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Director of Behavioral Services

  • Ithaca, New York
  • Healthcare

Director of Behavioral Services – Ithaca, NY

Lead Behavioral Health at the Southern Tip of Cayuga Lake

Director of Behavioral Services | Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY | Full-time, on-site | $120,000–$145,000 + full benefits

Are you an experienced behavioral health professional ready to take the next step in your leadership career?

A.W. Forbes is recruiting for an exciting Director of Behavioral Services opportunity with Cayuga Health in Ithaca, New York, in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes region.

This opportunity offers more than a leadership title. It provides the chance to influence behavioral healthcare delivery, guide a multidisciplinary clinical team, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to an important service line within a comprehensive regional healthcare organization.

Imagine combining these professional responsibilities with the opportunity to live in one of New York State's most scenic and culturally vibrant regions.

Join Cayuga Health — Comprehensive Care with a Community Focus

Cayuga Health provides comprehensive healthcare services across the Finger Lakes and Central New York.

Its network includes Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls, and more than 40 medical offices, with over 450 providers representing more than 40 specialties.

As a member of Centralus Health, Cayuga Health is part of a community-based integrated healthcare delivery system committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

The organization emphasizes collaboration, professional development, compassionate care, and a culture built on excellence, integrity, and stewardship.

For an experienced healthcare leader, this offers the opportunity to contribute to an important clinical service within a substantial regional healthcare network.

A Leadership Role Where Your Experience Can Make a Difference

As Director of Behavioral Services, you will provide clinical and administrative leadership for an inpatient behavioral health program.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Leading clinical and operational activities within the inpatient behavioral health unit.

  • Collaborating with physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.

  • Developing and supporting clinical teams while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and compassionate care.

  • Directing departmental staffing, budgeting, resource management, and operational performance.

  • Leading quality improvement initiatives focused on patient outcomes, regulatory compliance, and effective treatment programs.

  • Participating in the organization's broader behavioral health and substance use disorder service line.

This position is particularly attractive to a leader who values the opportunity to combine clinical expertise, operational management, and meaningful contributions to patient care.

Live and Work in the Beautiful Finger Lakes

Located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca offers an exceptional combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, educational resources, and year-round recreation.

Enjoy the outdoors. Explore Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and the region's scenic hiking and cycling trails. Boating, kayaking, fishing, and other recreational activities are part of the Finger Lakes lifestyle.

Experience a vibrant college community. Cornell University and Ithaca College contribute to a rich selection of cultural events, educational opportunities, collegiate athletics, concerts, and community activities.

Discover distinctive dining and local culture. The region is known for its wineries, farmers markets, independent restaurants, and farm-to-table dining experiences.

Make room for life outside of work. Whether you prefer a quiet country setting, a historic neighborhood, or a community near the lakes, Ithaca and the surrounding Finger Lakes offer a variety of residential lifestyles.

For healthcare professionals considering relocation, the region presents an appealing alternative to the pace and congestion of larger metropolitan areas.

Compensation and Qualifications

Annual compensation: $120,000–$145,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

  • Clinical and administrative leadership capabilities.

  • Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health conditions.

  • Ability to manage clinical operations, personnel, budgets, and resources.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Five or more years of leadership experience in an acute mental health setting.

  • Master's degree in nursing, business, healthcare administration, or a related leadership discipline.

  • Certification in psychiatry or an applicable behavioral health field.

  • Previous inpatient behavioral health leadership experience.

Why Explore This Opportunity Through A.W. Forbes?

Your next career move deserves more than simply submitting a résumé.

At A.W. Forbes, we believe that meaningful career decisions begin with understanding the individual—not simply matching qualifications to a position.

As a boutique executive recruiting and confidential career advisory firm, we provide personalized guidance to a limited number of professionals.

When you contact A.W. Forbes, you work directly with Michael Britt, an experienced healthcare recruiter with more than 20 years of recruitment and career advisory experience.

Our individualized services include:

  • Confidential career consultation: Discuss your experience, professional goals, and what would make a career move worthwhile.

  • Opportunity evaluation: Explore how the position, compensation, location, and responsibilities align with your priorities.

  • Résumé and professional positioning: Receive guidance on presenting your leadership experience and accomplishments.

  • Interview preparation: Prepare for leadership interviews and important discussions with the hiring organization.

  • Offer evaluation and compensation guidance: Receive assistance reviewing employment terms and evaluating an offer.

  • Personal attention: Work directly with an experienced recruiter throughout the process.

All A.W. Forbes recruiting and career advisory services are provided at no cost to candidates.

Let's Have a Confidential Conversation

You do not need to be actively searching for a new position to explore whether this opportunity could be a meaningful next step.

If you are an experienced behavioral health leader who values professional growth, patient-centered care, and an exceptional quality of life, I would welcome an introductory conversation.

Michael Britt
President | A.W. Forbes
Executive Recruiting & Confidential Career Advisory
(315) 629-9034

Personalized Career Representation. Confidential Guidance. Meaningful Opportunities.

“I am convinced that nothing we do is more important than hiring and developing people. At the end of the day you bet on people, not on strategies.” — Lawrence Bossidy

Michael D. Britt
A.W. Forbes
Senior Health & Enterpise Recruiter
Watertown, NY 13601                            
315-629-9034 Office
315-804-7527 Mobile
michael@awfobes.com