Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services-LCSW

Job Description

The Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services provides strategic, clinical, and operational leadership for the outpatient mental health program at the Community Mental Health Clinic (CMHC) at Hoboken University Hospital. The Director is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care in full compliance with all applicable New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) regulations, The Joint Commission standards, and federal, state, and payer requirements. This role oversees all clinical, administrative, and financial aspects of the program, including program development. The Director serves as the designated clinical leader responsible for the oversight, quality, safety, and integrity of all behavioral health treatment services, ensuring the use of evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.

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Demonstrates mission and values with patients, families, peers, and other members of the healthcare team.

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Provides strategic, clinical, and operational leadership for the outpatient behavioral health program.

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Oversees all clinical, administrative, and financial aspects of the program, including program development.

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Ensures services meet professional, ethical, and regulatory standards (assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, service delivery, and discharge).

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Ensures full compliance with NJ DOH regulations, The Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and all applicable laws and payer requirements.

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Leads accreditation readiness, surveys, audits, and corrective action planning.

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Develops and maintains policies and procedures aligned with regulatory standards.

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Oversees intake, admissions, level-of-care determinations, and discharge planning to ensure continuity of care.

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Ensures clinical integrity through the implementation of evidence-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices.

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Establishes and maintains appropriate clinical supervision in accordance with NJ licensure regulations.

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Prepares annual report and contributes to the departmental budget; monitors productivity, revenue, and expenses.

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Maintains a small clinical caseload as needed.

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LEADERSHIP:

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Analyzes problems effectively and carefully considers alternatives before making decisions.

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Keeps supervisors informed of developments and outcomes.

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Provides clear and consistent communication and direction to team/staff/employees.

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Demonstrates leadership effectiveness in managing interpersonal relationships and self.

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Recruits, hires, supervises, and evaluates clinical and administrative staff.

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Provides and oversees clinical supervision for licensed and provisionally licensed staff.

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Ensures staff training, competency validation, and annual performance evaluations.

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Promotes a culture of accountability, professional development, and clinical excellence.

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Plans and organizes work effectively; controls factors critical to achieving results.

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PATIENT RIGHTS AND ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS:

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Responds to customer concerns in a timely and professional manner.

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Promotes a professional atmosphere through courteous communication.

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Observes and respects the privacy and confidentiality of information.

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Ensures adherence to patient rights, including grievance processes and resolution.

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Demonstrates mission and values with patients, families, peers, and other members of the healthcare team.

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CONTINUUM OF CARE:

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Serves as liaison between outpatient behavioral health and hospital departments (ED, inpatient, primary care, specialty services).

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Develops and maintains referral pathways to ensure timely access and continuity of care.

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Collaborates on discharge planning and care coordination with internal and external partners.

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Builds relationships with internal and external referral sources to support program growth.

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Collaborates with peers, physicians, and other members of the health care team.

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MANAGEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF CARE:

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Maintains a safe and comfortable environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

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Complies with policies and procedures concerning infection control and safety.

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Oversees patient safety, incident reporting, infection control, and emergency preparedness.

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EDUCATION: SELF, PATIENT AND FAMILY

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Maintains and develops competence through required in-service and continuing educational programs.

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Ensures staff training, competency validation, and annual performance evaluations are completed.

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IMPROVING ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE:

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Leads Performance Improvement (PI/PQI) activities in alignment with The Joint Commission standards.

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Establishes and monitors clinical quality indicators and patient outcomes.

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Conducts and oversees routine chart audits to ensure documentation quality, accuracy, and compliance.

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Tracks audit findings, implements corrective actions, and provides feedback to staff.

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Oversees utilization review processes to ensure medical necessity and payer compliance.

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Uses data to drive clinical, operational, and financial improvements.

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Participates in Quality Improvement activities including team membership.

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Education & Licensure:

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• Required: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of New Jersey
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• Required: NJ Board-approved Clinical Supervisor (per NJ regulations)
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• Preferred: Dual licensure (LCSW/LCADC)
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• Highly Preferred: Additional supervisory credentials such as Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), and/or SIFI Certification
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Experience:

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• Minimum 5 years of progressive clinical experience in behavioral health (mental health and/or substance use).
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• Minimum 2–3 years of leadership experience, including clinical supervision of licensed and/or provisionally licensed staff.
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• Experience in a licensed outpatient setting required; program development and expansion strongly preferred.
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• Demonstrated experience with regulatory compliance and accreditation standards, including The Joint Commission.
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• Experience with Medicaid/Medicare and commercial billing, utilization review, and documentation standards.
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• Supervisory experience required.
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Skills & Competencies:

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• Strong knowledge of NJ behavioral health regulations and accreditation standards
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• Expertise in evidence-based practices and co-occurring disorder treatment
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• Program development, strategic planning, and implementation skills
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• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making abilities
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• Experience overseeing grant-funded programs and initiatives
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• Ability to define, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for clinical, operational, and financial performance
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• Proficiency in reporting tools, dashboards, and data-driven decision-making
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• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
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• Proficiency with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and data reporting systems
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• Cultural competence and commitment to equitable, inclusive care
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• Ability to communicate clearly in English, both orally and in writing
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• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity
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• Knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid regulations and community resources
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