Clinical Director

Summary

The Clinical Director is responsible for providing clinical and administrative leadership toward the development and effective management of the integrated clinical and community support services at CMHA. They will work collaboratively with clinical/program staff as well as with other members of CMHA leadership, DMHAS, DCF, DOC, Courts, and other external entities to achieve efficient, timely and clinically indicated care consistent with program goals and agency mission. The Clinical Director will review new admissions as well as existing caseloads, conduct and document supervision, effectively utilize data including Key Performance Indicators, and maintain accessibility, fluidity, and assignment to qualified/competent staff. The Clinical Director will manage the department’s team in compliance with agency directive and initiatives by utilizing Key Performance Indicators and other data to maintain fidelity with funder’s models, licensing regulations, and payer’s requirements.

Essential Responsibilities And Target Outcomes

• Conveys information and ideas both orally and in writing and listens and responds appropriately to others. Maintains clear lines of communication with a wide range of individuals.
• Engages in clinical assessment and review to determine levels of care consistent with client need and agency resources.
• Gathers information about work activities and external conditions affecting the work, checks on the progress and quality of the work, and evaluates the performance of individuals and the effectiveness of the organizational unit.
• Identifies work-related problems, analyzes problems in a systematic but timely manner, and acts decisively to implement solutions and resolve crises.
• Reviews program effectiveness by conducting and documenting audits that measure objectives, develops, and monitors plans of corrections when those objectives have not been achieved.
• Distributes money, people and time according to priorities; determines how to best utilize staff and resources efficiently and effectively to accomplish a task or project; improves coordination and productivity.
• Represents and promotes CMHA at community functions and required meetings and communicates potential client/community needs to Supervisor that will assist in future program development.
• Manages and utilizes information in the form of Key Performance Indicators and other outcome measures to enhance performance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Principal Customers

• Program Staff, working with clients referred by DMHAS, DCF, DOC, Hospitals, Residential Programs, conservators, Parents, Schools, Court System, Pediatricians, other programs within CMHA and other social service agencies.

Critical Work Relationships

• Service Area Directors, Executive and Senior Team, other CMHA program and administrative staff, DMHAS, DSS.
• DDS, DCF, DOC, Other funders/payer’s, Courts, Visiting Nurses, Clinical and Medical Providers, Legal Representatives, Family Members, Temporary/Transitional Living Facilities, other programs within CMHA and other social service agencies.

Qualifications

Education: Master’s Degree in psychology or related field required.

Credentials and Licenses: Connecticut Licensure in a Behavioral Health discipline. (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Etc…) CT Driver’s License.

Experience

• Five (5) years of experience in behavioral health field inclusive of a minimum of two (2) years of behavioral health management experience within an adult mental health service agency setting. Experience working in an inner city and/or multi-service agency preferred.
• At least two (2) years of clinical experience with adults and/or children with severe and prolonged mental illness; two (2) years of demonstrated competency in clinical supervision.
• Beginner to intermediate experience with Microsoft Office products including Word and Outlook.
• Experience in, or the ability to learn how to use, an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system which includes appointment scheduling, authorization tracking, assessments, treatment plans, progress notes and discharge summaries.

Competencies: Behavioral Skills

• Ability to apply knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy and Security regulations and provisions (HIPAA).
• Organizational ability to balance priorities according to workload constraints and conflicting timelines.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure.
• Organizational ability to deal with many groups and individuals at once and ensure that agency, program, and funding goals are met.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively provide administrative staff supervision to maximize staff performance and productivity.
• Knowledge and ability to establish appropriate courses of action for self and subordinates to accomplish goals within realistic target dates.
• Demonstrated interpersonal/communication competency.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure the security and confidentiality of client information and records in a manner consistent with professional and agency codes of ethics.
• Demonstrated awareness/sensitivity to all types of issues related to client diversity, including cultural, ethnic, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender preference, physical handicap and spiritual diversity.
• Ability to identify work related problems, analyze problems in a systematic but timely manner, and act decisively to implement solutions and resolve crises.
• Assure timely documentation is maintained in accordance with agency policy and procedures.

Leadership Competencies: Behavioral Skill Sets

• Ability to apply knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy and Security regulations and provisions (HIPAA).
• Organizational ability to balance priorities according to workload constraints and conflicting timelines.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure.
• Organizational ability to deal with many groups and individuals at once and ensure that agency, program, and funding goals are met.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively provide administrative staff supervision to maximize staff performance and productivity.
• Knowledge and ability to establish appropriate courses of action for self and subordinates to accomplish goals within realistic target dates.
• Demonstrated interpersonal/communication competency.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure the security and confidentiality of client information and records in a manner consistent with professional and agency codes of ethics.
• Demonstrated awareness/sensitivity to all types of issues related to client diversity, including cultural, ethnic, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender preference, physical handicap and spiritual diversity.

Resource Management

Ensures adherence to CMHA budget; through intentional utilization of external resources, grants, implementation of revenue generating projects, and collaborates interdepartmentally for best practice.

Staff Management

Sets high, attainable standards and expectations for staff. Directs assigned departments by defining expectation. Responsible for talent acquisition. Provides team feedback through individual and group supervision. Models a collaborative culture and encourages discretionary effort. Addresses and resolves employee relations issues. Provides training consistent with current and future job requirements.

Quality & Compliance

Ensures adherence to all policies and procedures and the organization’s Mission & Values. Maintains knowledge of and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements and includes information in ongoing employee education. Participates in the development and implementation of new programs, protocols, and processes.

Customer Service / Relationship Management

Maintains a professional, courteous, and positive demeanor in all interactions. Works collaboratively, participates in achieving common goals, shares knowledge and expertise. Conveys information clearly, listens with empathy, and accepts constructive feedback.

Professional Development

Engages in and sustains professional affiliations. Stays current with knowledge, skills, and credentials by participating in seminars, conferences, and other educational opportunities. Reinforces new learning and development in routine supervision and oversight. Actively seeks out new information and monitors industry trends to deepen expertise in their field. Cultivates a mindset rooted in continuous learning and growth.

Strategic Planning

Drives organizational growth by setting innovative goals and evaluating operations, leveraging strong analytical and communication skills to implement adaptive, high-impact strategies and monitor performance outcomes.

Community / Public Image

Acts as a visible and effective ambassador for CMHA, actively participating in community and industry affairs to promote and enhance the agency's public image. Coaches and empowers staff to engage meaningfully in local, state, and national initiatives relevant to the organization’s mission. Maintains a deep understanding of emerging trends, policies, and developments that impact the organization and the communities it serves. Approaches every interaction—internal and external—with knowledge, passion, and purpose.

Personal Leadership

Guided by the ten (10) principles of personal leadership, fosters self‑awareness, builds and maintains professional relationships. Focuses on continuous learning and development and strives for improvement and inspires others to do the same. Takes responsibility for one’s actions and outcomes.

• Be in the Moment
• Be Authentic & Humanistic
• Volunteer Discretionary Effort Constantly
• Model High Performance – Desired Behaviors that Drive Desired Results
• Respect and Leverage Separate Realities
• Be Curious vs. Judgmental
• Look in the Mirror First – Be Accountable
• Have Courageous Conversations
• Provide Timely, Clear, and Specific Performance Expectations and Feedback
• Teach, Coach, and Mentor – Spend at least half your time developing others.