STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Behavioral Health Clinical Director

Office/On-site

Recruitment #251230-6214MP-001

Introduction


Ready to lead clinical operations and shape the future of behavioral health care?
Apply today and become a key leader at Connecticut Mental Health Center!

Join the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) at Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC)! We are seeking an experienced and dedicated professional for the role of Behavioral Health Clinical DirectorThis key leadership position will oversee two inpatient units and the Transitional Residential Program, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, recovery-oriented care for individuals with complex behavioral health needs.

Inpatient services at CMHC respond to requests for hospitalization from multiple sources, including hospital emergency departments, large psychiatric units, and the Department of Corrections. The Clinical Director will provide strategic and clinical oversight to maintain excellence in care and manage clinical risk across programs. If you are a licensed clinical leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this opportunity! 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS: 
  • FACILITY: Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC)
  • DIVISION: Inpatient Services Division
  • LOCATION: New Haven, CT
  • SCHEDULE: Full-time (40 hours weekly), Monday through Friday, First Shift, 8:30 AM. - 5:00 PM 
  • POSITION NUMBER: 141388
New! We’re excited that Connecticut has joined the Nurse Licensure Compact effective October 1, 2025. Visit Nurse Licensure Compact for more details.

WHY THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT:
    IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:
    • Provide leadership and oversight for two inpatient units and a Transitional Residential Program
    • Direct the work of approximately 40 employees, 12 trainees, and attending psychiatrists
    • Ensure the delivery of responsive, recovery-oriented services and maintain high standards of clinical care
    • Develop and implement policies, strategic plans, and quality assurance measures
    • Manage clinical risk and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
    • Oversee recruitment, selection, and retention of clinical staff
    • Foster collaboration across programs and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners
    • Respond to critical incidents and ensure continuity of care
    ABOUT US:

    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.

    CMHC is an urban community mental health center with an exceptional 50-year tradition of serving individuals with serious mental illness and/or addiction. Founded in 1966, CMHC is a partnership between DHMAS and the Yale Department of Psychiatry. CMHC is nationally recognized for its scientific research into the causes and treatment of mental illness and addiction. The Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities include multiple research programs in a variety of areas. CMHC is also a major training site for individuals pursuing careers in mental health fields including psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing and pastoral care.

    Please note:

    Selection Plan

    FOR THOSE WHO HOLD A RN LICENSE IN A STATE OTHER THAN CONNECTICUT AND WISH TO APPLY FOR A CONNECTICUT LICENSE, PLEASE: 

    1. Review the eligibility and documentation requirements for CT license by endorsement of an out-of-state license;
    2. Complete a CT DPH online application online (expand the ‘Public Health Practitioners’ grouping, select ‘Registered Nurse’ and then ‘Start’;
    3. Request verification of your out-of-state license(s) electronically through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s :  Nursys® System.  To send verification of your license(s) to CT, read and agree to the terms, enter your biographic information, select your license type and select ‘SEARCH’.  Review the results and select the ‘Next’ button.  Check the box next to  ‘Connecticut’ and complete the transaction.   Once the transaction is completed, you will receive a confirmation email from Nursys and the verification will be available to the DPH.  Note that PA and MI verifications are not provided through Nursys.  Please contact those state boards for information on obtaining verification.

    FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

    Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources?  Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

    BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

    • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
    • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting. 
    • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
    • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. 
    • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov
    • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
    • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

    AFTER YOU APPLY: 

    • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
    • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
    • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
    • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
    • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. 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, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

    QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

    Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Alyssa Hovanec at Alyssa.Hovanec@ct.gov

    Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

    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 the Central Office.

    EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

    • Directs staff and operations of multiple functions for a division;
    • Coordinates, plans and manages program 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 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;
    • Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
    • May represent facility in grievances and hearings;
    • May oversee grant, budget or contract preparation;
    • Performs related duties as required.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

    A Master's degree in a clinical discipline, public health administration, health care administration or hospital administration and six (6) years of professional experience in behavioral health care.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

    Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a managerial or supervisory capacity directing clinical operations or the delivery of behavioral health care services including the supervision of professional behavioral health care staff.  

    NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor or Behavioral Health Program Manager.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Experience in a senior administrative leadership role within an inpatient setting serving individuals with severe and persistent mental health and substance use disorders. 
    • Experience managing a large, multidisciplinary team of professional and paraprofessional staff in an inpatient setting. 
    • Experience in a leadership role overseeing a transitional residential program for clients with severe and persistent mental health and substance use disorders
    • Experience collaborating between large mental health systems and multiple disciplines.
    • Experience providing supervision and consultation. 
    • Experience in policy writing 
    • Experience preparing for regulatory site visits.

    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, alcohol and drug counselor or hold a Multistate or Compact Registered Nurse license.

    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.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.


    Click on a link below to apply for this position:

    Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.