Chief Clinical Officer

Job DescriptionChief Clinical Officer (CCO)Lifeline Connections | Vancouver, WASalary: $118,000 – $138,000 annuallyLifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization dedicated to providing confidential, compassionate, and high-quality care to individuals experiencing substance use and mental health conditions.Our VisionAs the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected as the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.Our MissionThrough superior customer service, high-quality programs, and well-trained, dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving change for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.Position SummaryLifeline Connections is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) to serve as a key member of the executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer, the CCO provides executive oversight of clinical operations, quality outcomes, integrated care initiatives, and organizational clinical strategy across multiple behavioral health programs and levels of care.The ideal candidate is an experienced behavioral health executive with a strong clinical foundation, operational leadership expertise, and a demonstrated ability to lead organizational transformation, improve patient outcomes, and build high-performing clinical leadership teams.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide executive leadership and oversight of behavioral health and integrated care services across multiple programs and service lines.Lead and support multidisciplinary clinical leadership teams while fostering accountability, collaboration, and clinical excellence.Drive organizational initiatives focused on patient outcomes, access to care, service delivery optimization, and operational performance.Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including Washington Administrative Codes (WAC), Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Department of Health standards, and CARF accreditation requirements.Support and advance Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) initiatives and integrated care frameworks.Utilize data analytics and performance metrics to inform decision-making and continuous quality improvement efforts.Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning, organizational growth, workforce development, and operational sustainability.Oversee clinical policies, protocols, and quality assurance initiatives to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered care.Build and maintain strategic partnerships with community stakeholders, healthcare organizations, and regional behavioral health partners.Present clinical and operational updates to executive leadership, boards, and external stakeholders.Minimum QualificationsMaster's degree in Behavioral Health, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or a closely related field.Active Washington State licensure as a mental health clinician (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent).Active Washington State Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) credential.Minimum of three (3) years of executive-level leadership experience within behavioral health, integrated care, or a multi-service healthcare environment.Demonstrated expertise in behavioral health systems, integrated care models, population health, and CCBHC frameworks.Proven experience leading large multidisciplinary teams across multiple programs and levels of care.Strong knowledge of Washington State regulatory requirements, behavioral health compliance standards, and accreditation processes.Experience managing clinical operations, budgets, reimbursement structures, and financial performance within behavioral health services.Demonstrated ability to leverage data and analytics to improve quality, outcomes, and operational efficiency.Strong executive communication, leadership, and change management skills.Preferred Leadership CompetenciesStrategic planning and organizational executionClinical operations leadershipOrganizational transformation and change managementWorkforce engagement and leadership developmentCross-functional collaboration and stakeholder managementContinuous quality improvement and performance managementPatient-centered and equity-focused leadershipInnovation, resilience, and sound decision-making in fast-paced environmentsPhysical DemandsConsiderable sitting, standing, and walking. Ability to occasionally lift supplies or equipment up to 25 pounds. Must possess the ability to exercise sound judgment and effectively work under pressure in a busy healthcare environment.BenefitsLifeline Connections offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee and family well-being, including:Medical, dental, and vision insurance optionsEmployer-paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance401(k) retirement plan eligibilityGenerous paid time off with increasing accrual rates based on tenurePaid holidays and personal holidaysSupportive and mission-driven work environment focused on employee wellness and professional growthApplication ProcessApply via Linkedin or visit our careers page at www.lifelineconnections.org.Lifeline Connections is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.