"Director of Behavioral Health Educational Pathways SMS-3759"

Posted: 14-Jan-26

Location: Springfield, IL

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 5195994

Under the general direction of the Executive Director of the Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC), the Director of Behavioral Health Educational Pathways leads statewide initiatives to strengthen academic and training pathways that connect community colleges, universities, and professional education programs. This position is responsible for fostering seamless transitions between educational levels to support entry into and advancement within the behavioral health workforce.

This position collaborates closely with the Program Director for Early Career Program, who focuses on pre-college and early exposure efforts, and the Program Director for Behavioral Health Clinical Education and Training, who focuses on advanced clinical training and supervision. Together, these positions create a coordinated continuum from early career awareness through professional practice preparation, supporting BHWC's mission to expand, diversity, and sustain the behavioral health workforce throughout Illinois.

Administration 90%

1. Exercise authority for the planning, development, and management of initiatives that align educational pathways from community colleges through graduate-level behavioral health programs.
2. Facilitate and support statewide partnerships among community colleges, four-year institutions, and universities to establish articulation and transfer agreements that expand access to behavioral health degree programs.
3. Lead the development of pathway frameworks that identify entry points, credentialing milestones, and advancement opportunities within the behavioral health workforce.
4. Provide expert knowledge of academic systems, workforce challenges and gaps, and licensure requirements to inform program design and alignment.
5. Collaborate with academic partners to align curricula with evolving behavioral health workforce competencies, licensure standards, and emerging practice needs.
6. Collaborate with the Program Director for Early Career Programs to ensure high school and early awareness initiatives link effectively with postsecondary pathways.
7. Collaborate with the Program Director for Clinical Education and Training to ensure educational pathways prepare students for advanced practicum, internship, and supervision opportunities.
8. Develop and sustain partnerships with higher education institutions, state agencies, and behavioral health organizations to promote equitable access and workforce readiness.
9. Oversee academic policy alignment supporting articulation, transfer credit alignment, and workforce credentialing.
10. Lead the strategic design of the BHWC ECHO program.
11. Assist the Executive Director in creating, interpreting, developing, and implementing policies and procedures for BHWC staff.
12. Prepare and manage short-term and long-term program plans in coordination with BHWC leadership.
13. Represent the BHWC at statewide and regional meetings, conferences, and initiatives related to educational partnerships, workforce alignment, and behavioral health policy.

Research 10%

1. Collaborate with the Director of Behavioral Health Workforce Reporting and Analytics to evaluate educational pathways, track student progression, and measure outcomes related to workforce entry and retention.
2. Research best practices and national models for behavioral health education and workforce development.
3. Identify gaps and recommend strategies for improving academic access, equity, and workforce sustainability.
4. Assist in the development of data-informed reports, brief, and presentations for policymakers and partners.
5. Research and identify gaps, entry-point barriers, and other factors that interrupt individuals' progression in behavioral health education and pathway programs.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in education, behavioral health, public health, social work, public administration, or a related field.
2. Eight (8) years of experience in higher education, behavioral health, or workforce development.
3. Three (3) years of experience in the management of academic or other interorganizational partnerships.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Master's degree in education, behavioral health, or a related discipline
2. Demonstrated experience developing or managing articulation agreements and transfer pathways.
3. Strong understanding of behavioral health education, credentialing, and workforce systems.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report development and stakeholder engagement.
5. Experience in academic curriculum design.
6. Experience with data-informed program development and evaluation.