The Regional Centers Senior Administrator is a key leadership position within the Division of Behavioral Health, responsible for the strategic, operational, and administrative oversight of the Lincoln Regional Center (LRC), and Norfolk Regional Center (NRC), the two state-operated adult psychiatric hospitals. The role also maintains oversight of the LRC Whitehall Campus, the state Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility for youth.

The Lincoln Regional Center treats individuals who are under emergency protective custody orders and individuals who require forensic competency restoration. The Norfolk Regional Center treats individuals who fall under the dangerous sex offender commitment act. The Whitehall campus treats juvenile substance use issues and maintains programming for youth who sexually offend.

This role ensures high-quality care is delivered consistently across all three facilities, and aligns facility operations with state and federal regulations, behavioral health best practices, and the mission of DHHS to "Help People Live Better Lives."

Location: This position able to be located in Norfolk, Nebraska or Lincoln, Nebraska. The position requires regular presence at both LRC and NRC, and will require evening and weekend availability in response to emergent operational needs.

Salary: Beginning at $150,000 annually and is commensurate on education and experience, if approved.

Key Responsibilities:

The Regional Centers Senior Administrator serves as a critical member of the Division’s leadership team and works closely with facility administrators, legal counsel, nursing leadership, and state and local stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, and effective care for Nebraskans receiving treatment.

In addition:

• Provide executive leadership to LRC, Whitehall campus, and NRC, ensuring consistency in care delivery, policies, procedures, and operational standards across both campuses.

• Develop and implement long-term strategic and operational goals in collaboration with the Division of Behavioral Health and other DHHS executive leaders.

• Ensure adherence to Joint Commission, Public Health, and Childcare licensing standards, as well as applicable state and federal laws related to inpatient psychiatric care.

• Oversee and coordinate facility budgets in partnership with the DHHS Finance and Administration, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization.

• Provide direct oversight to the three administrators overseeing each facility and the facility medical director.

• Collaborate with clinical leadership to promote best practices in psychiatric and forensic mental health care, including quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and patient outcomes.

• Lead or participate in investigations, incident reviews, and internal audits as necessary to ensure safety and transparency.

• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and excellence. Support staff development, retention, and workforce stabilization initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Mental Health, or a related discipline. Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in hospital, psychiatric, forensic, or long-term care settings. Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory frameworks (CMS, Joint Commission, HIPAA, etc.) related to behavioral health and institutional care. Demonstrated experience within and leading 24/7 hospital or facility operations which serve high-risk clientele. 

Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience working in a state-run facility, forensic mental health setting, or large behavioral health system. Familiarity with state government or public-sector operations.