Director of School-Based Services

Description

The Director of School-Based Services provides strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight for all behavioral health, prevention, and education programs delivered in school settings. Reporting to the Vice President of Behavioral Health, this role ensures high-quality services aligned with agency goals, contractual requirements, and the unique needs of partner school districts. The Director of School-Based Services builds and supports strong, collaborative teams, cultivates a positive and accountable work culture, and serves as the primary liaison to superintendents, principals, and other educational partners, strengthening relationships, ensuring responsive communication, and advancing exceptional outcomes for students and schools. 

Benefits That’ll Make You Smile

We believe in taking care of our team so they can take care of others. That’s why we offer:

• Vacation time that grows with you — earn up to 80 hours your first year, and up to 160 hours after.
• Sick time you can count on — earn up to 96 hours each year.
• 11 paid holidays every year.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 8% employer contributions.
• Choice of two health plans (one with an HSA + employer contributions).
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance (100% employer-paid).
• Group Life and AD&D insurance included.
• Options for extra voluntary coverage. 
• Educational Aid program to support your professional growth.

The Director of School-Based Services Performance Objectives:

Leadership & Program Direction

• Lead the planning, direction, and evaluation of school-based behavioral health, prevention, and education programs in partnership with the Vice President of Behavioral Health. 
• Provide supportive, professional supervision to program managers, clinicians, and prevention staff to ensure exceptional service delivery. 
• Foster teamwork, shared accountability, and solution-focused communication across departments and partner schools. 

Team Development & Culture Building

• Build and sustain high-performing teams that reflect the organization’s mission and values. 
• Create a culture of trust, collaboration, and professional growth through coaching, feedback, and recognition. 
• Mentor emerging leaders and support staff in reaching their professional goals. 

External Partnerships & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison to superintendents, principals, counselors, and other district leaders. 
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships to ensure satisfaction with services and alignment with district priorities. 
• Represent the organization at school board meetings and community forums. 
• Proactively address concerns and communicate clearly and professionally with all partners. 

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily operations of school-based programs, including staffing, scheduling, data tracking, and coordination. 
• Monitor service utilization and outcomes to ensure programs meet contractual requirements and community needs. 
• Ensure full compliance with district agreements, grants, and local, state, and federal regulations. 

Clinical Collaboration & Service Quality

• Partner with clinical leadership to maintain clinical integrity, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based service delivery. 
• Support consistent clinical standards, documentation practices, and interdisciplinary coordination. 
• Advance integrated behavioral health and educational supports that promote student well-being. 

Quality & Compliance

• Work with the Quality & Compliance team to uphold accreditation standards and licensing requirements. 
• Implement quality monitoring systems, satisfaction surveys, and outcome tools to support continuous improvement. 
• Promote ethical practices and maintain program policies, procedures, and internal resource documents. 

Financial & Resource Management

• Assist in developing and managing program budgets to support sustainability and accountability. 
• Track productivity, utilization, and reimbursement to identify operational improvements. 
• Ensure accurate reporting of service data and performance metrics to districts, funders, and leadership. 

Training & Professional Development

• Coordinate and deliver training related to school-based behavioral health, prevention strategies, and best practices. 
• Ensure supervision and training processes meet licensure, certification, and contractual expectations. 

Strategic & Program Development

• Support the growth and enhancement of school-based programs based on district and community needs. 
• Provide data and insight to agency strategic planning initiatives. 
• Assist in identifying grants, partnerships, and resources to strengthen program reach and quality. 

Professional Integrity

• Model ethical practice, uphold organizational values, and promote a respectful, inclusive culture. 

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to advance organizational goals.

Requirements

 The Director of School-Based Services Qualifications:

Regulatory & Compliance Requirements

• Ability to meet all state and federal requirements for employment in a Community Mental Health Center in Iowa or Illinois, including background checks, Illinois CANTS clearance (when applicable), and OIG exclusionary screening. 
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and adequate auto insurance, with eligibility to operate organization vehicles. 

Education & Licensure

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services–related field, required; Master’s degree, preferred. 
• Preference given to candidates who meet the State of Iowa’s definition of a Mental Health Professional. 

Experience & Skills

• Minimum of five years of leadership experience required. 
• Prior management experience within mental health services strongly preferred. 
• Experience with fiscal management and budget oversight preferred. 
• Working knowledge of Iowa Medicaid, accreditation standards, and state regulatory requirements required. 

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Move throughout office and school-based work settings. 
• Use a computer, phone, and standard office equipment. 
• Communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing. 
• Observe and interpret information accurately. 
• Travel between work sites and transport self to various locations. 
• Work in environments that may be moderately noisy or distracting. 
• Occasionally balance, bend, stoop, kneel, or lift up to 20 pounds. 
• Occasionally work evenings or weekends based on program needs. 
• Manage periods of mental stress related to workload and client contact. 
• Remain alert and attentive during all working hours.

Ready to Make a Difference?

We can’t wait to meet you! Apply today and become part of a team that’s all about protecting children, strengthening families, and building brighter futures in our community.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.