Mental Health Program Supervisor

Position Summary

Mental health support is essential to reducing trauma symptoms and improving long-term outcomes for children and families in Haywood County.

The Mental Health Program Supervisor plays a critical leadership role within KARE and the Haywood County Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). This position provides clinical leadership, direct trauma-focused therapeutic services, program oversight, consultation, and supervision support to ensure high-quality, evidence-based mental health care for children and caregivers served by the center.

This role ensures fidelity to the National Children’s Alliance Mental Health Accreditation Standards and helps guide assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, case coordination, and clinical consultation related to child abuse investigations and recovery.

The Mental Health Program Supervisor provides valuable insight regarding children’s emotional functioning, treatment needs, safety concerns, and ability to participate in the criminal justice process while fostering a collaborative, trauma-informed environment for staff, families, and community partners.

This position is ideal for an experienced trauma clinician who is passionate about leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration, advocacy, and improving systems of care for vulnerable children and families.

Position Details

• Full-time exempt position
• 36 hours per week
• Salary based on education, licensure, and experience
• Reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel required for training and professional development
• Salary beginning at $63,000; based on experience and qualifications, plus robust benefits and growth opportunities

Personnel must:

• possess reliable transportation
• maintain a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
• demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States

Therapeutic & Clinical Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and risk assessment services to children and families served by the center
• Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with children and caregivers
• Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments, diagnoses, and treatment planning
• Administer, score, and interpret standardized assessments to monitor treatment progress
• Provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions
• Develop and oversee individualized treatment plans with measurable goals
• Provide recommendations and referrals for additional mental health and supportive services
• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, ethical standards, agency policy, and state/federal laws
• Support consultation services with schools, caregivers, and community providers when appropriate

Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide clinical guidance and consultation to clinicians and multidisciplinary team members
• Support onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing development of mental health staff and interns when applicable
• Participate in clinical supervision and peer consultation activities
• Ensure adherence to trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment standards
• Monitor compliance with accreditation standards, agency policies, and clinical documentation expectations
• Support program development, quality improvement efforts, and mental health service expansion initiatives
• Assist with maintaining fidelity to National Children’s Alliance accreditation standards for mental health services

Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

• Participate actively in the Haywood County MDT
• Collaborate with:
• law enforcement
• DSS/CPS
• medical providers
• victim advocates
• prosecutors
• school personnel
• community agencies
• Provide clinically appropriate insight regarding:
• emotional functioning
• treatment progress
• trauma symptoms
• participation readiness in investigative/legal processes
• Maintain strong collaborative relationships with community partners and referral sources

Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage referrals and ensure timely response to referral sources
• Complete and oversee accurate clinical documentation in compliance with:
• CAC standards
• licensing requirements
• grant requirements
• accreditation standards
• state and federal regulations
• Assist with grant reporting, program evaluation, and data collection initiatives
• Represent KARE at local, regional, and statewide meetings as requested
• Support outreach and prevention initiatives related to child abuse and victim services

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related Human Services field
• Fully licensed mental health clinician in North Carolina
• Licensed in the State of North Carolina
• Minimum of 2 years professional experience working with children and families impacted by trauma
• Minimum of 40 hours of training in evidence-based trauma therapies such as:
• TF-CBT
• EMDR
• PCIT
• PSB:TF-CBT
• or related trauma-focused modalities
• Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous supervisory or leadership experience
• Experience working within a Child Advocacy Center and/or Multidisciplinary Team
• Familiarity with:
• child welfare systems
• medical systems
• legal systems
• domestic violence services
• victim advocacy services
• community-based mental health resources

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Ability to de-escalate high-stress situations effectively
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and collaboration skills
• Knowledge of advocacy, trauma, victim rights, and abuse dynamics
• Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries
• Commitment to ethical, culturally responsive, trauma-informed services
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment

Position Benefits

This role allows clinicians to focus on quality client care without the burden of insurance billing or claims management.

Benefits include:

• Optional Aflac supplemental insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Matching IRA up to 3%
• Robust professional development support
• Ongoing clinical supervision and consultation opportunities
• Unlimited mental health therapy sessions for full-time employees (up to agency-approved reimbursement rates)
• Vacation and sick leave accrual beginning on the first day of employment

Agency Description

Haywood County has over a thirty-four-year history of combatting adverse childhood experiences. Once noted as the number one county in North Carolina for child abuse rates for numerous years, the community became determined to change that reality.

Formally established as a nonprofit organization in 1991, key individuals throughout the county worked together to develop a volunteer-based school safety program for elementary school students. As the school program expanded and the need for trauma-informed services became more prevalent, the Haywood County Child Abuse Task Force was formed to provide a coordinated community response to child abuse and neglect.

At the same time, the Child Advocacy Center movement was growing nationally. Through the vision and generosity of Robert and Viola Forga, the KARE House became a reality for Haywood County families. Formally known as “The Robert Forga Family KARE House,” the center provides children and families with a warm, welcoming environment designed to reduce trauma and support healing.

Today, KARE is a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center in good standing with the National Children’s Alliance and a Prevent Child Abuse affiliate. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed services that improve outcomes for children and families impacted by abuse, neglect, exploitation, trauma, loss, and separation.

Vision Statement

Creating a supportive community where all children can grow and thrive free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Mission Statement

Facilitating a community response to child abuse, neglect, and exploitation in Haywood County through outreach, advocacy, and specialized interventions.

Core Values

Collaboration - We value open communication and engagement with our team, agency partners, and community.

Growth - We cultivate awareness, learning, adaptability, and commitment to best practices.

Respect - We respect all people while maintaining integrity, professional ethics, and equitable services.

Advocacy - We work to dismantle adverse childhood experiences through evidence-based practices and community engagement.

Dedication - We are dedicated to children, families, team members, and the community we serve.

Compensation

Salary is competitive and based on education, licensure status, supervisory experience, and trauma specialization.

Application Instructions

All candidates must submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Cover letters and resumes should be directed to:

Abby Bearden, COO

KARE, Inc.

Email: abearden@karehouse.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $63,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Waynesville, NC 28786: Relocate before starting work (Required)
• Work Location: In person