentations, meetings, and public engagement opportunities.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Consult with school personnel, families, and interdisciplinary teams regarding student behavioral health needs.
• Collaborate with internal clinical and operational leaders to ensure coordinated care and service delivery.
• Support grant development, contract management, and other organizational initiatives as needed.

Education & Licensure Requirements

• Master's Degree, Doctoral Degree, or equivalent advanced clinical degree in a behavioral health-related field.
• Current Illinois licensure required: PsychologistLSWLPCLCPCLCSW
• Minimum of post-licensure clinical experience and leadership experience in behavioral healthcare, education, or related settings preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience leading behavioral health, school-based, or community mental health programs.
• Strong understanding of child and adolescent behavioral health services.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and family-centered treatment approaches.
• Experience with program development, quality improvement, and strategic planning.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with school districts, community stakeholders, and organizational leaders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Leadership Expectations

As a Director of School-Based Services, you will

• Communicate and champion the organization's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Lead change initiatives and support innovation across programs.
• Promote teamwork and encourage input from employees at all levels.
• Effectively navigate challenging personnel situations while maintaining professionalism, fairness, and respect.
• Inspire and empower teams to achieve outstanding results for the individuals and communities we serve.

Why Candidates Will Love This Role

Lead program growth. Build meaningful school partnerships. Develop future behavioral health professionals. Most importantly, help ensure children and families have access to the care they need to thrive.

Time Type

Full time

Pay Range

$67,610.00--$101,430.00

Delivering care that changes people's lives starts with our employees. Below are just some of the great benefits Centerstone employees enjoy:

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Medical, dental, and vision health coverage

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Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

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403b retirement plan with company match

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Paid time off and ten paid holidays

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AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid)

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Employee Resource Groups

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Continuing education opportunities

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Employee Assistance Program

Centerstone is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at Centerstone is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We treat all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect.

At Centerstone, we use our values as a guide for what we do. Respect, Expertise, Integrity and Empowerment are at the heart of every interaction at Centerstone, and particularly rooted in our Culture.

Our approach to culture is to create an environment that encourages, supports and celebrates the voices and experiences of our employees. We are committed to a culture of empowerment, respect, integrity and expertise that powers our innovation and connects us to each other, our clients and the communities we serve.

Centerstone is also committed to a strong culture of quality and safety, celebrating role-models who champion best practices for quality, clinical risk, and patient safety.