What are the responsibilities and job description for the Clinical Program Manager - Grief & Trauma Services position at Family Centers?
Overview
The Center for HOPE, established in 1982, is a trusted regional resource providing grief, bereavement, trauma, and critical illness support to children, families, and communities. Signature programs include The Den for Grieving Kids and Trauma Response Services.
This is a unique opportunity to lead impactful, mission-driven programs that support individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging moments. The Clinical Program Manager serves as both a clinical and operational leader, guiding program development, supervising staff and volunteers, and maintaining a small clinical caseload.
The Role
Program Leadership & Operations
- Oversees Center for HOPE operations, ensuring high-quality, responsive programming.
- Manages budgets, data, reporting, fundraising support, and compliance with licensing, accreditation, and regulatory requirements; participates in QA/QI and leadership initiatives.
Clinical & Supervisory Responsibilities
- Supervises and supports the Program Coordinator, clinical staff, MSW interns, and volunteers, serving as a clinical and professional role model.
- Maintains a small clinical caseload and participates in weekly supervision, case conferences, and agency trainings.
The Den for Grieving Kids
- Coordinates and facilitates evening and school-based grief support groups, special events, and family intakes, serving as a primary point of contact for Den families.
- Maintains and enhances children’s grief curriculum; screens and trains volunteers; and serves as liaison to Lower Fairfield County schools.
Trauma Response & Community Engagement
- Oversees the Trauma Response Team and participates in on-site trauma response and post-trauma services as needed.
- Represents Family Centers through community education, presentations, trainings, and collaboration with local partners and task forces.
Requirements
- Master's or doctoral degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field
Active Connecticut license as a LCSW, LPC, LMFT or Psychologist, or the ability to obtain CT licensure - Minimum four years of relevant experience in mental health, grief, trauma, or community program development. Experience working with underserved populations
- Direct clinical experience and comfort level with grief, bereavement, and trauma as primary treatment focus
- Prior supervisory and leadership experience or demonstrated capacity
- Ability or demonstrated capacity to oversee multiple programs and sites efficiently
- Comfort with public speaking and presenting to diverse audiences and stakeholders
- Proficiency with MS Office, Adobe, electronic health records, and telehealth platforms
- SIFI Certification (or ability to obtain after hire)
- Ability to work some evenings for group sessions, as needed.
Benefits and Perks
At Family Centers, we believe in taking care of our compassionate staff who care for our community. We offer a comprehensive benefits package carefully designed to support staff health, financial wellbeing, and work-life balance. We are committed to fostering a supportive, mission-driven environment where employees feel valued, supported, and able to build lasting careers.
Full-time employees enjoy:
- Generous Paid Time Off – 15 vacation days annually (increases to 20 days after 5 years, and 25 days after 10 years), 11 paid holidays, up to 3 personal days, and up to 10 sick days
- Half-Day Summer Fridays (in select programs)
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage Options
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with monthly employer contributions
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care & Dependent Care)
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 6% employer contribution
- Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support
- Voluntary Opt-In Benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Pet Insurance, supplemental Life Insurance, and more
- Tuition Assistance (eligible to apply after 6 months of service)
- Loan Repayment Opportunity: Fully licensed clinicians working in our FQHC and SBHC programs may qualify for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Student Loan Repayment Program, which offers up to $75,000 in student loan repayment for primary medical, dental, and behavioral health clinicians. Clinicians who demonstrate Spanish-language proficiency may qualify for an additional $5,000 award.
Family Centers has consistently been recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Western Connecticut by Hearst Connecticut Media and holds a perfect 100 Encompass rating from Charity Navigator.
About Family Centers
Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering health, education and human service programs to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. Our team includes 300 professionals and over 500 trained volunteers who collaborate to provide our communities with a wide range of responsive and innovative services. Through our comprehensive network of services, more than 26,000 children, adults, families and communities receive the care, encouragement and resources needed to realize their potential.
For more information, please visit www.familycenters.org.
Family Centers is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees as indicated in applicable federal and/or state laws.
Salary : $75,000