Clinical Director

This is a senior leadership position in clinical management that is responsible for developing, leading and managing all the clinical operations of Carastar Health, the Community Mental Health Center certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) to serve Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga, and Lowndes Counties.  Programs serve adults and children with Serious Mental Illness and Serious Emotional Disturbance as well as adults and adolescents with substance use disorders. Services and programs span a broad continuum of care that includes outpatient, residential, crisis services, and others.

 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Manage, supervise, coordinate, and direct all clinical treatment programs of Carastar Health.  Programs include but are not limited to outpatient services in all four counties, school-based and home-based services, a large residential continuum, 24/7 crisis outreach and treatment, day programs, supported employment, and case management.

Responsible for ensuring all Clinical Policies and procedures adhere to current standards and regulations, to include but not limited to: ADMH administrative code, Medicaid and Medicare regulations, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Develop and implement clinical strategies, policies and procedures to improve outcomes and operational efficiency in coordination with the Chief Operations Officer and Performance Improvement Director. 

Provide direct supervision and evaluation of performance to Upper Management Directors, Doctors, CRNP’s, and others as assigned. 

Lead and motivate clinical staff, providing guidance, support, and training.

Promote a positive working environment, encouraging interdepartmental coordination of care and program development. 

Assist with the development of Clinical budgets and ensure program Directors and Coordinators adhere to practices to remain within or below budget.

Ensure all staff are fully trained and can demonstrate competence in the provision of and documentation and billing of services. 

Monitor productivity of all clinical programs and develop and implement strategies to improve as indicated. 

Responsible for the development, supervision and organization of adequate treatment modalities within the staff.

Monitor and assess the quality of care, including assessments, treatment, diagnosis, and follow-up.  Ensure that staff immediately report any incidents that may negatively impact consumer care. 

Demonstrate knowledge and awareness in the implementation and monitoring of current evidence-based practices, clinical approaches, techniques and modalities. 

Provide and supervise routine, ongoing clinical training to promote staff development and competence.

Develop and implement plan(s) of action for clinical programs in response to any audit findings, deficiencies, or noted areas needing improvement.

Maintain effective communication with staff, consumers, partners, and consumer collateral.

Ensure all services provided are supported by a strength-based, individualized, trauma-informed approach.  A consumer’s family and natural support should be involved and documented whenever appropriate and with the consent of the consumer.   

Attend all required meetings, including Clinical Director’s Association meetings, ADMH meetings, consultations, and others. 

Prepare and present a monthly report to the General Board of Directors on Clinical programs and initiatives, both within and outside of the agency.

Attend program staff meetings whenever possible. 

Visit each program and location routinely for monitoring, support and supervision. 

Conduct routine chart and treatment plan reviews to ensure staff are documenting services appropriately and according to standards.

Monitor trends in staff errors, failed activities, claims, and unsigned documents, and ensure any deficiencies or patterns of poor performance are addressed appropriately. 

Perform the function of a clinician as needed and document appropriately. Examples include crisis interventions and family education and support.   

Complete all administrative tasks accurately and promptly, to include review of occurrence reports, response to emails and voice mails, treatment plan and diagnosis approvals, treatment plan reviews, and other periodic reports as required. 

Engage in community services and consultation work within the community. 

Responsible for interviewing, selecting, and ensuring proper oversight and supervision of Therapist Interns.  Coordinate the placement and scheduling of any other student assignments including medical and nursing students.

Provide routine and ongoing reports on all Clinical Programs to the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer, to include personnel issues, consumer updates, programmatic concerns, and new initiatives.  Seek to continuously recommend and implement programmatic changes and initiatives that are in keeping with the strategic plan of Carastar Health, state-wide initiatives to include the implementation of CCBHC. 

 

REQUIREMENTS

Extensive, current knowledge of current clinical practices, theories, and modalities.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to manage several projects and tasks with multiple deadlines and priorities.  Excellent delegation and follow-through skills are a must. 

Progressive supervisory experience in a healthcare field. 

Strong leadership skills, with the ability to train, motivate, and develop clinical and direct care staff. 

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Must have, or develop and maintain, a strong working knowledge of the ADMH Administrative Code, Medicaid Regulations, and other standards and requirements as applicable. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree from a recognized university in the field of psychology, counseling, social work, or psychiatric nursing with three years post master’s relevant clinical experience (five years preferred),

OR

be physician who has completed an approved residency in psychiatry. 

Must be fully licensed under Alabama Law in psychology, certified social work, counseling, or medicine.

Must have held significant, progressively responsible positions within a mental health setting with administrative experience.

Degree and experience must meet requirements for Approved Medicaid Provider status.

Must secure and maintain current CPI and Red Cross First Aid/CPR certifications.

Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to Carastar’s insurance carrier.

Must maintain at least liability coverage on personal vehicles.