Chief Operating Officer

Description

Join a Team That Changes Lives—Including Yours!

Northstar Behavioral Health Network is a team of professionals that specialize in serving those battling substance use disorders, specifically Opioid Use Disorder and Stimulant Use Disorder. Also specializing in those needing Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS).

At Northstar Behavioral Health, we don’t just treat addiction—we transform lives. Our mission is to provide compassionate, expert care for individuals battling opioid and stimulant addiction through a multi-faceted treatment approach. But what truly sets us apart? Our people!

We believe in fostering a work environment where growth, community, and passion thrive. That means: Exciting Team Events – We celebrate our hardworking staff with engaging gatherings, fostering connections beyond the workplace. Commitment to Community – From volunteering events to local engagement initiatives, we actively give back to the community we serve. Opportunities for Career Growth – With our expanding network of over 200 clients and growing, we provide the support and tools for you to thrive professionally. A Culture of Support – Join a team that understands the importance of a workplace built on integrity, compassion, and collaboration.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment organization. The COO oversees daily operations across clinical programs, residential and outpatient services, compliance, quality assurance, staff development, and financial performance. This executive ensures operational excellence while supporting high-quality, evidence-based care for individuals affected by addiction and co-occurring behavioral health conditions.

The COO partners closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to implement organizational strategy, drive growth, maintain regulatory compliance, and improve patient outcomes across all service lines.

Reporting Structure

The COO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works closely with clinical leadership, finance, HR, compliance, and business development teams.

Job Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations of all SUD treatment programs, including residential, outpatient, MAT/MOUD, recovery support, and behavioral health services.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that support organizational growth, efficiency, and patient care excellence.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, and evidence-based treatment services.
• Monitor operational KPIs, census, utilization, patient outcomes, staffing metrics, and financial performance.

Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to behavioral health and addiction treatment.
• Maintain readiness for audits and reviews, including standards from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
• Oversee risk management, incident reporting, HIPAA compliance, and quality assurance initiatives.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Collaborate with finance leadership on budgeting, forecasting, revenue cycle performance, and cost management.
• Drive operational efficiencies while maintaining exceptional patient care standards.
• Support new program development.
• Participate in strategic planning and long-term organizational growth initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop program directors, clinical leaders, and operational staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, compassion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with HR on recruitment, retention, employee engagement, and workforce development initiatives.
• Support leadership training and succession planning across departments.

Clinical & Patient Experience Support

• Partner with clinical leadership to improve patient satisfaction, continuity of care, and treatment outcomes.
• Promote integrated care models addressing substance use, mental health, and social determinants of health.
• Ensure ethical, patient-centered service delivery across all programs.

Community & External Relations

• Build relationships with referral partners, healthcare systems, payers, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Represent the organization in industry and community initiatives.
• Support business development and referral growth strategies.

Benefits:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future, including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• HSA
• Dependent Care
• 401k & Company match
• Short and long term disability
• EAP
• Paid holidays
• Paid Time off
• Supportive and dedicated work environment

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Behavioral Health, or related field.
• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in behavioral health, addiction treatment, healthcare operations, or related services.
• Strong knowledge of SUD treatment operations, healthcare regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-program operations.
• Proven leadership, financial management, and organizational development skills.

Preferred

• Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH, or related field).
• Experience with residential treatment, outpatient services, MAT/MOUD programs, and behavioral healthcare systems.
• Familiarity with value-based care models and payer contracting.
• Licensure or certification in healthcare or behavioral health administration is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Regulatory Compliance
• Financial Acumen
• Team Development
• Crisis Management
• Quality Improvement
• Healthcare Administration
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Patient-Centered Care