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Behavioral Health Clinical Director Office/On-Site #260413-6214MP-001

State of Connecticut, Bridgeport, CT, United States


Introduction
Do you want to utilize your skills and make a difference? Are you looking to take the next step in your career? If so, please read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity! The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is currently seeking an innovative and experienced individual for the position of Behavioral Health Clinical Director to join our dedicated team and advance our mission.

Position Highlights

DIVISION: Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS)

LOCATION: Bridgeport, CT

SCHEDULE: Full‑time (40 hours), 1st Shift, Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm

POSITION NUMBER: 139335

What We Can Offer You

Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!

Professional growth and development opportunities.

A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

Discover The Opportunity To

Engage in a rewarding career;

Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;

Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do.

The Role
You will lead and shape the direction of clinical operations for SWCMHS Outpatient Services, offering expert clinical consultation and ensuring excellence across programs. Your leadership will extend to the Clinical Services Unit, Young Adult Services Unit (YAS), and the Lead Mental Health Agency (LMHA).

Job Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

Provide oversight, supervision, and direct clinical liaison interface of admissions, discharges, and transfers to state hospitals, other state facilities and community hospitals, tracks Length of Stay and barriers to admissions and discharge.

Provide oversight of outpatient risk management and directly participate in the SWCMHS Risk Committee Meetings.

Provide training and/or direct group supervision regarding individual, family, and group psychotherapy or other interventions to enhance staff competence.

Develop and implement innovative and cost‑effective services to meet client needs.

Assure compliance with quality information management findings and recommendations.

Utilize an electronic health record, computer technology and data to perform job functions and inform management and supervisory practices.

About Us
DMHAS is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency in those we serve. Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS) is responsible for the oversight and management of contracts with private not‑for‑profit agencies and residential providers providing mental health services in the southwest region of the state. With locations in Bridgeport and Stamford, SWCMHS provides inpatient, outpatient and assertive community treatment (ACT) services and community support services for adults with severe behavioral health disabilities; mental health services for people who are deaf or hearing impaired and a mobile crisis intervention team. SWCMHS also provides outreach to people who are homeless and mentally ill. Special agency programs include Shelter Plus Care, a housing program for people who are homeless and who have a history of substance abuse or mental illness or who have AIDS.

Please Note
A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)
In the Departments of Correction and Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for directing multiple clinical programs in a facility or Local Mental Health Authority or directing statewide clinical support services and programs in the Central Office.

Examples of Duties

Directs staff and operations of multiple functions for a division;

Coordinates, plans and manages program activities;

Formulates program goals and objectives;

Develops or assists in development and implementation of related policy;

Interprets and administers pertinent laws;

Evaluates staff;

Prepares or assists in preparation of division budget;

Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of division who might impact on program activities;

Ensures agency compliance with standards established by outside monitoring agencies;

Directs recruitment, selection and retention of department or discipline staff;

Ensures compliance with quality assurance findings and recommendations;

Promotes cultural diversity in workplace and ensures client rights;

Identifies, plans, implements and evaluates staff training and development needs;

Analyzes complex problems and takes appropriate action;

Initiates workforce planning and monitors staff utilization to meet identified goals;

Investigates and responds to critical incidents;

Prepares or oversees preparation of reports;

Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;

May represent facility in grievances and hearings;

May oversee grant, budget or contract preparation;

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

Considerable knowledge of

and ability to apply management principles and practices;

relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;

behavioral health policies and systems;

principles and practices of public and/or health care administration;

recent developments in designated field and ability to translate knowledge into practice;

recovery principles and practices;

resources available to client population;

Considerable interpersonal skills;

oral and written communication skills;

clinical skills;

analytical skills;

Considerable ability to

develop strategic plans;

negotiate, mediate and resolve conflicts;

manage staff in a clinical in‑patient and outpatient setting;

collaborate within department, agency and community.

Minimum Qualifications – General Experience
A Master's degree in a clinical discipline, public health administration, health care administration or hospital administration and six (6) years of professional experience in behavioral health care.

Minimum Qualifications – Special Experience
Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a managerial or supervisory capacity directing clinical operations or the delivery of behavioral health care services including the supervision of professional behavioral health care staff. NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor or Behavioral Health Program Manager.

Preferred Qualifications

Possess licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Professional Counselor (LPC), or Psychologist.

Experience working in outpatient behavioral healthcare settings and providing services within the community.

Experience providing, directing and overseeing mental health and/or substance abuse services.

Experience using Microsoft Office (Excel; Word; PowerPoint).

Experience providing trauma informed treatment in a community setting.

Experience leading and supporting management staff to ensure implementation of policies and procedures.

Special Requirements
Incumbents in this class must maintain the appropriate current license for clinical social work, marital and family therapist, professional counselor, registered nurse, psychologist, alcohol and drug counselor or hold a Multistate or Compact Registered Nurse license.

Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

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