Director of Programs

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The MH Waiver Program Director leads the day-to-day operations of ABH's Mental Health Waiver Program. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with ABH's mission and values, establishing internal policies and procedures, and identifying opportunities for program growth, innovation, and community collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning & Program Development

• Build and maintain a statewide provider network for all Mental Health Waiver services.

• Develop ongoing training for clinical staff, provider agencies and direct care staff.

• Oversee new service development from concept through launch; identify key projects, partnerships, and program ventures

• Establish and maintain performance metrics and reporting structures to track outcomes and support data-driven decision-making

• Identify strategic risks and develop mitigation plans; advise senior leadership on complex programmatic issues

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Oversee fiduciary responsibilities for the Mental Health Waiver (authorizations, claims and participant self-direction of services.

• Identify areas for resource reallocation, efficiency improvements, or growth investment

• Partner with executive leadership on long-range financial planning and program sustainability

SUPERVISORY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Team Leadership & Operations Management

• Oversee daily program operations and establish clear weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance goals

• Assign work, set deadlines, monitor productivity, and ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities

• Conduct regular team meetings and coordinate vendor relationships to support program delivery and consensus-building

• Manage client assessment coordination, service tracking, and network-wide care continuity

• Serve as primary organizational contact for DHMAS and DSS assigned staff; participate in ongoing project meetings

• Lead full-cycle hiring, onboarding, and performance management for direct reports

• Provide ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, and professional development support to team members

• Foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and accountability

• Partner with HR to address employee relations issues, disciplinary matters, and complaints in accordance with policy and applicable law

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in Behavioral Health, Human Services, Public Health, Business Administration, or related field

• Progressive management and supervisory experience in behavioral health or human services

• Knowledge of CMS waivers and state/federal behavioral health regulatory frameworks

• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered

Preferred:

• Experience engaging community organizations and individuals in recovery

• Proficiency in data analysis and program reporting

• Active Connecticut professional license: LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or RN

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge

• Behavioral health issues, community case management, and coordinated care across multiple providers and agencies

• State and federal regulations governing behavioral healthcare, including confidentiality, compliance, and reporting requirements

• Ethical standards, professional conduct, and conflict of interest principles relevant to behavioral healthcare

• Program development, quality improvement, strategic planning, and data-driven outcome measurement

Skills

• Strong leadership and supervision: communicating clear goals, organizing workflow, providing timely feedback, and developing team capability

• Excellent written and verbal communication for staff, clients, stakeholders, external partners, reports, and executive presentations

• Organizational and time management skills to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Client service orientation with professional, empathetic handling of inquiries, complaints, and stakeholder concerns

• Research and data analysis to interpret reports, ensure compliance, and support planning and documentation

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and internet-based platforms

Abilities

• Forward-thinking and results-oriented with strong attention to detail

• Collaborative and effective across a network of community-based services and diverse stakeholders

• Adaptable and composed under pressure; responds constructively to shifting priorities and unforeseen challenges

• Skilled at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and facilitating conflict resolution with external partners

• Committed to continuous professional development and staying current with industry trends and regulatory changes

• Demonstrates emotional intelligence and empathy in all professional interactions

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift/carry/move light to medium weights of 10–20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and visual acuity to operate a keyboard and read materials. The associate must regularly sit, reach, talk, and hear. Regularity and consistency of attendance is essential to ensure high-quality service delivery.

NOTE: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

Health Savings Account

401k with Match

LTD, and other Voluntary plans

Management Incentive Plan

Vacation, Sick, Personal, Floating, & Holiday Time available