POSITION TITLE: Director of Mental Health Services

REPORTS TO: President & CEO

SALARY RANGE: $72,500 - $85,000 (this range is negotiable, based on experience)

FLSA STATUS: Full time, Exempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Director of Mental Health Services to lead our dynamic team. This pivotal role involves overseeing the Mental Health Department, supervising mental health therapists, and ensuring the provision of high-quality care to children and adults impacted by child abuse. The successful candidate will be instrumental in practice management, managing contracts with vendors and funders, and navigating the complexities of an outpatient, free-standing NYS Article 31 clinic.

The Director of Mental Health Services is a member of the Leadership Team of Bivona Child Advocacy Center and acts in a leadership capacity within the agency. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Supervision: 

· Provide clinical supervision and administrative leadership to a team of mental health therapists. Ensure adherence to professional standards and ethical practices.

· Act as a consultative resource to clinicians employed by MDT partner agencies.

· Provide clinical supervision in the evidence-based trauma specific models approved by NCA and utilized by mental health clinicians employed by Bivona.

· Provide group supervision in relevant clinical models to MDT-based providers.

· In collaboration with the Bivona Program Team, assess and address training needs of team members; may be responsible for coordinating and/or conducting trainings for mental health providers as well as identifying resources for training in evidence-based models.

Practice Management: 

· The Director of Mental Health Services is accountable to the MDT Director regarding coordination and meeting the expectations of intervention services as a member of the MDT.

· Oversee the day-to-day operations of the mental health department, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services. Implement strategies to enhance service quality and patient satisfaction.

· Address barriers to access at the individual and group level through direct communication and problem-solving with providers, Family Advocates, Caseworkers, parents/caregivers, and other involved parties. Communicate concerns in a timely fashion to CPS leadership.

· Triage cases and connect children and families to appropriate mental health services with MDT partner agencies and community providers. 

· Ensure an effective and timely process for mental health referrals is always in place, including development and maintenance of a centralized scheduling system. oversight of the referral process to MDT and community-based providers

· Oversee use of trauma screens and other tools of evaluation and facilitate use of this data for triage and referral purposes.

· Assist the MDT in assessing children’s risk for suicidal ideation and safety planning. 

· Regularly attend internal team and leadership meetings and as requested, and meetings of the board of directors when needed.

· Provide representation at AdCom.

· Assist with the development of resource materials, mental health manuals and assist with special projects etc. 

· Regularly attend Case Review, Team, and Staff meetings.

· Conduct mental health MDT meetings on a quarterly basis.

Contract Management: 

· Manage and oversee contracts with vendors and funding agencies, ensuring compliance with all contractual obligations. Monitor and report on contract performance.

Financial Oversight: 

· Oversee the financial aspects of the department, including budgeting, billing, and financial reporting. Ensure sustainability of services funded through grants and medical insurance billing, primarily Medicaid.

Compliance and Accreditation: 

· Ensure the clinic's compliance with state regulations and standards for an NYS Article 31 clinic. Lead efforts to maintain and achieve accreditation and quality assurance standards.

· Ensure compliance with relevant NCA guidelines and play a leading role in NCA accreditation processes related to mental health services.

· Receive ongoing training to ensure compliance with the NCA standards and best practices in the field of child sexual abuse. 

· Gather data for monthly/quarterly grant reporting, ensuring reports are submitted in a timely manner.

· Ensure timely and effective mental health services are made available to all children who present with need and monitoring the effectiveness of mental health services delivered by Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) partners utilizing the standards set forth by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) and other best practice guidelines. 

Program Development: 

· Develop and implement programs that respond to the needs of the population served, incorporating evidence-based practices and innovative approaches.

Stakeholder Engagement: 

· Foster strong relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and funding agencies.

· Represent the department and the center in professional forums and community events.

· Develop and maintain highly productive and collaborative relationships with MDT and community-based mental health providers, orienting them to the needs of Bivona’s clients and supporting their service delivery.

· Develop and maintain professional relationships with area colleges and universities, including the coordination and supervision of internship programs helpful to mental health services at Bivona.

· Other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate proficiency in meeting competencies required for position; able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in social work or psychology field, plus five years’ experience practicing with children who have experienced trauma required. NYS Certification as a Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or comparable credential required. At least three years’ experience supervising clinicians and providing program leadership.

Certification in a trauma-based therapy protocol is preferred. Completion of this requirement within one year of hire is acceptable and expected in order to provide adequate clinical supervision.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

· Proven experience in managing a mental health clinic or practice, preferably in a setting focused on child welfare or abuse recovery.

· Demonstrated ability to supervise and lead a team of clinicians.

· Strong understanding of practice management, including billing procedures for Medicaid and other insurance providers.

· Experience with contract management and compliance with state regulations.

· Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

· Commitment to the mission and values of Bivona Child Advocacy Center, with a strong dedication to serving children and adults impacted by child abuse.

· Advanced knowledge of the clinical treatment of trauma in children.

· Knowledge of child abuse; child protective and law enforcement investigation procedures; and the legal reporting mandates for professionals.

· Ability to provide effective clinical supervision to individuals and groups.

· Experience managing people with diverse backgrounds.

· Outstanding ability to work cooperatively with service providers and partner agencies.

· Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft® Office and database software.

· Respect for diversity and commitment to providing culturally competent, inclusive services.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.