Senior Director of Behavioral Health Operations

Job Purpose

The Senior Director of Behavioral Health Operations is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Behavioral Health programs within the Family Reentry service line.

These programs include outpatient behavioral health services in New London and New Haven, the Dana’s House Residential Program in New Haven, and the Intimate Partner Violence Family Assessment Intervention Response (IPVFAIR) program serving Region 1 in Bridgeport and Norwalk.

This role includes managing relationships with community providers and referral sources, ensuring the delivery of evidence-based and clinically appropriate care, and maintaining full compliance with the Department of Public Health, Department of Children and Families, Medicaid regulations, and JBCSSD contractual requirements.

As a key member of the Family Reentry/CRJ leadership team, the Senior Director contributes to strategic planning and plays a central role in meeting budgetary targets for the behavioral health outpatient programs.

This is a hybrid position which includes providing onsite meetings in programs located in New Haven, New London, and Bridgeport.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision to the Program Directors of IPVFAIR, Dana’s House, and the New London and New Haven Behavioral Health programs.

Ensure compliance with Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH), Court Support Services Division (CSSD), Department of Children and Families (DCF), Medicaid standards, and internal CRJ protocols. Maintain rigorous oversight of quality, documentation, licensing, training, and contractual obligations across all programs.

In partnership with the Coordinator of Quality and Compliance, lead the development, review, and maintenance of departmental policies and procedures to ensure quality care and regulatory compliance. Provide bimonthly quality and compliance reporting for the Behavioral Health service line to the Quality Improvement Committee (QIC).

In partnership with the Coordinator of Quality and Compliance lead and coordinate clinical audits of program records and documentation, ensuring both clinical and facility compliance, and work with Program Directors to address any corrective actions.

Oversee the scheduling, coordination, and implementation of clinical and compliance training to ensure staff competency across the Behavioral Health service line.

Ensure accurate, complete, and timely clinical documentation within the electronic health record system, including oversight of insurance authorizations and utilization requirements.

Work collaboratively with Program Directors and Fiscal team to achieve and exceed budgetary targets for outpatient programs.

Support the expansion of behavioral health services by assisting with program planning, workflow development, operational implementation, and onboarding/training of clinical staff.

Participate in weekly case conferences and other internal or external meetings as needed to support client care and program operations.

Provide clinical leadership coverage as needed to maintain continuity of operations and oversight.

Attend leadership meetings and participate in CRJ committees as assigned.

Maintain open, professional communication with clients, program staff, community partners, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• LCSW or LPC required
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical supervisory experience required
• Minimum of 5 years of substance use counseling experience required; LADC preferred
• Familiarity with CT DPH regulations preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required (Word, Excel, Outlook, and EHR systems)
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population required

CRJ provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.