Clinical Director
About the role
We are seeking a full-time salaried Clinical Director for our West Des Moines clinic. UCS Healthcare is an integrated healthcare non-profit that prioritizes people over profits, offering a culture of mutual respect, robust benefits, and meaningful career growth. We value authenticity, inclusivity, and work that makes a tangible difference in our communities. Our family-friendly policies support working parents, and we are committed to helping employees thrive both at work and in life.
Job Summary
The Clinical Director creates, implements, and manages counseling programs for individuals with behavioral health needs, including mental health, substance use, and problem gambling disorders. This role provides strategic leadership, oversees clinical operations, and implements quality improvement initiatives. The Clinical Director collaborates with the leadership team to align clinical operations with organizational goals and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and CARF requirements. They will embody UCS Healthcare’s core values and deliver the highest level of patient-centered care.
Responsibilities
- Program Leadership (65%)
- Lead the development, implementation, and management of evidence-based treatment programs aligned with accreditation standards and government regulations.
- Collaborate with the executive leadership team and department heads to align clinical operations with organizational strategies and goals.
- Direct the development and application of clinical policies and procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.
- Implement and monitor continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance care delivery and patient outcomes.
- Oversee day-to-day behavioral health operations, ensuring compliance with licensure, accreditation standards, and regulatory guidelines.
- Manage change in integrated healthcare delivery systems, including work restructuring, technological innovations, and shifts in care focus.
- Ensure Clinical Supervisors effectively implement departmental policies and procedures, maintaining consistency across clinical teams.
- Clinical Supervision and Team Management
- Direct, supervise, and evaluate clinical and direct-service personnel on clinical decision-making, documentation quality, ethics, legal aspects, and professional standards.
- Promote continued professional growth and ensure culturally competent care delivery.
- Oversee Electronic Health Record (EHR) functionality, efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
- Provide direct supervision, guidance, and performance management to direct reports.
- Assist with training, onboarding, and goal setting for team members; create cascading annual goals.
- Responsible for interviewing, selecting, and onboarding team members.
- Delegate tasks to build team capability and confidence; coach and mentor team members.
- Provide and receive constructive feedback; address performance issues in a timely manner.
- Maintain required recordkeeping, including applicant tracking, onboarding, supervisions, and annual reviews.
- Other Duties (35%)
- Mediate and manage provider and/or patient needs, concerns, or crises.
- Act as a liaison with state health departments, accrediting agencies, and licensing boards to ensure compliance and address external inquiries or audits.
- Supervise Masters-level students for practicum or internship experiences as needed.
- Administer the department’s fiscal operations, including budget planning, resource allocation, and expense authorization aligned with organizational goals.
- A minimum of a master’s degree in a human services or related field (e.g., social work, counseling, psychology).
- Must hold or be eligible for independent clinical licensure in Iowa (e.g., LISW, LMFT, LMHC, licensed Psychologist).
- Experience with ASAM Criteria, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2.
- Minimum of 2 years in a clinical supervisory or leadership role in a healthcare setting.
- Strong clinical and administrative judgment with the ability to respond to critical incidents or urgent matters.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment.
- Strong organizational leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, lead teams, and oversee clinical operations.
- Knowledge of or experience with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in behavioral health.
- Understanding of professional roles within behavioral health and their scopes of practice.
- Must be accessible by phone or email regularly to address operational needs.
- Ability to communicate with others to exchange information.
- Ability to sit for extended periods and work on a computer.
- A valid Iowa driver’s license and liability insurance or equivalent reliable transportation; travel within Iowa may be required.