Chief of Behavioral Health

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 34795
Agency: Department of Corrections, Clinical and Correctional Services
Location: Sioux Falls, Pierre or Rapid City
Salary: $84,000.00 to $105,000.00 -- depending on experience
Pay Grade: M
Closing Date: 02/27/2026

This is a Full-Time 40 Hour Weekly position with the Department of Corrections. For more information on the Department of Corrections, please visit https://doc.sd.gov/ .

The South Dakota Department of Corrections is hiring! Join the DOC - view DOC Recruitment video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI3Hwg99jTg&t=9s

This leadership position within the Clinical Services Division plays a critical role in overseeing, developing, and advancing behavioral health services for male and female offenders in alignment with the mission, values, and strategic goals of the South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC). The Chief of Behavioral Health provides system-wide clinical leadership, operational oversight, and programmatic direction to ensure high-quality, evidence-based, and legally compliant behavioral health care across all DOC facilities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all DOC behavioral health programs, services, and staff in collaboration with the site Health Services Administrator (HSA).
• Develop, implement, and monitor behavioral health policies, procedures, and clinical standards consistent with ACA/NCCHC requirements and DOC expectations.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate behavioral health supervisors, clinicians, and support staff across multiple facilities.
• Provide direct supervision for the sex offender treatment program team, the transitional behavioral health team, and clinical psychologists.
• Ensure consistent, equitable, and high-quality behavioral health service delivery statewide.
• Oversee clinical practices, treatment models, and service delivery to ensure evidence-based, trauma-informed, and legally defensible care.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives, including audits, case reviews, and corrective action planning.
• Provide expert consultation on complex clinical cases, risk assessments, and behavioral management strategies.
• Ensure appropriate clinical documentation standards and compliance with confidentiality, ethics, and regulatory requirements.
• Direct the development and oversight of specialized programs, including crisis services, suicide prevention, competency restoration, sex offender treatment, and behavioral management initiatives.
• Coordinate with custody leadership, medical services, and administrative teams to ensure integrated, safe, and effective operations.
• Oversee processes related to screening, classification, and placement for offenders with behavioral health needs.
• Guide decisions related to emergency and non-emergency transfers for offenders requiring acute mental health care.
• Provide clinical direction, training, and consultation to behavioral health and non-clinical staff regarding mental health care, crisis response, and behavior management.
• Support staff development through ongoing education, competency building, and performance coaching.
• Serve as a key member of multidisciplinary teams addressing offenders with complex needs.
• Promote a safe clinical and correctional environment through sound judgment, situational awareness, and adherence to DOC safety protocols.
• Ensure behavioral health practices support institutional safety, security, and operational efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Master's degree or doctorate in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited institution is preferred.
• Independent licensure in the State of South Dakota (e.g., Psychologist, LPC-MH, LCSW, LMFT) or license-eligible.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in behavioral health, preferably within corrections, forensic settings, or other high-acuity environments.
• Experience with evidence-based practices, risk assessment, crisis intervention, and program administration.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• strong leadership and administrative management skills;
• ability to oversee and evaluate behavioral health programs and staff;
• advanced clinical assessment, diagnostic, and treatment planning skills;
• excellent written and verbal communication abilities;
• strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and agencies;
• ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment;
• proficiency in clinical documentation and adherence to regulatory standards;
• ability to work effectively with a diverse offender population;
• ability to function as a key member of multidisciplinary teams;
• fluency in English, both written and verbal.

Work Environment:

This position can be based in Pierre, Sioux Falls, or Rapid City, South Dakota.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and three professional references.

This is a salaried position and is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3H0
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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