Clinical Director

Job Description

Clinical Director

Overview of Position:

The Clinical Director is responsible for the clinical oversight, supervision, quality improvement, and operational integrity of the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC). The Clinical Director ensures that behavioral health services are delivered in accordance with Maryland COMAR regulations, CARF standards, organizational policies, ethical standards of practice, and all applicable state and federal regulations. The Clinical Director provides leadership and oversight to clinical staff, supports quality and performance improvement initiatives, monitors clinical documentation and service delivery, and promotes a trauma-informed, person-centered, recovery-oriented environment throughout the organization. This position serves as a key member of the leadership team and collaborates closely with the Medical Director and organizational leadership to ensure safe, effective, ethical, and compliant service delivery.

Primary Tasks

Clinical Oversight & Leadership:

Provide clinical leadership, supervision, and guidance to clinical staff within the OMHC

Ensure services are delivered in a manner consistent with evidence-based, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centered practices

Monitor clinical operations to ensure quality, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance

Promote ethical standards, professional boundaries, and clinical integrity throughout the organization

Support staff development through supervision, coaching, mentoring, and ongoing training

Participate in staff hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, disciplinary processes, and professional development activities within scope of authority

Compliance & Quality Improvement:

Ensure organizational compliance with COMAR, CARF, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and all applicable federal, state, and payer requirements

Monitor clinical documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, timeliness, medical necessity, and regulatory compliance

Conduct routine chart audits and clinical documentation reviews, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, treatment plan reviews, discharge summaries, and other required clinical documentation

Participate in quality assurance, utilization review, risk management, and performance improvement activities

Assist in developing, implementing, monitoring, and revising policies, procedures, workflows, and clinical protocols

Participate in internal and external audits, surveys, site visits, and accreditation activities, including CARF, CSA, OHCQ, and payer audits

Identify trends, compliance concerns, and opportunities for programmatic improvement and communicate findings to leadership

Clinical Supervision & Documentation Oversight:

Provide and document clinical supervision in accordance with COMAR requirements and applicable licensing board regulations

Review and co-sign documentation as required by licensure regulations, organizational policy, and payer requirements

Ensure supervisees maintain compliance with clinical documentation standards and timelines

Support clinicians in clinical decision-making, crisis management, ethical dilemmas, and treatment planning

Maintain appropriate records of supervision sessions and corrective actions when applicable

Program Operations:

Collaborate with leadership to support effective day-to-day clinical operations

Assist with program development, implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives

Maintain awareness of staffing needs and support efforts to ensure sufficient qualified personnel are available to meet patient care needs

Serve as a clinical resource to staff, patients, families, referral sources, and community partners

Support continuity of care and interdisciplinary collaboration across providers and outside agencies

Participate in organizational meetings, committees, trainings, and emergency preparedness activities as assigned

Direct Clinical Responsibilities:

Conduct comprehensive behavioral health assessments and diagnostic evaluations within scope of licensure

Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients and the interdisciplinary team

Maintain a limited clinical caseload as assigned

Ensure services provided reflect medical necessity and appropriate clinical standards

Maintain fidelity to DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and ethical clinical practice standards

Required Skills, Experience, and Education:

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related behavioral health field

Active Maryland licensure as:

LCADC – Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor

LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

LCSW-C – Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical

LCMFT – Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist

Minimum of five (5) years of behavioral health clinical experience, including progressive leadership or supervisory experience

Knowledge of COMAR regulations governing OMHC services

Knowledge of CARF standards and behavioral health best practices

Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Experience with clinical documentation review and quality assurance processes

Proficiency with EMR systems and standard office technology

Special Job Requirements

Maintain active licensure and supervisory eligibility in the State of Maryland

Maintain current knowledge of behavioral health regulations, accreditation standards, and industry best practices

Adhere to all organizational policies related to confidentiality, ethics, professional conduct, workplace safety, and patient rights

Participate in ongoing continuing education and professional development activities

Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in high-pressure or crisis situations