Medical Director of Outpatient Psychiatry
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About The Centers
The Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) in Cleveland, Ohio. The Centers provides comprehensive care for medically underserved individuals, especially those with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. In 2026, in partnership with Cuyahoga County and the ADAMHS Board, the Centers will open a Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center that includes a Crisis Receiving Center, a 3.7‑bed residential treatment program, and a Crisis Stabilization Unit, becoming Cuyahoga County’s first 24/7 walk‑in behavioral health urgent care and stabilization center. This center will offer people in crisis a safe, welcoming alternative to emergency rooms, jail, or the streets, providing symptom stabilization, connection to community resources, and facilitation of reintegration into the community.
The Opportunity
We are recruiting a Medical Director of Outpatient Psychiatry to provide strategic leadership and clinical oversight for psychiatric services across our federally qualified health center locations. The position requires overseeing the Associate Directors of Psychiatry at each location, ensuring high‑quality, patient‑centered care, leading systems‑level improvements, and building problem‑solving capacity within the psychiatric leadership team. This role may be filled by a board‑certified Psychiatrist (MD/DO) or a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with demonstrated leadership experience in outpatient mental health settings.
What You’ll Do
Clinical Leadership & Oversight
- Provide clinical leadership and direction for outpatient psychiatry services across five FQHC locations
- Oversee and support the Associate Directors of Psychiatry, ensuring consistent quality of care, evidence‑based practices, and adherence to clinical standards
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators and outcome measures to ensure psychiatric services achieve optimal patient outcomes
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing FQHC psychiatric services, including HRSA requirements and Joint Commission standards
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives, peer review processes, and clinical audits to maintain the highest standards of care
Leadership Development & Team Building
- Build problem‑solving capacity and clinical leadership skills among the Associate Directors of Psychiatry
- Provide mentoring, coaching, and professional development opportunities for psychiatry leadership team members
- Foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation within the psychiatry department
- Develop succession planning strategies to ensure sustainable leadership at all levels
- Facilitate regular meetings with Associate Directors to address challenges, share best practices, and promote team cohesion
Systems Change & Change Management
- Lead and implement systems‑level changes to improve efficiency, access, and quality of psychiatry services
- Champion change management initiatives related to new clinical protocols, technology implementations, and service delivery models
- Partner with multidisciplinary teams to advance integrated behavioral health care with outpatient psychiatric providers and across The Centers
- Identify barriers to care and develop innovative solutions to improve patient access and outcomes
- Utilize data and evidence to drive decision‑making and continuous improvement efforts
Clinical Practice
- Maintain a clinical caseload as appropriate to the needs of the organization
- Provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and treatment planning for patients with complex mental health needs
- Serve as a clinical consultant to other providers within The Centers’ integrated health model
Collaboration & Community Engagement
- Collaborate with primary care providers, therapists, case managers, and other team members to deliver integrated, whole‑person care
- Build and maintain relationships with community partners, hospitals, and other mental health organizations
- Represent The Centers in community forums, professional organizations, and advocacy efforts related to mental health services
- Participate in efforts to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health care in underserved communities
Other Non‑Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Participate in organizational committees and workgroups as assigned
- Contribute to staff recruitment and retention efforts for psychiatric providers
- Support training and education initiatives for staff, students, and community members
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with completion of an accredited psychiatry residency program, OR
- Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing with specialization as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
License or Certification
- Current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state of Ohio (MD/DO), OR
- Current, unrestricted Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification in the state of Ohio
- Board certification in Psychiatry (ABPN) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (ANCC or AANP) required
- DEA license required
- Valid Ohio driver’s license and ability to travel between FQHC locations
Experience
- Minimum 7-10 years of clinical experience in outpatient psychiatry
- Experience in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), community health settings, or underserved populations strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience leading systems change initiatives and change management processes
- Proven track record of building leadership capacity and developing high‑performing teams
- Experience with integrated behavioral health models and multidisciplinary collaboration
- Knowledge of HRSA requirements, FTCA coverage, and FQHC operational standards preferred
Skills That Will Make You Successful
- Leadership & Management: Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop others
- Change Management: Advanced skills in leading departmental change, managing resistance, and building buy‑in for new initiatives
- Problem‑Solving & Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex systems, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions
- Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including patients, staff, leadership, and community partners
- Cultural Competency: Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; ability to provide culturally responsive care and leadership
- Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary team environments
- Clinical Excellence: Deep knowledge of evidence‑based psychiatric practices, psychopharmacology, and integrated care models
- Data‑Driven Decision Making: Ability to use data and outcome metrics to drive quality improvement and decisions
- Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR), telehealth platforms, and data analytics tools
Working Conditions
- Primary work location at designated Centers location with regular travel required to all five FQHC sites
- Standard office environment with clinical spaces; exposure to patients experiencing mental health crises
- May require flexibility in work hours including occasional evenings for meetings or community events
- Physical demands include ability to sit, stand, and travel between locations; visual and auditory acuity required for patient care
- Emotional demands include exposure to traumatic patient stories and complex clinical situations; resilience support available through The Centers
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Time Off & Work‑Life Balance
- Up to 30 days of PTO annually
- 9 paid holidays including New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
- 1 floating holiday of your choice annually
Retirement & Financial Wellness
- 401(k) retirement plan with 5% employer contribution (begins first of month following nine months of service)
- 457(b) deferred compensation plan for additional tax‑deferred savings
Professional Development & Additional Benefits
- Executive coaching to support your leadership growth
- Employee Assistance Program
The Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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