Director of Behavioral Health

Fair Haven Community Health Care 

FHCHC is a forward-thinking, dynamic, and exciting community health center that provides care for multiple generations at nearly 130,000 office visits in 17 locations. Overseen by a Board of Directors, the majority of whom are patients themselves, we are proud to offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services, as well as evidence-based patient programs to educate patients in healthy lifestyle choices. As we grow and are able to bring high-quality health care to more areas that need access, we continue to put our patients first in everything we do. The mission of FHCHC is “To improve the health and social well-being of the communities we serve through equitable, high quality, patient-centered care that is culturally responsive.”

For over 50 years, we have been a health care leader in our community focused on providing excellent, affordable primary care to all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Fair Haven is proud to have a diverse and motivated team of professionals who are constantly seeking ways to enhance and improve the health and well-being of all patients. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality medical and dental care, regardless of ability to pay.

Job purpose

The Director of Behavioral Health is responsible for the clinical and administrative oversight of the overall Behavioral Health Program. The Program includes individual and group psychotherapy, psychiatric prescribing, intensive outpatient services, collaborative care models, addiction therapy, and school-based behavioral health services. The Director of Behavioral Health will work with the VP of Clinical Affairs on the vision and strategy of the Behavioral Health Program to ensure the Program meets current and emerging community needs, achieves a high-quality of care, engages in continuous quality improvement, and is fiscally sound.

Duties and responsibilities

The Director of Behavioral Health provides oversight of all Behavioral Health services with accountability for ensuring consistency of service delivery across the organization, with a focus on access, quality and service. Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Leads a team of clinicians and is responsible for the daily operation of behavioral health services throughout the organization
• Develops and implements innovative programs and workflows, policies, practices and/or guidelines in order to meet and/or exceed quality, access, patient/staff safety and efficiency targets and goals.
• Analyzes data and prepares data-driven updates to leadership, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Attends periodic management meetings with the Executive Management Team and other Directors; interacts as part of leadership team to create an integrated system of behavioral health services in the context of a patient-centered medical home.
• Ensures program compliance specific to Department of Public Health, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, insurances and The Joint Commission regulations and requirements; marketing services to the community and physician groups.
• Lead departmental meetings and manage the workflow of behavior health department tasks related to assessments, behavior support plans, and staff training.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Director of Operations and the Director of Behavioral Health Operations; clinically inform their oversight of the flow of patients to ensure the right patient gets the right service at the right time.
• Identifies resource needs and recruits staff appropriately.
• Is responsible to managing to annual non-payroll and payroll budgets. Creates action plans for areas not meeting target.
• Assess, evaluate and diagnose  mental, emotional, developmental and behavioral difficulties in individuals, couples and families based on clinical standards of practice
• Provide individual, group, and couples therapy, and if appropriate, substance use counseling
• Formulate treatment plans and treatment plan reviews
• Provide clinical and consultative treatment services that are strength based and client centered to individuals, groups, families, and/or couples
• Coordinate with other clinical providers, social service providers, and care coordinators in assisting with andfollowing up on client referrals
• Maintain current level of professional licensure and participate in professional activities such as continuing education and clinical conferences
• Lead projects and initiatives as assigned

Qualifications

• MD, LCSW, and/or PhD, plus minimum 5 years of experience is also required.
• Graduation and training from an accredited graduate program with a current unrestricted licensure in Connecticut is also required.

Direction of Others

• Behavioral health clinicians
• Psychiatrist

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.