Business Development Specialist

At EMC Behavioral Health, we believe mental health begins with passionate care, intentional connection and the power of evidence-based practice. Guided by our mission to deliver the highest quality, client-centered care and our vision to equip individuals with innovative tools for lasting mental wellness, we serve as a trusted partner to clients, families, and communities seeking meaningful change. If your driven by purpose, energized by advocacy, and committed to ensuring that care is both clinically sound and deeply human, you will find your calling here at EMC.

Position Summary:
The Business Development Specialist is a dual-focused role responsible for driving growth and expanding the community presence of EMC across the Houston and San Antonio markets. This position serves as the primary liaison between the organization and its referral network, focusing on relationship management, strategic market research, and community education.

What You'll Do:
In this high-impact role, you will build strategic partnerships, conduct market research, lead community outreach initiatives and bridge the gap between our clinical services and the communities that need them most. Your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Referral Source & Relationship Management:

• Proactively identify and initiate contact with potential referral sources, including healthcare providers, community organizations, and schools
• Conduct introductory presentations and maintain regular communication with our existing network to ensure long-term satisfaction and address concerns
• Use Salesforce to document interactions, manage a pipeline of active leads, and track relationship health under supervisory guidance
• Act as the face of EMC at healthcare networking events, community meetings, and professional forums

Community Outreach & Education:

• Develop and deliver presentations and outreach materials designed to build awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health
• Identify and foster strategic partnerships to expand behavioral health access for underserved populations
• Manage the logistics for attendance at professional events and support local mental health awareness initiatives

Market Research & Communication Support:

• Research the Houston and San Antonio healthcare markets to identify service gaps, community needs, and competitor activities
• Track referral patterns and conversion rates, providing regular reports on outreach progress and new contact development
• Liaise with the billing team regarding insurance coverage and work closely with the Operations Manager to provide market insights
• Support the creation of marketing materials (brochures, digital content) and ensure all external messaging aligns with the EMC mission
• Maintain accurate listings in online directories, assist with social media presence, and help update website content

Additional Responsibilities & Professional Growth:

• Ensure all activities adhere to HIPAA, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and Stark Law; participate in ongoing compliance training
• Support grant applications and strategic planning sessions with detailed market data and research
• Gain a deep understanding of behavioral health recovery principles, Texas Medicaid managed care, and commercial insurance structures

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business, Marketing, Public Health, Social Work, Psychology or a related field (Bachelor's degree preferred)
• 0–2 years of professional experience; internship or volunteer experience in healthcare, customer service, or community outreach (3+ years of professional experience in sales, customer service, or community outreach, with 2+ years specifically in healthcare, behavioral/mental health, or customer service/sales, especially with diverse populations preferred)
• A basic understanding of HIPAA and healthcare regulations
• Familiarity with Texas Medicaid/managed care systems (Houston or San Antonio areas preferred)
• Proficient in Google Workspace and a quick learner of new systems (Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce or HubSpot preferred)
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel up to 25% between Houston and San Antonio markets and potential future locations
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for community events
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) is a plus

Who Thrives in This Role:
You'll be a strong fit for EMC if you are:

• Mission-driven and possess a genuine passion for mental health access and cultural sensitivity
• Comfortable with ambiguity and thrive in a growing organization.
• A confident communicator, with strong interpersonal skills and emotional maturity
• Detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities
• Dedicated to ethical practice and ongoing professional development

Why Join EMC Behavioral Health:

• Make a meaningful difference in clients' lives
• Join a collaborative, supportive operations team
• Access opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and certification
• Be a part of a mission-driven organization that truly values quality, compassion, and innovation

Schedule & Work Environment:

• Full-time, Monday-Friday with occasional evenings or weekends availability for community events
• Hybrid position in an outpatient behavioral health setting, 1 day per week onsite

Equal Opportunity Employer:
EMC Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.