BWH Director of Human Resources

About Us

Bournewood Health Systems is a behavioral health organization with a main campus in Brookline, MA and various satellite sites in Woburn, Lowell, and Dedham. We are dedicated to providing quality, evidence-based and person-centered treatment for people with mental health and substance use conditions in a safe and respectful environment in partnership with the individuals and families we serve, focusing on support, hope and recovery. We are committed to a philosophy and an environment of care in which we treat people with dignity, respect and mutuality; protect their rights; provide the best care possible; support them in returning to their natural communities; and include patients and families as partners in their treatment. We stand firmly for providing a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, families and staff. All Bournewood employees are continuously trained in this philosophy. All candidates must be able and willing to promote the values of trauma-informed and patient-centered care.

Position Summary:

The Director of Human Resources is a key member of the hospital’s leadership team and is responsible for leading and overseeing all HR functions for our behavioral health facility. This includes employee relations, policy development, performance management, and compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards. The Director of Human Resources will help foster a high-performance, mission-driven culture that supports patient care, staff wellbeing, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on HR initiatives, employee engagement, and workforce trends.
• Conduct investigations and recommend appropriate action in response to employee complaints or violations.
• Prepare HR metrics and reports for leadership; analyze trends to inform policy or staffing decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all employment laws (FMLA, ADA, EEO, etc.), Joint Commission, Department of Mental Health, and Bureau of Substance Addiction Services’ standards.
• Develop, review, and update HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks to reflect current laws and hospital practices.
• Supervise HR staff and oversee all core functions of HR including benefits administration, payroll coordination, HRIS management, full-cycle recruitment for clinical and non-clinical positions and leave tracking in conjunction with Meadows HR team.
• Serve as a key resource for managers and employees regarding HR policies, conflict resolution, and performance concerns.
• Develop and implement retention strategies to improve employee engagement and reduce turnover.
• Oversee and assist with onboarding and orientation programs tailored to behavioral health care and safety standards.
• Ensure policies support a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment aligned with the mission of behavioral health care.
• Identify staff training needs and implement mandatory and optional training, including DEI, compliance, trauma-informed care, and leadership skills.

Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or similar HR certification preferred. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required with relevant work experience.
• At least 5 to 10 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience required. Experience in a hospital setting or within a Behavioral Health Care setting preferred. 
• Extensive supervisory experience required.