Program Director

Location: Kirksville, MO

Department: Preferred Family Healthcare

Employment Type: Full-Time

Shift: Monday - Friday

Job Summary

The Program Director, under the direct supervision of the Vice President, plays a key leadership role in fostering a positive, inclusive culture where clients, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members are treated with dignity and respect. This position is responsible for ensuring high-quality, compliant services within the assigned business unit by implementing and monitoring quality assurance processes, supporting team success, and maintaining operational excellence.

Why Kirksville, MO?

Kirksville offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and university energy, home to Truman State University and A.T. Still University. Enjoy:

• Affordable cost of living
• Welcoming community
• Outdoor recreation: hiking, biking, lakes
• Cultural and educational opportunities

Position Perks & Benefits

• 29 Days PTO
• HRSA Loan Repayment Eligibility (requirements apply)
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• 403(b) with up to 5% Company Match
• Emergency Medical Leave Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness & Discount Programs
• Mileage Reimbursement (when applicable)

Essential Job Functions

Operational & Fiscal Oversight

• Oversee fiscal performance and compliance across the assigned business unit.
• Identify new funding opportunities and support the expansion or enhancement of existing services.
• Assist with grant management and ensure timely, accurate invoicing.
• Track and ensure achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Prepare and submit timely variance reports.

Relationship Building & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with referral and funding partners, including:
• Targeted case management groups, Department of Mental Health regional offices, Vocational Rehabilitation facilities, and additional community partners.
• Represent the business unit with professionalism and integrity, promoting collaborative partnerships.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, state guidelines, licensure requirements, contractual obligations, and internal policies.
• Maintain “audit-ready” standards at all times.
• Lead and support ongoing quality management processes, including:
• Completing quality file reviews for all supervised offices and services.
• Conducting field observations of team members providing direct services.
• Ensuring accurate and up-to-date use of databases and electronic medical records (EMR).
• Provide direct care shifts as needed to support operational needs.

Leadership & Team Development

• Perform full-scope leadership responsibilities including hiring, performance management, coaching, recognition, and staff development.
• Support positive team culture and promote high levels of productivity and engagement.
• Provide clear direction and support to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven ability to develop process workflows and manage complex projects.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear reports and deliver confident presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with staff, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Sound independent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of compliance requirements related to CARF accreditation, state guidelines, licensure, and funding sources.
• Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Word, Excel, internet platforms, databases, and EMR systems.
• Knowledge of disability services, mental health, substance use treatment, and community resources.
• Understanding of supervisory methods and training best practices within behavioral health settings.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a positive and supportive team member.

Education & Experience

• Required: Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience in a healthcare system, or five years of behavioral healthcare experience.
• Preferred: Experience in a similar behavioral healthcare leadership role.
• Preferred: Master’s degree.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Communicate the organization’s strategic goals and encourage active participation from all team members.
• Provide clear leadership, direction, and support in all departmental functions.
• Play a key role in identifying, developing, and executing strategic objectives.
• Communicate departmental and organizational updates effectively.
• Address team member concerns with professionalism, discretion, and HR guidance when needed.
• Lead change initiatives and support successful implementation of new processes or ideas.
• Promote a collaborative team environment by seeking and valuing input at all levels.

Position Perks & Benefits:

Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life

Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more

Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive

Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within

Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness

Brightli is on a Mission:

A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.

As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.