Clinical Supervisor

WHAT WE DO At Lifeline Community Services (Lifeline), our mission is to build true self-reliance among youth, adults, and families through high-quality, community-based services that prioritize long-lasting personal growth. We are driven by a vision to foster systemic change and improve the adverse social conditions impacting our community, building deep resiliency within those we serve to empower them to reach their highest potential. Our Core Values: Prevention: to provide the earliest intervention to reduce system involvement. Quality: to pursue excellence in client intervention and clinical oversight. Collaboration: to build mutually beneficial partnerships to increase impact. For 50 years, our organization has translated these values into action through a robust network of more than 125 full-time staff members and 215 dedicated volunteers. We currently manage an annual budget of $17M and offer 30+ unique programs across five specialized focus areas: youth development, family strengthening, housing and stabilization, behavioral health, and anti-human trafficking. From our original base in Vista, we have expanded to nine sites across San Diego County, including Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista, Escondido, and San Diego. In the last year alone, we supported 4,304 clients through intensive clinical interventions and reached over 27,000 individuals through educational outreach. LEADERSHIP & CULTURE Lifeline is a highly trusted partner and a backbone organization for the community. As a key service provider, convener, and collaborator, we are guided by a committed board of recognized leaders and pride ourselves on a supportive culture where team members stay for up to 25 years. Staff recently noted that “leadership is highly visible” and “team members are empowered to use their autonomy as professionals.” Lifeline is led by CEO, Lisette Islas, a powerhouse in the nonprofit sector known for her "people-first" philosophy. Lisette remains focused on ensuring Lifeline remains grounded in its history while steadily aligning with the social, economic, and behavioral health realities shaping today’s communities. The Clinical Supervisor will report to the Director of Behavioral Health Services, Paola Ortiz, who brings over 16 years of leadership experience in compliance, program development, and organizational behavior, with a passion for mentoring and staff development. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Salary – $100,000 - $110,000 Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and life insurance. Lifeline covers 100% of employee premiums. Matched 403(b) retirement plan PTO: 15 days vacation, 6 sick days, and 14 paid holidays (for years 0-2) Employee assistance program and training/education assistance Flexible spending accounts Menu of optional benefits, including short-term disability, critical illness, accident, hospitalization, pet insurance, and cancer policy. LOCATION This is a hybrid role with an office at Lifeline Community Services, located at 200 Michigan Avenue, Vista, CA 92084. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Director of Behavioral Health, the Clinical Supervisor (Supervisor) serves as a key leader within the Behavioral Health Department and is integral to Lifeline’s efforts to support youth and adults navigating mental health challenges, emotional trauma, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation across four key programs: HERE Now – Teen Suicide Prevention, TrueLife Recovery: North Coastal Teen Recovery Center, VIVA Counseling, and Connections Community Counseling. The Supervisor ensures the highest standard of care across a robust team of 30 staff members. The supervision structure is designed for both high-level oversight and direct mentorship, with the Supervisor collaborating with five managers to provide consistent professional development while maintaining a workload that is roughly 80% clinical quality and 20% operational. The Supervisor will drive clinical excellence across the broader team by ensuring evidence-based practices are implemented throughout all programming. This includes partnering hand-in-hand with Program Managers to ensure clinical workflows remain efficient, compliant, and closely aligned with Lifeline’s 2026 goals. Year One Priorities: Develop a deep understanding and appreciation for Lifeline’s mission-driven work by building authentic, trust-based relationships with the Lifeline team. Establish clear SOPs and modernize the clinical training program for interns to ensure a premier learning experience. Elevate Lifeline’s clinical standards by improving internal compliance and the overall quality of documentation with a high-accountability approach. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Clinical Oversight & Supervision Oversee the delivery of high-quality counseling and psychotherapy services, ensuring evidence-based practices are utilized across the team. Provide clinical and administrative supervision to trainees, interns, and licensed staff in accordance with board requirements. Design clinical interventions and guide assessment methods for a range of complex cases, utilizing principles of learning and behavioral science. Facilitate and participate in agency and component meetings to ensure cohesive service delivery. Administration & Operations Lead recruitment, hiring, training, and scheduling of clinical staff to maintain appropriate service levels. Engage in the design, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral health programs to ensure they meet community needs. Collaborate with the Programs Manager to ensure integrated case management, seamless cross-program coordination, budget management, and compliance. Quality Assurance & Compliance Monitor service quality through direct observation, peer chart reviews, and client satisfaction data. Ensure strict adherence to HIPAA regulations, ethical standards, and contract-specific billing documentation. Develop and maintain client-sensitive policies and procedures to support compliant and effective service delivery. Clinical Practice & Coverage ( The Supervisor will maintain clinical proficiency and provide direct services on an occasional, as-needed basis.) Provide individual, family, or group counseling and crisis intervention to cover departmental gaps or manage a minimal, rotating caseload (1–2 cases). Conduct ERMHS-focused behavioral health assessments and develop comprehensive treatment plans when required. Lead case coordination with external partners (IEP teams, schools, and physicians) to model best practices for the clinical team. BACKGROUND PROFILE Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or psychology; BBS-licensed LCSW in California, for a minimum of 2 years, and holds a Clinical Supervision Certification (required for staff supervision). A seasoned supervisor with a proven track record of managing diverse teams, prioritizing professional development, and coaching staff to foster a high-accountability, collaborative culture Excellent clinical acumen with experience in trauma-informed and evidence-based practices, and culturally competent care, particularly when supporting the needs of at-risk youth, Special Education populations, and complex families. A deep commitment to Lifeline’s mission of building self-reliance; you possess the ability to see how clinical precision and financial stewardship directly drive community impact. Highly proactive and self-motivated with the ability to analyze trends, identify solutions, and manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously with a keen eye for detail. REQUIREMENTS Background check and compliance with pre-employment screening, including drug tests. Flexibility to work outside of traditional business hours as needed to meet organizational priorities. Valid CA Driver’s License with a clean driving record required.