Chief of Clinical Operations

Employees at Damar aren’t just part of a workforce — they’re part of a mission-driven team making a real difference in people’s lives. Since 1967, Damar has been recognized across Indiana as one of the largest not-for-profit organizations and a leading provider of behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) services. We foster a united, purpose-driven culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to give their best. It’s no surprise Damar has been named a Top Workplace for several years! Ready to make a real difference? Damar Services is conducting a national search for a transformational leader to serve as Chief of Clinical Operations - an enterprise leader responsible for shaping the clinical vision, performance, and future growth of one of the Midwest’s most comprehensive systems of care for individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and complex behavioral health needs. This is a rare opportunity to lead across a fully integrated and rapidly evolving platform that includes residential treatment, applied behavior analysis (ABA), community-based services, and a federally qualified health center (FQHC). Damar serves some of the highest-acuity youth and families in the state, and is actively expanding its clinical footprint, service models, and geographic reach. The Chief of Clinical Operations will architect and execute a system-wide clinical strategy that advances measurable outcomes, strengthens workforce capability, and ensures sustainable growth in a complex and shifting reimbursement environment. This leader will oversee clinical operations across multiple campuses and service lines, bringing rigor, innovation, and alignment to how care is delivered at scale. Reporting directly to executive leadership, the Chief will serve as the organization’s senior-most clinical operations leader—responsible not only for quality and compliance, but also for driving performance, accountability, and integration across a diverse continuum of care. The role carries full accountability for clinical outcomes, service delivery effectiveness, and the financial performance of clinical programs. Damar is seeking a leader who can operate at both altitude and ground level—someone who can design systems, lead leaders, and simultaneously understand the realities of delivering care in high-acuity, workforce-constrained environments. The ideal candidate is energized by complexity, motivated by mission, and capable of building a clinical enterprise that is both high-performing and deeply human. Why This Role? Why Damar? Damar Services is not a traditional provider. It is a mission-driven, growth-oriented organization operating at the intersection of clinical complexity and system innovation. With expanding campuses, an integrated FQHC, and a commitment to advancing care for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, Damar is building something both ambitious and necessary. The Chief of Clinical Operations will play a defining role in that future—shaping how care is delivered, how teams are built, and how outcomes are achieved across an entire system. This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to build a clinical enterprise that sets the standard for what high-quality, high-acuity care can and should be. Here are just a few of the benefits you'll enjoy at Damar: Eligible for the Damar Advantage including discounts at Damar Health Services and Damar Pharmacy Comprehensive training in verbal intervention and physical management techniques Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance options Up to $3,000 per year in Tuition Assistance Save for your retirement with our 401(k) Plan Participation Take care of loved ones through our Damar provided Life Insurance and additional voluntary options Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance options Paid Holidays to spend time with loved ones Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and renewal Remarkable ways you will be making a difference: Provide enterprise-wide leadership for all clinical operations across Damar’s continuum of care, including residential treatment, ABA services, community-based programs, and FQHC services Lead and develop a multi-layered clinical leadership structure, including directors and supervisors across multiple regions and campuses Design, standardize, and implement evidence-based clinical models tailored to high-acuity populations, including individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and co-occurring behavioral health needs Establish and drive system-wide clinical performance standards, outcome measurement frameworks, and quality assurance infrastructure Ensure full compliance with all regulatory and payer requirements, including Medicaid, Indiana FSSA and DCS, HRSA (FQHC), and relevant accreditation bodies (e.g., JCAHO, CARF, COA, ACQ) Architect scalable clinical staffing models that align licensure, supervision, and service intensity with reimbursement and program design Drive clinical productivity, documentation integrity, and utilization management to optimize both care delivery and financial outcomes Partner closely with finance and operations leadership to manage budgets, improve margins, and ensure long-term sustainability of clinical services Support and engage with enterprise-level continuous quality improvement efforts, with a focus on outcomes, safety, and risk mitigation in high-acuity environments Support strategic growth initiatives, including new program development, campus expansion (e.g., Richmond and other emerging markets), and innovation in care delivery models Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership on clinical strategy, regulatory positioning, and market opportunities Represent Damar externally with credibility among state agencies, partners, and industry stakeholders The ideal candidate will have: Doctoral or master’s degree in psychology, behavior analysis, social work, counseling, or a related clinical field; licensed or license-eligible in Indiana required HSPP strongly preferred; LCSW, LMFT, or LMHC Licensure required 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in complex, multi-site clinical environments serving high-acuity populations Demonstrated success overseeing large-scale clinical operations across residential, behavioral health, ABA, and/or integrated care models Deep understanding of Medicaid-funded systems, FQHC operations, and value-based or outcomes-driven care environments Proven ability to align clinical quality with financial performance and operational efficiency Experience leading through growth, change, and workforce challenges in highly regulated environments Strong executive presence with the ability to influence internally and externally at the highest levels A systems thinker who can translate strategy into execution across diverse service lines and teams Deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations with dignity, innovation, and excellence Consistent high energy and positive social presentation Ability to be reached 24/7 unless arranged otherwise in advance Be clear of any felony convictions, substantiated charges of neglect or other disqualifying criminal convictions Successfully complete a pre-employment physical Favorably meet and maintain Damar’s background screening Essential Job Functions: Physical : Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (up to 35lbs); to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision : See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing : Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. #J-18808-Ljbffr