Clinical Director

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Paradigm Recovery Center is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Clinical Director to lead the clinical development and daily clinical operations of a start-up substance use disorder treatment program offering ASAM 2.1 and 2.5 levels of care. This role is ideal for a clinician who thrives in building programs from the ground up and who brings strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a collaborative clinical approach.

The Clinical Director provides oversight of all clinical services, ensures compliance with Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) regulations and ASAM criteria, supervises clinical staff, and helps shape a high-quality, person-centered treatment culture.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Program Development

• Provide overall clinical leadership for ASAM 2.1 and 2.5 programs.

• Develop, implement, and oversee clinical programming, treatment schedules, and therapeutic modalities.

• Ensure treatment services align with ASAM Criteria, evidence-based practices, and trauma-informed care principles.

• Participate in start-up planning, including policies & procedures, workflows, and program structure.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with Missouri DMH licensing standards, documentation requirements, and applicable federal/state regulations.

• Oversee clinical documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.

• Conduct regular chart reviews and audits to ensure quality and compliance.

• Prepare for and participate in licensing visits, audits, and inspections.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Provide clinical supervision to therapists, counselors, and other clinical staff as required by licensure.

• Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management of clinical team members.

• Foster a collaborative, ethical, and supportive clinical culture.

• Provide ongoing staff development, case consultation, and clinical training.

Client Care & Treatment Oversight

• Oversee intake, assessment, treatment planning, continued stay, and discharge processes.

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.

• Ensure individualized, culturally responsive, and client-centered care.

• Support continuity of care and coordination with referral sources and community partners.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Work closely with executive leadership, operations, admissions, and business development teams.

• Assist with development of referral relationships and community partnerships.

• Serve as a clinical representative of Paradigm Recovery Center as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree or higher in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, or related field.

• Independent clinical licensure in Missouri (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Psychologist) or license-eligible with active pursuit.

• Minimum of 3–5 years clinical experience in substance use disorder treatment.

• Prior experience in PHP and/or IOP settings.

• Supervisory experience or qualification to provide clinical supervision.

• Strong knowledge of ASAM Criteria (2.1 & 2.5) and Missouri DMH regulations.

• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Prior experience in a start-up or program development role.

• Experience with audits, licensing surveys, or accreditation preparation.

• Background in co-occurring disorders treatment.

Work Schedule & Environment

• Primarily Monday–Friday business hours, with flexibility based on program needs.

• On-site presence required; occasional evening availability may be needed.

• Fast-paced start-up environment with opportunities to shape program culture and growth.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.

• Benefits package available

• Opportunity for professional growth as the organization expands.