Clinical Director of Senior Behavioral Health Unit

Job Description

Job Summary

Directs, establishes, and plans the overall policies and goals for the Behavioral Health department. Responsible for patient assessments, care planning and helping patients and families adjust to their new surroundings. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to top management. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.

Essential Functions

• Communicates effectively. Establishes and maintains two way communication with peers, staff, physicians, and administration.
• Adapts to change in a positive, professional manner.
• Effectively problem solves, provides intervention and follows through on patient care, clinical, employee, interdepartmental and/or administrative issues .
• Demonstrates competency and clinical expertise.
• Initiates, plans and provides for education, maintenance and competence assessment regarding patient care and clinical policies, protocols and practices.
• Completes required education in a timely manner and ensures assigned staff complete assigned education and facility requirements.
• Consistently uses skilled communication which demonstrates congruence between words and actions and holds others accountable for doing the same.
• Ensures supplies and equipment for patient care are readily available and organized in an efficient manner.
• Seeks information/guidance from others as needed.
• Effectively role models professional/ leadership behavior and provides direction, instruction and guidance in a resource capacity.
• Responds to patient and family requests promptly.
• Demonstrates creativity, intelligence and discretion in planning, organizing and coordinating department functions.
• Demonstrates proficiency at hospital wide and/or department specific computer software and technology.
• Demonstrates fiscal accountability for department resources and the ability to achieve outcomes within allocated resources.
• Competently provides direction to staff and evaluates the level of care provided by the units' nursing staff.
• Actively participates in the accreditation process.
• Conducts interviews, selects employees and actively works to recruit and retain staff.
• Assumes responsibility for staffing units and maintaining units' productivity.
• Collaborates with other departments to problem solve ongoing issues that impact department/organization goals and/or patient care delivery.
• Actively participates in the development and implementation of process improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management
  • Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
  • Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
  • Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation and long-term planning.
  • Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.
  • Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.
  • Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.
  • Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.
  • Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities
  • May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required or
• Seven (7) plus years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree required
• Master's Degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in closely related field with Bachelor's degree required
• 3-5 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools. 

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure Registered Nurse required or
• LMSW - Licensed Medical Social Worker - State Licensure required

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