CLINICAL DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

A Clinical Director is the senior clinician who holds both the treatment standards and the operating budget for a behavioral health organization. In outpatient and residential mental health settings, that pairing is rare and demanding. Program quality, staff licensure compliance, county contract performance, and crisis response protocols all answer to this seat. The role requires a licensed clinician who can diagnose under the DSM framework, supervise unlicensed practitioners within state regulatory limits, and hold a department's census and revenue targets simultaneously.

As the Clinical Director, you will set and maintain the clinical model across outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential programs while ensuring every service line meets state licensure standards and contractual obligations to county mental health departments. The position carries full departmental authority over clinical staffing, program budgets, and quality assurance, with direct accountability to senior leadership for census, productivity, and outcomes.

Career Impact: Leading a behavioral health department at the director level establishes measurable clinical governance credentials - QMHP oversight, grant reporting, and county liaison experience - that distinguish candidates for VP and executive clinical roles.

Business Impact: The programs this role governs serve populations facing domestic violence, crisis intervention, and severe mental illness, where gaps in clinical leadership translate directly into failed contracts and disrupted care for vulnerable clients.

Growth Opportunity: Scope in this role expands across program lines over time, opening pathways into Chief Clinical Officer positions or regional director roles within multi-site behavioral health networks.

• Lead clinical program development and implementation across outpatient and residential service lines to meet organizational strategic directives.
• Oversee quality assurance monitoring, licensure standards compliance, and corrective action planning for all clinical staff.
• Supervise unlicensed and licensed clinicians, ensuring caseload coverage, documentation accuracy, and adherence to state regulatory requirements.
• Manage departmental budgets for outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, monitoring variances and adjusting resource allocation to meet financial targets.
• Serve as organizational liaison to county mental health departments, overseeing contract administration and service delivery reporting.
• Direct clinical hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, and disciplinary action for the full counseling and therapy team.
• Coordinate crisis response protocols and provide direct back-up clinical coverage when service continuity requires it.
• Drive training initiatives for clinical staff and volunteers, including evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation methods.

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field, or equivalent graduate-level clinical education.
• Five or more years of clinical experience in a behavioral health or social services setting, with at least two years in a supervisory or program leadership role.
• Active state licensure as a mental health practitioner, clinical social worker, or equivalent credential with eligibility to supervise interns and unlicensed staff.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate diagnoses and develop treatment plans using the current DSM diagnostic framework.
• Knowledge of grant-funded program reporting requirements and experience preparing reports for external funding sources or county agencies.
• Familiarity with medical-legal risk management, mandatory abuse reporting laws, and HIPAA compliance obligations.
• Proven ability to manage departmental budgets, track expenditures, and develop financial plans aligned with program goals.
• Strong crisis intervention skills with experience in de-escalation, emergency protocols, and coordination with multidisciplinary treatment teams.

• Credentialed or eligible for credentialing as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) under applicable state administrative rules.
• Experience administering or overseeing programs under county mental health contracts, including performance-based outcome measurement.
• Background working with high-risk or specialized populations such as forensic mental health clients, youth in residential care, or survivors of domestic violence and trafficking.
• Familiarity with community-based nonprofit governance, including board relations and community outreach program development.

• Staff licensure compliance rate, measuring whether all supervised clinicians maintain credentials in good standing.
• Direct service productivity ratio per clinician, tracked against contract-mandated thresholds for outpatient and intensive outpatient programs.
• Census attainment percentage across residential and outpatient program lines, reflecting program capacity utilization.
• Grant and county contract deliverable completion rate, measured against reporting deadlines and required service volumes.
• Crisis response documentation accuracy rate, reflecting adherence to emergency protocol and EHR filing requirements within required timeframes.
• Corrective action plan closure rate, measuring how promptly identified clinical quality issues are resolved.

• Base Salary Range: $85,000 to $115,000 annually, depending on licensure and program scope.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5 to 10%, tied to census and contract outcomes.
• Equity: Not typical in nonprofit behavioral health settings.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contributes to premiums.
• PTO: 15 to 22 days annually, plus paid holidays and clinical training days.
• Common Perks: Licensure renewal support, clinical supervision hours for credentialing, and employee assistance programs.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Background checks, including criminal history review consistent with applicable state regulations, are a condition of employment. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations during any stage of the hiring process are encouraged to make that request at the time of application. All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Clinical Director leads clinical strategy and formulary management for the DoD Formulary Services Team, overseeing drug trend analysis, client-specific formulary plans, and enterprise growth opportunities within the Defense Health Agency account. Reporting to senior account leadership, the Clinical Director partners with account management teams and client clinicians to translate healthcare market evolution into formulary recommendations that make care simple, predictable, and affordable.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee formulary support, implementation, and execution of all clinical support for the DoD Formulary team.
• Create process improvement and organizational efficiency through streamlining various work and processes to ensure fully optimized support of clinicians servicing the client.
• Develop relationships with client clinicians as well as internal clinicians ensuring knowledge transfer, expertise, and opportunities are identified and communicated to support formulary savings and best practices recommendations.
• Apply overall pharmacy and clinical knowledge to market realities and evolution to provide critical clinical insights that will impact drug trend and drug spend.
• Keep up with all policies, practices, and innovation to ensure expertise drives and guides client and organizational actions to make healthcare simple, predictable, and affordable.
• Develop the complex client-specific formulary strategic plan ensuring ongoing monitoring to make adjustments as determined by the client and overall business opportunities.
• Use advanced knowledge of the client to align client needs and best business practices to determine business solutions that best fit the client while maximizing opportunities for growth.
• Lead alignment to client intent and implementation of clinical and formulary related programs through consultative methods and processes in accordance with client business plans.
• Collaborate and coordinate with account management team members regarding operational details.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree required.
• Current US Pharmacist License required.
• 5–10 years of pharmacy, managed care, or PBM experience.
• 5–7 years of clinical and people leadership experience.
• 3–5 years of formulary management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications.
• Superior verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent strategic thinking, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with consideration of potential implications of key decisions.
• Ability to work cross-functionally to proactively communicate and resolve issues.
• Ability to lead, develop, and coach direct reports through performance expectations, delegation, appraisal, feedback, and career development support.

Embedded within a social services organization, the Clinical Director delivers oversight and strategic direction for counseling service provision, including program development, grant reporting, and quality assurance coordination. Working closely with funding sources, community partners, and data collection staff, the Clinical Director ensures services remain responsive to client needs and compliant with organizational and grant requirements.

Core Functions

• Coordinate and provide oversight for counseling service provision within the organization including planning and evaluation.
• Coordinate with quality assurance staff to consistently evaluate quality of the counseling program.
• Execute program development activities including research of new models, writing of program materials, and training of staff.
• Monitor trends and make necessary data-driven adjustments and decisions in coordination with data collection staff.
• Execute program-related portions of the strategic plan.
• Assist in preparation and budgeting for the counseling program.
• Provide supervision in the interviewing process, corrective action plans, and evaluation for all members of the counseling team.
• Provide required reports for grant-funded activities.
• Provide clinical supervision to staff to ensure effective service delivery.
• Oversee groups and classes, maintain client files, and provide direct service, back-up, and on-call crisis assistance as needed.
• Work with other programs to integrate counseling service provision and provide training for staff and volunteers.
• Attend required internal meetings and serve as agency liaison with funding sources and community partners.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Health and Human Services, Social Work, or related field required.
• Master's Degree in Counseling, Social Work, or related field required.
• Licensed Mental Health Practitioner in the state of Nebraska required.
• Minimum three years of experience supervising in a social services environment.
• Proven experience in crisis management, intervention, and resolution.
• Understanding of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking issues.
• Good working knowledge of computer programs including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, internet, and database programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams with excellent interpersonal relationship building and employee coaching skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse staff and client population across cultural backgrounds.
• Proven problem-solving skills with ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
• Ability to practice a high level of integrity, accountability, and confidentiality with experience in confidential personnel management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to give and follow oral and written instructions.
• Strong organizational, time management, conflict resolution, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Regular and predictable attendance required.
• Responsible for providing own transportation to meet with clients and other community providers.

Reporting to senior clinical and operations leadership, the Clinical Director manages a team of on-site and remote cytogenetics directors, setting quality standards for new tests and procedures while ensuring patient results are reviewed, interpreted, and reported with accuracy and integrity. Partnering with laboratory directors, genetic counselors, and multidisciplinary teams, the Clinical Director drives compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and maintains currency with scientific literature to advance laboratory excellence.

Primary Duties

• Manage a team of on-site and remote cytogenetics directors.
• Provide development and growth opportunities for directors at different stages of their careers.
• Collaborate with operations and clinical leadership on technical and strategic decisions.
• Interact with laboratory directors, laboratory staff, genetic counselors, and teams across the organization.
• Provide oversight for quality control and quality assurance, including setting quality standards for new tests and procedures.
• Make clinical decisions and effectively communicate genetic information related to test results to healthcare professionals.
• Review, interpret, and report patient results reliably, accurately, and with integrity.
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and maintain familiarity with relevant SOPs, practices, and professional guidelines.
• Review scientific literature and attend scientific meetings.

Skills & Qualifications

• PhD or MD with a minimum of 4 years of clinical cytogenetics director experience required.
• American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) certification in Clinical Cytogenetics or Clinical Laboratory Genetics and Genomics required.
• Proficiency in computing and internet skills, including use of in-house and online databases and browsers.
• Ability to lead individuals and teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic setting.

Sitting at the intersection of clinical governance and operational management, the Clinical Director supervises and oversees the development and coordination of the Clinical Department, holding accountability for treatment plan quality, budget implementation, and external agency compliance across clinical and nursing functions. Operating across interdisciplinary teams including the Treatment Team, Nursing Manager, and Assistant Clinical Directors, the director ensures every student receives high-quality individual, group, and family counseling aligned with legal and organizational standards.

Duties

• Provide overall leadership of the clinical department in the development and implementation of short- and long-range plans and policies.
• Manage the financial operations of the Clinical Department, including development and implementation of the annual budget and monitoring of budget variances.
• Develop, implement, and accomplish the clinical department's annual goals and prepare related training, residential training, and conferences.
• Supervise clinicians, recreational therapists, and managers of the clinical and nursing departments.
• Promote the Mission Statement and Vision internally and externally.
• Prepare department reports and ensure compliance with appropriate standards for external agency oversight.
• Communicate and meet with clients and referrals as needed and manage employee relations within departments.
• Stay aware of legal issues and actions required to ensure organizational longevity.
• Apply customer service skills to both internal and external customers and provide direct support and supervision of multiple staff.
• Work with Assistant Clinical Directors to supervise the creation and adjustment of master treatment plans for each student.
• Oversee the clinical treatment of each student in collaboration with the Treatment Team and coordinate with the Nursing Manager regarding medical treatment.
• Ensure quality of individual, group, and family counseling and therapy.

Requirements

• Master's degree required (doctoral degree or candidate preferred) in Social Work, Psychology, MFT, or related field.
• Registered and licensed counselor able to supervise counseling interns.
• Five years of experience in social services or related field, including two years working with high-risk youth ages 12 through 18.
• Knowledge of DSM-V disorders and pertinent issues facing students and their families.
• Knowledge of clinical terminology, multiple therapeutic interventions, and techniques.
• Knowledge of laws regarding documentation, reporting, and confidentiality.
• Ability to use basic computer software and hardware.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to make critical decisions regarding students based on input from multiple sources.

A key member of the senior leadership team, the Clinical Director builds the vision and operational infrastructure for outpatient and intensive outpatient clinical programs, overseeing county mental health contracts, quality assurance monitoring, and licensure standards across all service lines. Collaborating across clinical staff, county mental health departments, and community outreach partners, the director ensures program delivery remains financially responsible and grounded in evidence-based child and family behavioral health practice.

Functions

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the vision for outpatient clinical programs and services consistent with the organization's strategic directives.
• Develop and implement new programs and community outreach initiatives in accordance with strategic directives.
• Continuously develop, refine, and monitor appropriate clinical productivity expectations for all outpatient clinical services staff.
• Manage the budget for outpatient and intensive outpatient clinical services and programs in a financially responsible manner.
• Serve as the organization's liaison to county mental health departments and oversee administration of services under these contracts.
• Organize and manage all programs within the outpatient and outreach clinical services area in a coordinated and efficient manner, maximizing collaboration and efficient use of resources.
• Develop clinical quality and licensure standards in conjunction with relevant staff and develop and maintain a quality assurance monitoring program.
• Ensure adequate supervision of unlicensed staff in compliance with state and professional regulations.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of administrative and managerial experience of increasing complexity, including supervision of clinical professionals.
• Significant experience in interdisciplinary settings delivering services to children and families with behavioral and developmental challenges.
• Demonstrated clinical knowledge and expertise in child development and child psychopathologies, especially in behavioral or mental health care disciplines.
• Demonstrated track record of clinical program development and community outreach initiatives.
• Experience with medical-legal risk management.
• Understanding and support of clinical research, including outcomes measurement and health services research.
• Ability to develop and grow managers at the middle level of the organization through effective mentoring and coaching.
• Familiarity and experience with non-profit boards and the role of community-based organizations.

Financially viable forensic mental health programs and safe community outcomes depend on the Clinical Director, who holds oversight of Psychiatric Security Review Board services within a Trauma Informed Care environment, encompassing clinical model development, risk management, staff supervision, and program operations across licensed residential and semi-independent facilities. Serving as the organizational spokesperson and PSRB liaison, the director ensures compliance with Oregon Administrative Rules, HIPAA requirements, and mandatory abuse reporting laws while sustaining census, revenue, and quality improvement targets.

Accountabilities

• Direct and operate services within the site or agency area in a clinically excellent and financially viable manner.
• Provide support and training for Program Managers, Supervisors, and staff on treatment models, risk mitigation, and community safety considerations.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to staff for performance enhancement, professional development, engagement, wellness, and alignment with organizational values and mission.
• Participate in collaborative treatment planning and services provision, assisting in establishing clinically excellent treatment approaches, assessing client outcomes, and managing forensic risk.
• Provide therapeutic interventions as indicated in the Individual Supports and Services Plan.
• Develop procedures and systems in support of program goals, objectives, and mission.
• Determine staffing requirements, recruit, hire, and train staff in a manner that encourages and maintains diversity and cultural competence.
• Establish work plans and priorities for staff, assess progress, conduct performance reviews, and take corrective action as needed.
• Support program outcomes in reducing the potential for violence using trauma-informed de-escalation approaches.
• Collaborate with Managers and Supervisors to identify and nurture emerging leaders while developing strength-based leadership learning initiatives.
• Establish and manage program budgets, monitor monthly expenses, and assist in meeting productivity, census, and revenue goals.
• Identify and direct quality improvement activities routinely within and across program lines.
• Assist and respond to requests for proposals, new services, and other growth opportunities, and seek out opportunities to promote organizational services.
• Serve as spokesperson for covered programs and develop and maintain positive intra-agency and community relationships, building coalitions and attending key community meetings.
• Provide after-hours support for programs when the manager is unavailable.
• Ensure all program regulations, policies, and procedures as well as applicable administrative rules and statutes are met across all residential facilities.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Assist in crisis situations following emergency protocols, coordinating with the treatment team and PSRB team with suitable interventions.
• Ensure communication with PSRB regarding risk management, crisis, progress reports, and any other relevant matters.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of consumers, staff, and property, including familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic health records and ancillary documentation in compliance with all agency policies, billing requirements, and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Research and implement appropriate evidence-based practices within the program area.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis and attend seminars and other educational opportunities to develop professional skills.
• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.

Technical Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university required.
• Must demonstrate competencies outlined in Oregon Administrative Rules to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
• Minimum of four years of clinical experience, including PSRB services or forensics (six years preferred).
• Minimum of two years of experience in a leadership role providing staff supervision and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of adult outpatient and/or residential programs including mental health and addiction.
• Ability to conduct a Mental Status assessment and formulate a diagnosis according to the most current DSM.
• Understanding of recovery model as it pertains to addictions and mental health, motivational interviewing, illness management, and recovery.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and strength-based case management philosophies and strategies.
• Proficiency in computer hardware and software, including Electronic Health Record software, at a level needed to effectively perform job functions.
• Ability to enter and retrieve data and prepare reports.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate teamwork on a multi-disciplinary team.

As the Clinical Director, this role leads the management, clinical service delivery, research, and training operations of a Regional Assessment Resource Centre serving children, adolescents, and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions affecting post-secondary education access. The Centre relies on this work to maintain psychologist-level assessment standards, sustain external funding relationships, and uphold the scientist-practitioner model that defines the programme's reputation for excellence in psychoeducational and psychodiagnostic services.

Activities

• Organize, manage, and coordinate the activities of the RARC, including staffing, service delivery, and continuing education programs.
• Provide strong leadership in furthering the goals of the Centre and developing effective and innovative programming for students served.
• Manage staff by planning and prioritizing work, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance, and coaching, and identifying the need for staff resources.
• Take a lead role in planning, implementation, delivery, and evaluation of the Centre's programs and services.
• Coordinate the flow of information, review and analyze reports and briefs, and compose related correspondence and documents.
• Oversee and provide psychological assessments for children, youth, and adults, including diagnosis of mental health disorders using appropriate psychological tests and sound clinical judgment.
• Write or supervise the writing of detailed psychoeducational and psychodiagnostic reports communicating relevant diagnoses and providing practical recommendations.
• Develop, coordinate, supervise, and monitor orientation, pre-training, and placement programs for graduate and post-graduate trainees in accordance with CPA standards.
• Provide training via online assessment courses on psychoeducational assessment to practitioners.
• Coordinate, support, and conduct research into causes, treatment, and best practice issues regarding disabilities evaluated at the Centre.
• Coordinate and oversee program evaluation activities as part of quality assurance in service delivery.
• Foster and promote a strong scientist-practitioner model of clinical service and education.
• Liaise and communicate with other departments on campus, represent the Centre on committees and outside agencies, and liaise with external funding agencies.
• Compile annual statistics and reports to provide to external funding agencies.
• Serve as an advocate for persons with learning disabilities to ensure access to appropriate resources.
• Make human resource decisions including recruitment, selection, and performance management of staff.
• Make budgetary and resource allocation decisions, including determining service priorities and how best to allocate limited time and resources.
• Determine the needs of the client population and collaborate with others to determine policy and procedure modifications.
• Make appropriate referrals both within and outside the campus community.

Position Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Clinical or Educational Psychology, or equivalent education necessary for registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, with a minimum of ten years of experience in assessment required.
• Registered as a Clinical Psychological Practitioner in the province of Ontario required.
• Declared competency in psychological assessment and intervention with children, adolescents, and adults.
• Demonstrated skill in psychoeducational and psychodiagnostic assessment.
• Knowledge of and experience in assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Demonstrated skill in conducting and publishing psychological research.
• Sound knowledge of Ontario Human Rights legislation and Charter of Rights.
• Sound knowledge of institutional support systems and resources across the province.
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral, including assertion and tact.
• Demonstrated strong leadership, supervisory, and human relations skills with the ability to foster a team approach to service activities.
• Excellent problem-solving ability and analytical reasoning skills.
• Strong interpersonal and management skills in support of coordinating day-to-day operations.
• Excellent technical skills in the administration of psychological tests.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity.
• Ability to work cooperatively, flexibly, and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities in a timely and responsive manner.
• Ability to determine appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities.

Clinical Director shapes the strategic direction and operational performance of an assigned clinical program, delivering policy development, staffing oversight, budget management, and multidisciplinary collaboration to achieve organizational objectives. The work directly supports communities served by the organization's ministry mission, with the director accountable to senior administration for budget adherence, personnel decisions, and implementation of new clinical services.

Operational Focus

• Provide overall leadership in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and strategies for the assigned clinical program, including departmental goals, plans, and standards consistent with organizational objectives.
• Direct all staffing activities including hiring, training, development, and evaluation of staff.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assist with problem identification and resolution, cost containment, implementation of new services, and systems and performance measures.
• Monitor, approve, and adhere to budget guidelines for expenditures, purchases, and other actions.
• Develop budget for supplies, personnel, capital equipment, and special programs in collaboration with administration, and analyze budget variances with a plan of action to achieve targets.
• Support the cause of those who lack resources for a reasonable quality of life.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or GED with 2 years of experience, Associate's degree, or Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 5 years of experience required (10 years preferred).
• 2 years of leadership or management experience required (5 years preferred).
• Clinical Emergency Department, ICU, and/or Trauma experience highly preferred.
• Inspiring trust through personal leadership.
• Integrating excellence and stewardship.
• Affirming hope and joy in ministry.

The Clinical Director leads clinical and educational program alignment within a school setting, overseeing IEP consistency, behavior plan review, crisis intervention, and training for staff across the organization. Reporting to and collaborating with the Special Education Director, the Clinical Director also provides consultation to external school districts to ensure students receive appropriate behavioral and educational support.

Key Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Special Education Director on clinical and education components within the school to ensure consistency between IEP and Positive Behavior Support Plan.
• Participate in the IEP process by attending IEP meetings.
• Review data collection and documentation, outcome reports, and behavior plans.
• Use safe non-violent crisis intervention techniques as needed.
• Conduct training needs assessments and provide training to staff.
• Provide appropriate consultation to school districts as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis and behavior modification concepts required.
• Knowledge of common behavioral disorders exhibited by children and adolescents required.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, parents or guardians, multidisciplinary team members, and other personnel involved in educational and behavioral programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional appearance and demeanor required.