POSITION TITLE: Director of Behavioral Health

DEPARTMENT: Behavior Health

REPORTS TO: Chief Medical Officer

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Director of Behavioral Health will lead, develop, and manage the Behavioral Health Department at FHCCGLA. This leadership position will oversee the delivery of integrated behavioral health services in collaboration with medical providers to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care. The Director will be responsible for clinical supervision, program development, staff management, and the implementation of quality improvement initiatives to meet the needs of diverse populations served by the FQHC, including underserved and vulnerable communities.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Program Development:

1. Develop and Implement Behavioral Health Programs:
   Design and lead the delivery of evidence-based, culturally competent behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatments.
2. Strategic Planning:
   Collaborate with the executive team to develop long-term strategies for behavioral health services aligned with the FHCCGLA mission, goals, and patient care objectives.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
   Foster integration of behavioral health with primary care, collaborating with medical, dental, and other departments to ensure holistic, team-based care.
4. Community Engagement:
   Represent the FHCCGLA in the community, building relationships with external stakeholders such as local mental health agencies, hospitals, and social service organizations to improve access to behavioral health services.

Clinical Oversight and Compliance:

1. Clinical Supervision and Training:
   Provide direct supervision and clinical oversight to behavioral health clinicians, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), psychologists, case managers, and substance use counselors. Offer mentoring, professional development, and guidance in complex cases.
2. Quality Assurance and Improvement:
   Implement and monitor quality improvement initiatives, ensuring that behavioral health services meet or exceed regulatory requirements and FHCCGLA Lead reviews of clinical outcomes, productivity, and patient satisfaction.
3. Ensure Compliance:
   Ensure that the Behavioral Health Department operates in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, including HIPAA and regulations specific to FQHCs.

Operations Management:

1. Oversee Daily Operations:
   Manage day-to-day operations of the Behavioral Health Department, including scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation. Ensure efficiency in patient flow and service delivery.
2. Budget Management:
   Develop and manage the behavioral health budget in collaboration with the finance team. Optimize resource use and explore funding opportunities, including grants and contracts.
3. Policy Development:
   Establish and update policies and procedures related to behavioral health services, ensuring they are consistent with best practices and the needs of the FHCCGLA’s patient population.
4. Clinical Oversight:
5. Establish clinical protocols and treatment guidelines. Review and approve clinical documentation standards. Monitor clinical outcomes and implement quality improvement initiatives. Participate in complex case reviews and provide clinical consultation.

Patient Care and Case Management:

1. Direct Patient Care:
   As needed, provide direct clinical services, including assessments, diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotherapy for patients with complex or high-risk behavioral health conditions.
2. Crisis Intervention:
   Provide leadership during crisis situations, including suicide prevention, acute mental health crises, and substance use emergencies. Ensure staff are adequately trained in crisis intervention techniques.
3. Coordination of Care:
   Oversee the integration of case management services, connecting patients to community resources such as housing, transportation, and food security, addressing social determinants of health.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Licensure:

1. Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, PsyD, LMFT or a related field.
2. Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or equivalent licensure in the state of California.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

3. Minimum of 5 years of experience in behavioral health, with at least 2 years of supervisory or management experience in a clinical setting, preferably within an FQHC, community health center, or similar environment preferred.
4. Proven experience in program development, leadership, and staff management.
5. In-depth knowledge of behavioral health disorders, substance use treatment, trauma-informed care, and integrated healthcare models.
6. Strong understanding of FQHC regulations and compliance standards (HIPAA, HRSA, etc.).
7. Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
8. Ability to analyze data, track performance metrics, and implement quality improvement initiatives.
9. Proficient in Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and comfortable with using data for program planning and management.
10. Bilingual skills (Spanish/other) preferred but not required.
11. License/Certification
12. California Medical License Location: In person
13. Knowledge of the following (but not limited to), preferred:

HMO’s               Medicare                 Medi-Cal                 Fee-for-Service

Managed Care Plans

We offer:

• Medical Benefits - FHCCGLA pays 100% of employee’s  Kaiser; Anthem Blue Cross; Health Net; and United Health Care coverage (HMO Plan) subject to change during open enrollment. 
• Dental Benefit - MetLife Only (HMO/PPO Plan). 
• Vision Benefit - MetLife Plan.
• Life Insurance - Accidental Death & Dismemberment; and Long-term Disability.
• Employee Assistance Program
• AFLAC Benefits
• 11 Holidays Observed.
• 2 Floating Holidays
• 1 Birthday Holiday
• 2 weeks’ Vacation

Providers

Full-Time CME Days:

• Physicians, Pharmacist, Optometrist - $800.00 Annually and 5 Paid CME days.

License Reimbursement:

• Medical License
• DEA License
• BLS

Possible student loan repayment for providers:

• HRSA, HWDD, LA CARE
• OSHPS HPEF