The Director of Behavioral Health is responsible for overseeing and developing the behavioral health services at La Clinica del Pueblo, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). This position ensures the delivery of high-quality, integrated behavioral health care that aligns with the mission of the organization to provide accessible, comprehensive, and patient-centered services to the community. The Director will lead a multidisciplinary team, develop policies, and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
- Master’s or Doctoral degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field.
- Licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Psychologist, or Psychiatrist required.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in behavioral health, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Experience working in an FQHC, community health center, or integrated care setting preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in integrating behavioral health services with primary care.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, and evidence-based mental health interventions.
- Familiarity with HRSA requirements, FQHC regulations, and Medicaid/Medicare billing.
- Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including patients, staff, and community partners.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and data-driven decision-making.
- Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership & Administration
- Provide strategic direction and leadership for the behavioral health department.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and clinical protocols to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including HRSA and FQHC guidelines.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate behavioral health services with primary care and other healthcare services.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable licensing, credentialing, and accreditation standards.
- Manage departmental budget and allocate resources effectively.
- Clinical Oversight & Program Development
- Oversee the delivery of behavioral health services, ensuring high standards of care, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered approaches.
- Supervise and provide clinical guidance to behavioral health providers, including licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors.
- Develop and implement mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs tailored to the needs of the community.
- Ensure coordination of care between behavioral health, primary care, and external community resources.
- Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and patient outcomes, implementing improvements as needed, including:
- Utilize quantitative and qualitative data analysis to assess the effectiveness of mental health programs and services.
- Analyze trends, patient outcomes, and service utilization to identify areas for improvement and inform evidence-based decision-making.
- Develop and oversee data-driven reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track program impact and resource allocation.
- Collaborate with research teams, public health agencies, and community organizations to integrate population health data and mental health metrics into policy recommendations.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements by collecting and analyzing accurate data.
Staff Supervision & Development
- Recruit, train, and retain a team of behavioral health professionals.
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide mentorship, and support professional development for staff.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and patient-centered care.
Community Outreach & Partnerships
- Develop partnerships with local mental health agencies, hospitals, social service organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance access to behavioral health resources.
- Represent the organization in community meetings, coalitions, and advocacy efforts related to behavioral health.
- Assist in securing grants and funding opportunities to support behavioral health initiatives.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement plan with employer contributions.
- Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
- Continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Department: Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Location: DC and Hyattsville sites
Equal Opportunity Employer. We affirm all identities at La Clínica and expect all employees to welcome and work with colleagues and clients, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race/ ethnicity, country of origin, language, other ability, age, religion, or other identity.
