How To Become an Executive Director in Substance Abuse Treatment

What Does an Executive Director in Health Care Do?

An executive director, sometimes called the director of operations, fulfills a variety of tasks related to client satisfaction, staff policies and organizational goals. In an average day, the ED may:

• Manage the facility’s budget and financial expenditure
• Identify and create solutions for operational issues
• Develop and implement staff or client programs
• Create and enact new facility policies
• Ensure that state and federal laws are followed
• Work with the board of directors, serving as a liaison between clients and staff
• Take charge of staff hiring and termination processes

How To Become an Executive Director in Addiction Treatment

Becoming an ED typically requires a master’s-level education and years of relevant work experience. Additionally, organizations often look for certain skills and credentials when choosing a new ED.

Core Competencies of an Executive Director 

The core competencies needed for an ED role are similar to those of other leadership positions in health care. The most sought-after soft skills and abilities include:

• Management: EDs must have the ability to communicate well and problem-solve with staff, clients and other members of leadership. 
• Leadership: As the person who creates policies, the ED must be able to unite their organizational team and foster a shared vision that all staff members can follow.
• Health care and business knowledge: While the ED’s goal is to ensure staff and clients go about their day-to-day routines in a positive environment, they are also in charge of keeping the facility running smoothly as a business. This requires business strategy skills and an understanding of health care best practices.
• Professionalism: The ED must always conduct themselves in a professional manner, as they are often working directly with organizational boards, community leaders, clients and staff.

Education and Degree Requirements

A candidate only needs a bachelor’s degree in majors like medical science, life science or clinical administration to become an ED. However, most people in the role have either a master’s degree in health administration or a master’s in business administration with a focus on health management.

Suggested Credentials for an ED

Certain credentials related to substance abuse treatment or health care can help candidates stand out when applying for an ED position. Here are the licenses and credentials typically sought out by businesses looking for an ED:

• Social Work: LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LCSW-C, LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) / LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) or LASW (Licensed Advanced Social Worker)
• Chemical Dependency Counseling: LICDC (Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor) or LCDC II & III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor)
• Clinical Counseling: LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) or LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor)
• Addiction Counseling: CAC (Certified Addiction Counselor) or CAP (Certified Addiction Professional)
• Marriage & Family Therapy: LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT, LAMFT or IMFT (Independent Marriage & Family Therapist)
• Mental Health Counseling: LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
• Alcohol & Drug Counseling: LAC (Licensed Addictions Counselor), LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor) or CADC (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor)
• Doctorate: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

Suggested Experience To Become an Executive Director

Many EDs in substance abuse treatment facilities start in licensed clinical roles before moving up to leadership roles with more administrative duties. For example, a person may become a licensed chemical dependency counselor for a significant part of their career while continuing to pursue a master’s degree in health administration.

Employee Spotlight

The road to becoming an ED or similar role may take time, but it’s a possibility that anyone can achieve if they work diligently toward it. Michael Griggs first came to Advanced Recovery Systems not as a candidate but as a client looking for substance abuse treatment. After addressing his addiction, he spent the next five years working his way up the career ladder, moving through counselor roles and earning certifications as he entered associate leadership roles. With his hard work and continued commitment to improvement, he eventually became the Executive Director at Next Step Village.

Occupational Demand for Executive Directors

Executive directors can be found in hospitals, substance abuse treatment facilities, private clinics, physician offices and government locations. As of 2019, the average median wage for an ED was around $100,980 per year. Job demand is expected to grow rapidly (32%) in the next ten years.

How To Find and Land a Job

There are many ways that a person can find and apply for ED positions. Online job boards can help you discover which locations may be hiring. If you have a specific organization or type of facility already in mind, their career portals may provide information about potential openings. 

You can also reach out to your professional network, which includes past professors, colleagues and staff leaders who may have information about available jobs. Conferences, seminars and other health care events can also connect you with other professionals who may have helpful resources or connections to share with you.

FAQs

• How much do health care executive directors make? Executive directors make a median annual salary of around $100,980.
• How do you improve your experience in health care administration? You can apply for internships or administrative associate/assistant roles in health care facilities. You can also work toward a master’s degree in health administration, take continuing education credits and even volunteer at local health centers.
• Can you become an executive director if you’re in recovery? Absolutely — for example, Michael Griggs, Executive Director of Next Step Village, began his career after attending treatment at one of our facilities.