Director of Behavioral Health Services

Share this position

Share this position

Job ID: EB-2737473102
Job Title: Director of Behavioral Health Services
Location: Chesapeake, VA

Director of Behavioral Health Services – Nursing
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare – Magnet Recognition®!
Full-Time; Employed with Benefits

Magnet-recognized nursing care at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare (CRH) is based on Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring which guides us through a holistic approach that accentuates the human touch as the foundation of our practice. We are committed to delivering best-in-class, compassionate care to our patients through excellence in evidence-based practice and innovation. Because of this, Chesapeake Regional nurses are role models for nursing practice and are recognized as collaborators, educators, and mentors. We invite you to join our award-winning team during this exciting time as Director of Behavioral Health Services.

Our nursing leaders are an experienced group of professionals who are dedicated to their teams, and take pride in helping nurses achieve professional advancement. We empower our nurses to lead practice changes through a shared governance structure, and, whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced nurse, we offer professional growth throughout your career with a Clinical Ladder Program, a Nurse Residency Program, a Preceptor Program, tuition reimbursement, and specialty certification programs.

As a large community hospital, we offer a variety of clinical areas for nurses to practice. CRH’s unique position as one of the few remaining independent hospitals in our area allows us to offer rewarding nursing careers with benefits supporting flexibility, financial security, and work-life balance – an approach that empowers our nurses to realize their full potential at work, while still caring for their personal well-being and families at home.


Some of the Benefits at Chesapeake Regional:

  • Chesapeake Regional Healthcare has achieved Magnet Recognition®!
  • Caregiver-to-patient ratios that permit nurses to deliver high-touch, quality care to patients
  • Innovative personal enrichment programs, like our R.N. Residency Program
  • Tuition reimbursement of $3,000 for undergraduate and $6,000 for graduate and postgraduate
  • Highly competitive compensation and benefits
  • Pay for professional certifications
  • The ability to be recognized by your peers with the DAISY Award
  • Flexible work schedules for full and part time staff
  • A family environment with a commitment to our community.
Living & Working in Chesapeake:

Chesapeake is not only an excellent place to advance your career but also a wonderful place to call home. Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is located in one of the safest communities in the country, offering exceptional schools, friendly tree-lined neighborhoods, and ample outdoor recreation. It is just minutes away from the sandy beaches of Virginia Beach and the lively downtown Norfolk, and only an hour from the Outer Banks.

Position Summary:

The Director of Behavioral Health Services manages strategic oversight and operational performance within the Behavioral Health service line including, but not limited to inpatient behavioral health nursing, crisis intervention team and service line development to include outpatient services. Provides leadership, guidance, and direction in achieving outcomes consistent with organizational mission, goals, and objectives. Assumes leadership responsibility for the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of clinically effective and efficient systems of care and service within the continuum of care.

Key Candidate Requirements:
  1. Education: BSN required, MSN or other related Master’s Degree preferred. If no Master’s Degree, must be obtained within two (2) years of hire date.
  2. Licenses, Certifications, Registrations: Must be a Registered Nurse licensed In the Commonwealth of Virginia. Magnet recognized national certification, in clinical specialty or nursing leadership, required or to be obtained within one (1) year.
  3. Experience: Minimum of (4) years of leadership experience in a complex healthcare system required. Exhibits a solid background in basic management principles and practices.
Key Candidate Qualities:
  1. Experience Opening New Service Lines: The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of identifying opportunities and successfully launching new services, ideally in the healthcare or related sectors. This could include establishing new programs, expanding existing offerings, or leading innovative initiatives that meet evolving community needs.
  2. Building Partnerships with Inpatient & Outpatient Providers: Strong relationship-building skills are critical. The candidate should have experience working with both inpatient and outpatient settings, fostering collaboration across various teams and departments to ensure seamless service delivery and integrated care. Experience with aligning strategic goals between these settings will be key to ensuring long-term success.
  3. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: The candidate should have demonstrated experience working alongside law enforcement agencies, whether in the context of public health, crisis intervention, or community safety. Familiarity with navigating the intersection of healthcare and law enforcement is essential, particularly in roles that require coordination of care for patients in complex situations (e.g., behavioral health crises, substance abuse, or trauma).
Application Instructions:

Send Resumes/CVs and a letter of interest to Jennifer Bradshaw, BSN, at: jbradshaw@kbic.com and/or academicnursing@kbic.com

Apply directly by clicking the “Apply Now” button below.