Director of Clinical Services

Overview Director of Clinical ServicesLocation: Onsite in Nashville, TNAbout the RoleThe Director of Clinical Services (DCS) provides leadership and clinical oversight to ensure the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient-centered care. This role exists to design, implement, and sustain evidence-based treatment programs (e.g., CBT, DBT) that drive measurable outcomes, uphold regulatory compliance, and foster recovery across the continuum of care. By championing evidence-based practices, advancing staff competencies, and embedding fidelity to proven models of care, the DCS creates a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and leaders, the DCS ensures that high-quality clinical services are provided consistently and in alignment with hospital’s mission and goals.We are a mission-driven team dedicated to making a real impact in behavioral health. At Ascension St. Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, you’ll work alongside experienced clinicians in a collaborative environment where your expertise is valued and your work helps patients build healthier futures.About the FacilityAscension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital is a trusted source of inpatient treatment for adults age 18 and older who have been struggling with anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental and behavioral health concerns.Why You’ll Love This RoleWe know top talent deserves top rewards. Here’s what you’ll enjoy:Relocation Assistance - we’ll support your move with a generous relocation packageProfessional Growth & Career Pathing - your development is our priorityExecutive Mentorship – paired with a corporate clinical support from day oneCompetitive Salary & BonusesComprehensive Health Benefits - medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with Company MatchGenerous PTO - vacation, holidays, extended sick leave, and mental health daysIndustry-Leading Training & Support - you’ll be paired with a corporate clinical mentor from day one Responsibilities Essential FunctionsLeadership & ManagementProvide strategic direction to clinical teams, including therapists, social workers, and other staffOversee day-to-day clinical operations, including budget management, developing marketing and strategic plans and independent decision making for program requiring clinical expertisePromote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and patient-centered care and ensures efficiency and collaboration between departmentsServe as a member of the facility leadership team and make independent clinical decisions to ensure quality care and alignment with organizational goalsClinical Staff Oversight, Development and SupervisionProvide direction and oversight to staff membersProvide clinical consultation, oversight of case planning and care coordinationDirect crisis intervention efforts and intervene as requiredSupervise, mentor, and support clinical staff, promoting professional growth and competencyProvide clinical supervision to clinical staff as needed, ensuring all clinical staff are trained on and consistently implement evidenced-based practices – including assessments, implementation of measurement-based care, and evidenced-based interventionsEngage in regular fidelity monitoring of clinical programming and groups delivered by clinical staff to ensure alignment with evidenced-based practices and provide ongoing trainings when drift occursManage hiring, development, training, and performance management of staff to ensure effective operationsConduct regular reviews of caseloads to optimize utilization of servicesEnsure staff are current on all certifications and regulatory requirementsProgram Development & ImplementationDevelop and implement clinical programs based on evidence-based models (e.g., CBT, DBT) and integrate evidence-based practices into treatment plansEvaluate clinical performance metrics, including service-delivery models, patient-reported outcomes, satisfaction scores, length of stay, treatment completion, and discharge effectivenessConduct regular clinical audits to ensure high-quality documentation, fidelity to care models, and appropriate levels of careChampion best practices in suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and risk mitigation, ensuring standardized application across facilitiesFacilitate the continuum of care, partnering with outpatient facilities to develop robust step-down processesProvide clinical oversight of other programs and levels of care as neededQuality & ComplianceEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and accrediting bodies (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, CARF, state licensing boards)Monitor clinical performance metrics and implement corrective actions as neededOversee documentation and reporting to maintain accurate patient recordsEnsure safety and infection control requirements are metCollaboration & CommunicationWork with hospital or facility leadership to align clinical services with hospital-wide initiativesWork with hospital or facility leadership to ensure alignment of clinical services with organizational initiatives and valuesServe as a liaison between clinical staff, administration, and external partners, fostering clear communicationEngage with community organizations and healthcare providers to enhance patient access to servicesAdditional ResponsibilitiesDirect crisis intervention efforts and oversee case planning and care coordination.Maintain a limited caseload when necessary and provide onsite coverage for other programsDevelop operating policies and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and standards of careRecognize patient safety as a top priority and work to resolve complaints if needs are unmetParticipate in on-call rotation schedule as determined and required by facilitySupport business development, engage with local community groups, participate in education events and collaborate with referral sources to build and maintain strong relationshipsStandard ExpectationsDemonstrates a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.Complies with organizational policies, procedures, performance improvement initiatives and maintains organizational and industry policies regarding confidentialityCommunicates clearly and effectively to person(s) receiving services and their family members, guests, and other members of the healthcare teamDevelops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintains them over timeEncourages and builds mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members and staffMaintains regular and predictable attendancePerform other functions and tasks as assigned Qualifications Education/Experience/Skill RequirementsLicense-bearing Master’s or Doctorate degree in Behavioral or Mental Health (e.g., MSW, MA in marriage and family, MA in professional counseling, PhD in Clinical, Counseling, or Educational Psychology), or PsyDMinimum of 4 years’ experience working with clinical population of the facility requiredMinimum of 2 years of supervisory experienceFamiliarity with regulatory standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, CARF) and experience ensuring complianceExcellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills among audiences ranging from front-line clinical staff to facility leadershipLicenses/Designations/CertificationsIndependently Licensed Clinician – e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Psychologist licenseMA in Social Work (MSW/LCSW) strongly preferredExperience in an inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health hospitalSalary Range: $105,000 - $115,000 DOE​​While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.​We are committed to providing equal- employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.#LI-AST#LI-ONSITE#LI-JS1AHCORPJob SummaryJob ID: 2026-105485Category: ClinicalDepartment Number: ### FACILITYLocation : Name: Ascension St. Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital