Statewide Director of School-Based Services (Illinois)

Job Description:
Statewide Director, School-Based Services (Illinois)
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 -$112,000 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 DoStrategic 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 acces