Position At a Glance

 Department: Administration
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Supervises: Medical Director, Therapy Services Director, Crisis Director, Community Services Director, Recovery Services Manager, Director of Medical Services, Directs the clinical operations of the agency.

Position Scope

The Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) provides executive-level leadership and strategic direction for all clinical programs at Pawnee Mental Health. This role ensures exceptional client care, clinical quality, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance across the agency. The CCO leads program development, oversees clinical standards, drives productivity, and partners closely with internal and external stakeholders to support agency growth and community impact.

The ideal candidate is an experienced clinical leader skilled in program oversight, project management, and team development, with a strong commitment to high-quality behavioral health services.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Clinical Operations

• Develop, implement, and evaluate clinical standards, protocols, and performance expectations for all clinical staff.
• Oversee clinical projects, including planning, documentation, timelines, and outcome evaluation.
• Identify and lead new program initiatives, service lines, and expansion opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership to create, communicate, and continually assess clinical operations plans.
• Develop, update, and monitor clinical policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Partner with directors to ensure timely client access to care and effective referral processes.
• Foster strong internal and external partnerships to support integrated, high-quality client care.
• Promote the use of technology to enhance operations, communication, and workflow efficiency.
• Ensure all clinical programs meet regulatory standards, agency policies, and CCBHC requirements.
• Collaborate with program directors to set, measure, and track clinical outcomes and performance indicators.

Financial Performance: 

• Partner with the CFO on budget development and financial performance analysis.
• Work closely with Billing and HR on provider credentialing and insurance enrollment.
• Monitor billing processes to reduce errors and ensure timely claim submission.
• Maintain full accountability for caseload management, productivity standards, and operational workflow, including:
• Staff scheduling optimization
• Timely documentation completion and approval
• Treatment plan compliance
• Rapid onboarding/enrollment of new referrals
• Lead variance meetings with program leaders to ensure productivity goals are met.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead clinical department meetings and support program directors in communication and problem-solving. 
• Address client care issues through monitoring and resolution processes. 
• Build and support high-performing teams; manage conflict, communication, and cross-department collaboration.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance evaluations for assigned staff.
• Review and approve timecards, PTO requests, and staffing needs.
• Provide interim leadership for clinical programs when director roles are vacant.
• Align program operations with the agency’s strategic goals and growth initiatives.
• Contribute expertise to the senior management team and participate in organizational planning.
• Serve on committees, work groups, and community networks to promote Pawnee’s mission.

Community & Organizational Engagement

• Attend Board of Directors meetings and provide clinical updates as needed.
• Represent Pawnee in community events, partnerships, and behavioral health initiatives.
• Build relationships with state, regional, and local agencies to enhance access and continuity of care.
• Collaborate on enhancements to the Electronic Medical Record and other clinical tools. 

Other Duties

• Serve as the CCBHC Project Director for designated portions of work.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master’s degree in Social work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing or other relevant field.
• Kansas license to practice independently as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
• 5 years of direct experience working in the behavioral health care field with at least 3 years of senior management and supervisory experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Software and electronic health records.
• Typing capacity of 45 words per minute. 

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Certified Community Behavioral Health clinics and Community Mental Health Centers.
• 2 years of experience working with the BIPOC and/or veteran community strongly preferred.