Chief Operating Officer

Ranked one of Tennessee’s top places to work, MHC is a rare and special place where outstanding company culture is intentional. Where clients and associates are treated the same, as equals.

Mental Health Cooperative, Inc. (MHC) was formed in 1993 to serve individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.  Since then, we have expanded our services to children and adolescents with severe emotional disorders across Middle and East Tennessee.

Our sole purpose is to support and treat those challenged with serious mental illness and poverty. Although based out of Nashville, we serve several communities across middle and East Tennessee with satellite offices in Antioch, Gallatin, Dickson, Columbia, Cleveland, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Cookeville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. 

If you are interested in joining a team that is caring, collaborative, innovative and energizing this might be a great place for you!

Job Summary 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the overall operational effectiveness, consistency, and performance across all Mental Health Cooperative (MHC) locations and lines of business. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the COO ensures alignment of operations with MHC’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities while driving high-quality, accessible behavioral health services across the organization. 

This role provides strategic and operational leadership to optimize performance, enhance care delivery, and achieve key outcomes related to quality, access, and total cost of care. The COO will lead scalable operational structures, foster a high-performing leadership culture, and ensure MHC remains responsive to the evolving TennCare Medicaid landscape and community needs. 

Key Responsibilities 

A. Executive & Strategic Leadership 

• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team 

• Lead growth execution of the agency’s strategic plan across all service lines by Operationalizing New program launches, Site expansions, &Service line scaling 

• Ensure operational alignment with mission, values, and growth strategy 

• Provide oversight of organizational performance and accountability 

• Helps support alignment between: Clinical, Compliance, Finance, HR, & IT 

B. Operational Excellence & Performance Management 

• Oversee operational effectiveness and consistency across all programs and locations 

• Drive continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making (PDCA, MDI, etc.) including data integrity and performance transparency 

• Develop and monitor KPIs tied to access, quality, engagement, and financial sustainability 

• Standardize workflows, staffing models, and service delivery 

• Identify and implement scalable operational efficiencies 

• Oversight of clinical operations performance in partnership with CMO/Clinical Leadership 

• Responsible for execution of strategic priorities through operational leadership 

C. Financial & Value-Based Performance 

• Partner with finance and value-based care teams to monitor performance Drive initiatives to improve payor outcomes and total cost of care 

• Oversee performance improvement plans aligned with payor expectations 

• Utilize data analytics to inform service line and operational decisions 

• Accountability for: Operational budgets by service line, Staffing models tied to financial performance & Cost containment initiatives 

D. Workforce Strategy & Leadership Development 

• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team 

• Ensure effective staff allocation and utilization across service lines 

• Develop scalable leadership structures to support growth 

• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement 

• Oversight of: Staff safety initiatives, Retention, burnout mitigation, Productivity vs. compliance balance 

E. Community & Market Engagement 

• Maintain strong relationships with payors (Wellpoint, BlueCare, UHC, etc.) and community partners across Tennessee  

• Represent MHC in external meetings and initiatives in the CEO’s absence 

• Ensure services align with community needs and state priorities 

• Leverage relationships to support growth and partnerships 

F. Compliance, Quality & Regulatory Oversight 

• Partnership with Compliance/Risk to drive organization-wide risk reduction 

• Oversee quality assurance and performance improvement efforts 

• Maintain adherence to Corporate Compliance standards 

• Promote a culture of safety and regulatory excellence 

• Oversight of enterprise risk management framework 

• Oversight of Crisis Management, Emergency Preparedness, & business continuity planning 

• Drive staff and patient safety initiatives, including workplace violence prevention 

Experience & Qualifications 

Required 

Executive leadership experience in healthcare or behavioral health operations (COO, VP, or equivalent) 

• Strong knowledge of TennCare Medicaid, value-based care, and regulatory environment 

• Deep understanding of Tennessee behavioral health landscape and market 

• Proven experience leading multi-site, multi-service line operations 

• Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and drive performance outcomes 

• Experience with operational transformation and scalable growth strategies 

Preferred 

• MBA, MHA or Licensed clinician (LCSW, LPC-MHSP, LMFT, or similar strongly preferred) 

• Established community relationships within Tennessee 

• Experience with community mental health and safety-net populations 

• Familiarity with integrated care and population health models 

• Demonstrated progressive leadership trajectory 

Other Responsibilities:

• Responsible for attending all mandatory in-services, continuing education and annual health requirements

• Comply with all Corporate Compliance policies, practices and procedures. Report all unethical activities to supervisor, Corporate Compliance Office, Values Hotline number or Human Resource Director

• Comply with all OSHA and safety policies, practices, and procedures. Report all unsafe practices or accidents to supervisor, Safety Supervisor and/or OSHA Coordinator

• Will be compliant with the relevant regulations concerning the privacy and security of consumer’s protected health information (PHI) as established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

• Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals

• Perform other duties as assigned

Performance Requirements:
 

COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership skills

• Strategic and Analytical skills

• Managing Vision and Purpose

• Effective communication skills

• Interpersonal skills

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of organizational policies and procedures to manage operations and ensure effective patient care.

2. Knowledge of the principles and practices of health care administration, fiscal management, human resource management, government regulations, compliance requirements and reimbursements.

3. Knowledge of computer systems and applications.

Skills:

1. Skill in exercising a high degree of initiative, judgment, and discretion.

2. Skill in analyzing situations accurately and taking effective action.

3. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the medical and administrative staff, patients and the public.

4. Skill in planning, organizing, and prioritizing work; delegating and achieving goals and objectives.

5. Skill in exercising judgment and discretion in developing, interpreting, and implementing departmental policies and procedures.

6. Skill in identifying and resolving problems.

7. Skill in developing comprehensive reports.
 

Abilities:

1. Ability to effectively lead in a changing environment.

2. Ability to plan, organize, and integrate priorities and deadlines.

3. Ability to create an atmosphere that encourages motivation, innovation, and high performance.

4. Ability to identify, analyze, and interpret complex data and, resolve operational problems.

5. Ability to evaluate and make recommendations for continuous quality improvement.

6. Ability to anticipate and react calmly in emergency situations.

7. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.

8. to competently use Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and appropriate practice management software.
 
Work Environment: Position is in a well-lighted office environment. May be exposed to contagious diseases and other patient-related conditions. Occasional evening and weekend work and some travel.

Physical Requirements: 

• Documenting physical demands and work environment conditions ensures ADA compliance.
• Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with a Chief Operating Officer which involves 90 percent sitting and 10 percent walking, standing, lifting, and stooping.  
• Works under stress.

BENEFITS: Mental Health Cooperative offers a full comprehensive benefit plan for you to participate in. The following products are available:

• Medical Insurance/Prescription Drug Coverage

• Health Savings Account

• Dental & Vision Insurance

• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance

• Short- & Long-Term Disability

• Supplemental Life Insurance

• Cancer Insurance

• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance

• 403b - Retirement Plan

• Calm App for medication and mental health

• Gym membership discounts

• Pet Insurance

Mental Health Cooperative embraces inclusion, diversity and equal opportunity. We're committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Mental Health Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.