Director of Clinical Services

Purpose

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 designs, implements, and sustains evidence‑based treatment programs (e.g., CBT, DBT) that drive measurable outcomes, uphold regulatory compliance, and foster recovery across the continuum of care. By championing evidence‑based practices, advancing staff competencies, and embedding fidelity to proven models of care, the DCS creates a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and leaders, the DCS ensures that high‑quality clinical services are provided consistently and in alignment with the hospital’s mission and goals.

Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic direction to clinical teams, including therapists, social workers, and other staff.
• Oversee day‑to‑day clinical operations, including budget management, marketing and strategic planning, and independent clinical decision‑making for programs requiring clinical expertise.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and patient‑centered care while ensuring 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.

Clinical Staff Oversight, Development, and Supervision

• Provide direction and oversight to staff members, including clinical consultation and case‑planning support.
• Direct crisis intervention efforts and intervene as required.
• Supervise, mentor, and support clinical staff, promoting professional growth and competency.
• Ensure all clinical staff are trained on and consistently implement evidence‑based practices, assessments, measurement‑based care, and interventions.
• Conduct regular fidelity monitoring of clinical programming and groups, providing ongoing training when drift occurs.
• Manage hiring, development, training, and performance management of staff to ensure effective operations.
• Conduct regular reviews of caseloads to optimize utilization of services.
• Ensure staff maintain current certifications and meet regulatory requirements.

Program Development & Implementation

• Develop and implement clinical programs based on evidence‑based models (e.g., CBT, DBT) and integrate these practices into treatment plans.
• Evaluate clinical performance metrics such as 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.
• Champion best practices in suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and risk mitigation, ensuring standardized application across facilities.
• Facilitate the continuum of care by partnering with outpatient facilities to develop robust step‑down processes.
• Provide clinical oversight of other programs and levels of care as needed.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and accrediting bodies (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, CARF, state licensing boards).
• Monitor clinical performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee documentation and reporting to maintain accurate patient records.
• Ensure safety and infection‑control requirements are met.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work with hospital or facility leadership to align clinical services with hospital‑wide initiatives and organizational values.
• Serve as a liaison between clinical staff, administration, and external partners, fostering clear communication.
• Engage with community organizations and healthcare providers to enhance patient access to services.

Additional Responsibilities

• 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 when needs are unmet.
• Participate in on‑call rotation schedule as determined by the facility.
• Support business development, engage with local community groups, participate in education events, and collaborate with referral sources to build and maintain strong relationships.

Standard Expectations

• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers at all times.
• Acknowledge and work to resolve patient complaints when needs are not met.
• Prioritize patient safety in all actions.
• Comply with organizational policies, procedures, performance‑improvement initiatives, and confidentiality standards.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with service recipients, families, guests, and the healthcare team.
• Develop and maintain constructive, cooperative working relationships over time.
• Encourage mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members and staff.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Other Functions

• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Education, Experience, & Skills

• 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 the clinical population of the facility.
• 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 across audiences ranging from front‑line clinical staff to facility leadership.

Licenses, Designations, & Certifications

• Independently licensed clinician – e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, psychologist license.
• Acute‑care Master’s in Social Work (MSW/LCSW) strongly preferred.
• Experience in an inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health hospital.
• Specialty experience relevant to the facility (e.g., substance‑use or eating‑disorder experience).

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.