Chief Operating Officer (COO) Full Time

STATEMENT OF JOB: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides executive leadership and oversight for Apache Behavioral Health Services’ (ABHS) administrative, operational, and business functions. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO ensures that the organization’s infrastructure, processes, and systems operate efficiently and effectively in support of ABHS’s mission.

The COO oversees multiple departments including Human Resources, Facilities, IT, Transportation, and Business Office operations. This role establishes accountability frameworks, ensures regulatory compliance with 638 contract requirements, and drives organizational alignment with ABHS’s strategic plan.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead daily administrative and operational functions ensuring alignment with ABHS’s goals and objectives.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and performance metrics.
• Supervise operations-related departments, ensuring accountability and collaboration across the agency.
• Lead agency-wide process improvement and efficiency initiatives.
• Oversee contingency planning, risk management, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
• Represent ABHS at Tribal Council, regional, and statewide operational forums.

Human Resources & Workforce Development

• Supervise HR leadership; ensure compliant and effective personnel management practices.
• Oversee workforce development, succession planning, and leadership training.
• Ensure compliance with employment law, Tribal policy, and ABHS personnel standards.
• Foster a high-performance workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and Tribal sovereignty.

Compliance & Policy Administration

• Ensure compliance with ABHS’s 638 contract, Tribal policy, and federal/state administrative regulations.
• Oversee non-clinical compliance requirements including OSHA, HIPAA (administrative safeguards), and CARF standards.
• Maintain agency operational policies, ensuring updates are timely and consistent with best practices.
• Collaborate with Quality Management and Compliance Officers on operational audits and corrective actions.

Finance, Budget & Resource Management

• Partner with CFO on agency budget development, monitoring, and fiscal oversight.
• Ensure cost-effective use of resources and evaluate program expenditures.
• Support sustainability planning and grant compliance for administrative functions.

Community & Tribal Relations

• Represent ABHS operations with Tribal leadership, IHS, AHCCCS, and external partners.
• Maintain community presence in administrative and operational forums.
• Support collaborative projects with Tribal agencies and community stakeholders.

Technology & Data Systems

• Oversee IT infrastructure, cybersecurity compliance (in partnership with IT leadership), and agency EHR optimization.
• Ensure data-driven decision-making through accurate reporting and performance dashboards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare, behavioral health, or Tribal operations.
• Demonstrated success in multi-departmental oversight and organizational management.
• Experience in Tribal, 638, or government-funded organizations preferred.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, project management, compliance, and financial management.

**NOTE: Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Constant: standing. Frequent: repetitive use of hand, walking, standing, bending neck and waist, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting neck and waist, simple grasping of left and right hand, power grasping right and left hand, fine manipulation right and left hand, pushing and pulling right and left hand, reaching above shoulder level, reaching below shoulder level, lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds from below the waist to a height of 3 feet.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The employment is considered “at will” and agree that employment can be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time at the option of either the employee or the company.

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