Director Of Clinical Services

About the role

The Director of Clinical Services (DCS) provides leadership and clinical oversight to ensure the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient-centered care. This role exists to design, implement, and sustain evidence-based treatment programs (e.g., CBT, DBT) that drive measurable outcomes, uphold regulatory compliance, and foster recovery across the continuum of care.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction to clinical teams, including therapists, social workers, and other staff.
• Oversee day-to-day clinical operations, including budget management, developing marketing and strategic plans, and independent decision making for program requiring clinical expertise.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and patient-centered care and ensures efficiency and collaboration between departments.
• Serve as a member of the facility leadership team and make independent clinical decisions to ensure quality care and alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop and implement clinical programs based on evidence-based models (e.g., CBT, DBT) and integrate evidence-based practices into treatment plans.
• Evaluate clinical performance metrics, including service-delivery models, patient-reported outcomes, satisfaction scores, length of stay, treatment completion, and discharge effectiveness.
• Conduct regular clinical audits to ensure high-quality documentation, fidelity to care models, and appropriate levels of care.
• Facilitate the continuum of care, partnering with outpatient facilities to develop robust step-down processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and accrediting bodies (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, CARF, state licensing boards).
• Maintain a limited caseload when necessary and provide onsite coverage for other programs.
• Develop operating policies and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and standards of care.
• Recognize patient safety as a top priority and work to resolve complaints if needs are unmet.
• Participate in on-call rotation schedule as determined and required by facility.
• Support business development, engage with local community groups, participate in education events and collaborate with referral sources to build and maintain strong relationships.

Requirements

• License-bearing Master’s or Doctorate degree in Behavioral or Mental Health (e.g., MSW, MA in marriage and family, MA in professional counseling, PhD in Clinical, Counseling, or Educational Psychology), or PsyD.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience working with clinical population of the facility required.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, CARF) and experience ensuring compliance.
• Excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills among audiences ranging from front-line clinical staff to facility leadership.
• Independently Licensed Clinician – e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Psychologist license.
• AcuteMA in Social Work (MSW/LCSW) strongly preferred.
• Experience in an inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health hospital.
• SpecialtyExperience in specialty provided at facility (e.g., substance use or eating disorder experience).

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctorate degree in Behavioral or Mental Health (e.g., MSW, MA in marriage and family, MA in professional counseling, PhD in Clinical, Counseling, or Educational Psychology), or PsyD.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience working with clinical population of the facility required.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, CARF) and experience ensuring compliance.
• Excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills among audiences ranging from front-line clinical staff to facility leadership.
• Independently Licensed Clinician – e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Psychologist license.
• AcuteMA in Social Work (MSW/LCSW) strongly preferred.
• Experience in an inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health hospital.
• SpecialtyExperience in specialty provided at facility (e.g., substance use or eating disorder experience).

Skills

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Ability to promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and patient-centered care.
• Expertise in evidence-based practices and regulatory compliance.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to develop and implement clinical programs.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and accreditation bodies.
• Experience in inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health settings.
• Specialty knowledge in areas provided at the facility.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.