STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Behavioral Health Clinical Director

Hybrid

Recruitment #220919-6214MP-001

Introduction

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. 

Are looking to make an impact on the lives of adults with behavioral health disorders? If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to join and be a part of our vibrant and dynamic team! 

The DMHAS, Office of the Commissioner (OOC) seeks a qualified individual for a meaningful role as a Behavioral Health Clinical Director for the Medical Services Division located at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, CT.  This role will report directly to the DMHAS Statewide Medical Director.  The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 40 hours weekly.  The position number is 135836. 

In this role you will: 

  • Collaborate with Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHA) in leading the utilization management of all mental health intensive beds statewide;
  • Manage intermediate bed approvals for admissions and contract with St. Vincent’s Hospital;
  • Serve as the interstate compact coordinator for mental health;
  • Provide support to DMHAS Statewide Medical Director in complex case conferences; 
  • Manage the request for proposals and discretionary funds for building new residential programs at mental health intensive level of care;
  • Support needed and timely discharges out of psychiatric state hospitals;
  • Provide clinical consultation to all providers receiving funding and/or allocation of level of care provisions; 
  • Cover and share responsibilities for oversight of all state hospital admissions for Connecticut, working with 27 community acute care emergency departments and 5 state hospitals; and
  • Interface with high-level hospital administrators of both private and public sector in coordinating and prioritizing admissions throughout the state. 
What’s in It for YouComprehensive Benefits

  • Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage; 
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings;
  • Retirement healthcare offerings; 
  • Accrued vacation, personal and sick leave;
  • 12 paid holidays per calendar year;
  • Professional growth and development opportunities; and
  • Outstanding work-life balance!   

Selection Plan

This position may be subject to Federal requirements for COVID-19 Vaccination Immunization.

To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Connect With Us:
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
  • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Doreen Clemson at Doreen.Clemson@ct.gov or 860-785-9855.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been at a managerial or supervisory 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 Supervisor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Our preferred candidate will possess the following: 

  • Current State of Connecticut licensure as a Clinical Social Worker or Psychologist.
  • Experience in collaborative work regarding discharge and admissions of state hospital level of care.
  • Experience of collaborative work with mental health intensive level of care in residential programming. 
  • Experience working in mental health settings involving clinical oversight of community-based or inpatient-based team/unit. 
  • Experience reviewing budgets.
  • Experience with Microsoft Excel.
  • Experience utilizing management strategies.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

Conclusion

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.