Program Director

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions.

Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.

Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

 POSITION: Clinical Program Director (Exempt)

MAJOR DUTIES: The Clinical Program Director works closely with the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is responsible for the provision of clinical services to patients enrolled in their assigned programs.  This position provides program oversight and clinical supervision for necessary clinical staff in their assigned programs including clinical service delivery, maintenance of patient records, contract compliance, financial management, public relations, and liaison with various government and private agencies and officials.   This position is a member of the Management Team.  In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

1. Review Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) and Revised Codes (RCWs) and Federal regulations pertaining to substance use disorder and mental health treatment and develop and implement policies and procedures to comply with said codes and regulations;
2. Ensure that continuous quality improvement addresses both patient needs and compliance with WACs, RCWs, CARF and Federal Regulations;
3. Ensure that the agency treatment programs are maintained in such a way to be in substantial compliance with Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) ;
4. Prepares and submits statistical reports to the CCO for program compliance with contract performance indicators;
5. Provides clinical supervision of treatment services including case staffing, chart entries, case audits, and treatment plan reviews;
6. Assist with Orientation of all new staff to their assigned region;   
7. Ensure compliance with all applicable Lifeline Connections contracts and policies and procedures;
8. Prepare and present in-service training to staff in order to meet the needs of the changing trends in substance use disorder and mental health treatment;
9. In conjunction with the CFO, ensure that assigned programs are financially stable; 
10. Provide direct services to patients as needed; and
11. Other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Active Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Credential, meet the requirements of an approved supervisor per WAC 246-811-049 and bachelor’s degree required. A masters’ degree or further advanced degree in psychology, social work, counseling or related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
2. 3 years supervisory experience;
3. Previous documented experience working with an understanding of statistical methods, managing budgets, supervision of personnel and program management.
4. Current unencumbered driver license and proof of current car insurance may be required;
5. Good verbal and written communication skills.
6. Great attendance; and
7. Ability to work well with others.

GUIDELINES:

The position requires that the incumbent maintain certification or qualification standards for the position.  The incumbent relies on specialized training and/or equivalent experience in the field of substance use disorder and mental health treatment, DBHR, CARF, WACs and RCWs of Washington and the performance standards developed for the position.

COMPLEXITY:

The incumbent provides program oversight and supervision to patients who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological problems.   Further, s/he provides supervision for chemical dependency and mental health counselors, counselor interns, and students.  Autonomy, clinical maturity, sound judgment, and creativity are required to help identify and monitor policies and treatment activities that will meet the complex needs of both patients and staff.

PERSONAL CONTACTS:

Contacts are with members of the treatment team, patients, significant others of the patients, Board of Directors/Advisory Boards, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of behavioral health and related community representatives including lawyers, probation officers, and other court officials.  All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of behavioral health patient records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, speak clearly, hear and use hands and fingers to manipulate writing utensils and keys on a keyboard.   The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or lift and/or move maximum of 25 lbs.  The employee may be regularly required to effectively operate an automobile.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Most working hours are spent indoors in offices or meeting rooms.  Occasional supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities may be required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:  Chief Clinical Officer