Behavioral Health Clinical Director

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

The State of CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Office of the Commissioner, is currently recruiting for a Behavioral Health Clinical Director. The position is located in Middletown with some travel throughout the state of Connecticut. The work schedule is first shift Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 4:30 with occasional evenings and weekend hours to accommodate the needs of the department.

The programs of the DMHAS Forensic Services Division serve approximately 13,000-14,000 people/year with mental illness and/or substance use disorders who require intensive collaboration between the DMHAS and criminal justice systems. This position works under the supervision of the DMHAS Chief Operating Officer and  the Director of the DMHAS Forensic Services Division.  

In this role you will: 

• Supervise Division managers and staff including the Office of Forensic Evaluations and Conditional Release Service; 
• Oversee community forensic programs managed by the Division including contracts, budgets, data tracking and reporting, QI, communications with community providers, communications and relationships with justice agencies;
• implement Programs; 
• Represent the Division on DMHAS committees and workgroups; 
• Represent DMHAS on interagency committees; 
• Provide information requested by the General Assembly and Governor’s office regarding Division programs; 
• Collaborate with criminal justice agencies for programs and processes involving shared clients; 
• Develop new collaborations and procedures to provide services to justice-involved clients; 
• Develop policy recommendations for the Division and the Office of the Commissioner.

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off.  

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume within the "Resume Tab" of your application.  You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Cheryl Thompson (860) 418-6876, Cheryl.Thompson@ct.gov.

In the Departments of Correction and Mental Health and Addiction Services, this class is accountable for directing multiple clinical programs in a facility or Local Mental Health Authority or directing statewide clinical support services and programs in central office.

Directs staff and operations of multiple functions for a division; coordinates, plans and manages activities; formulates program goals and objectives; develops or assists in development and implementation of related policy; interprets and administers pertinent laws; evaluates staff; prepares or assists in preparation of division budget; maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of division who might impact on program activities; ensures agency compliance with standards established by outside monitoring agencies; directs recruitment, selection and retention of department or discipline staff; ensures compliance with quality assurance findings and recommendations; promotes cultural diversity in workplace and ensures client rights; identifies, plans, implements and evaluates staff training and development needs; analyzes complex problems and takes appropriate action; initiates workforce planning and monitors staff utilization to meet identified goals; investigates and responds to critical incidents; prepares or oversees preparation of reports; may represent facility in grievances and hearings; may oversee grant, budget or contract preparation; performs other duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of behavioral health policies and systems; considerable knowledge of principles and practices of public and/or health care administration; considerable knowledge of recent developments in designated field and ability to translate knowledge into practice; considerable knowledge of recovery principles and practices; considerable knowledge of the resources available to client population; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable clinical skills; considerable analytical skills; considerable ability to develop strategic plans; considerable ability to negotiate, mediate and resolve conflicts; considerable ability to manage staff in a clinical in-patient and outpatient setting; considerable ability to collaborate within department, agency and community.

Six (6) years of professional experience in Behavioral Health care and a Master's Degree in a clinical discipline, Public Health Administration, Health Care Administration or Hospital Administration.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been at a managerial capacity directing clinical operations or the delivery of behavioral health care services. This includes the supervision of professional behavioral health care staff. For State Employees, this is at the level of Behavioral Health Clinical Manager.

Note: Managerial experience is defined as formulating program goals and objectives, developing and implementing program procedures, initiating program policies and developing and/or monitoring a budget.

The preferred candidate will have:

• Knowledge of the DMHAS service system and the policies, procedures, and programming of the Department of Correction, Parole, Criminal Court, Court Support Service System (e.g. Bail Commissioner, Probation) of the Judicial Branch, and law enforcement, as well as the appropriate procedures for interagency collaboration.
• Knowledge of the CT Competency to Stand Trial process.
• Knowledge of the activities of the CT Psychiatric Security Review Board.
• Current license in clinical social work, professional counselor, psychologist, registered nurse, or alcohol and drug counselor preferred.
• Ability to organize complex processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff within and across agencies.
• Strong supervision skills.

Incumbents in this class must maintain the appropriate current license for clinical social work, marital and family therapist, professional counselor, registered nurse, psychologist or alcohol and drug counselor.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.