What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Clinical Services position at Lutheran Family Services?
Job Type
Full-Time
Position Summary:
Full-Time
Position Summary:
- The Director, Clinical Services, offers strategic leadership and operational management for designated clinical programs, ensuring teams provide high-quality, client-centered, accessible, and effective services. This position maintains excellence in client care across service lines and works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to implement evidence-based practices, advance organizational objectives, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The Director may oversee a range of programs, including access, intake, outreach, referrals, outpatient services across the lifespan, specialized interventions for target populations, urgent care, crisis services such as stabilization and detox programming, as well as other integrated health initiatives.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for assigned clinical areas, supervising clinical supervisors, program managers, and staff while fostering a collaborative and supportive culture that reflects organizational values.
- Ensure the delivery of evidence-based behavioral health services by monitoring outcomes, guiding quality assurance, and leading performance improvement initiatives.
- Design, implement, and evaluate behavioral health programs, identifying opportunities for service expansion and innovation based on community needs and best practices.
- Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (including COA and CCBHC certification) by developing policies, preparing for audits and reviews, and ensuring timely submission of required reports.
- Promote client-centered care by addressing concerns and grievances, and ensuring services are delivered with cultural competence and trauma-informed practices.
- Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate clinical staff, providing supervision, coaching, and ongoing professional development to cultivate excellence.
- Collaborate across departments and with administrative, financial, and executive leaders to support cross-functional initiatives and enhance overall care delivery.
- Develop and monitor program budgets with the Regional VP, ensuring resources are allocated appropriately; contribute to grant writing and pursue funding opportunities.
- Oversee data collection and analysis for clinical services, and prepare reports for leadership, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders.
- Build and maintain relationships with community partners, referral sources, and advocacy groups to strengthen services and visibility.
- Lead responses to crises and emergent situations, providing clinical guidance and supporting staff during critical incidents.
- Oversee the development, launch, and management of detoxification services, including establishing protocols, training staff, and ensuring program effectiveness within the continuum of care.
- Other job-related duties as directed by leadership.
- Strong knowledge of behavioral health treatments, modalities, and best practices, with proficiency in clinical assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.
- Proven ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, including conflict resolution, delegation, performance management, and change leadership.
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills, able to make data-informed decisions, evaluate program effectiveness, and implement improvements.
- Clear and effective communicator, both written and verbal, able to convey complex clinical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards, with a commitment to confidentiality and client rights.
- Skilled at delivering inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally competent services.
- Familiar with EHR systems, telehealth platforms, and clinical data management tools.
- Able to remain calm and effective in high-pressure or crisis situations, and provide clinical leadership in emergencies.
- Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource stewardship.
- Dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying current on industry innovations and policy changes.
- Regular and predictable attendance, and promptness for work.
- Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Lutheran Family Services.
- Support Lutheran Family Services in the organization’s objectives to be an inclusive and accessible workplace.
- Leadership
- Taking Initiative
- Organizational Skills
- Resiliency
- Relationship Builder
- Master’s degree in behavioral health, social work, psychology, counseling, psychiatry, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited institution is required.
- Current, active, and unrestricted clinical license (i.e. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) in Nebraska required.
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)) preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in behavioral health clinical services, including at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
- Demonstrated success managing complex clinical programs, leading teams, and overseeing quality assurance or compliance initiatives.
- Experience working within a multi-site organization, familiarity with managed care and insurance reimbursement, and prior involvement in grant writing and program evaluation.
- Valid driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, and ability to travel for agency business.
- In-office work environment with frequent computer use and participation in both virtual and in-person meetings with clients, families, staff, and community partners. Occasional remote work may apply.
- Regular use of a company-issued laptop and cell phone.
- Ability to travel to agency sites and community locations for meetings and program needs.
- Must be able to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
- Flexibility to adjust schedule as needed, including evenings, weekends, and on-call hours, to meet organizational needs or respond to urgent situations.