Director, Mental Health Services

We all face challenges and transitions in our lives, and when we do, we must be able to count on the strength of community for support. For the people of Los Angeles, Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) is that trusted source of support. We are a comprehensive network of services that welcomes individuals and families of all ages and identities to our full spectrum of care. Our highly trained staff and volunteers work closely with individuals and their loved ones to problem-solve and guide them on their paths to safety, security, wellness, and fulfillment. 

JFSLA staff share in our mission and work towards our goals with the highest level of responsibility, professionalism, and integrity. JFS demonstrates our commitment to our staff by offering a comprehensive benefits package and a nurturing environment.

JFSLA is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness.  In recruiting for our team, we seek the unique contributions that individuals can bring from all backgrounds. We strive for a diverse team in order to better serve our clients and ensure our excellence as an organization in identifying, designing and delivering solutions.

PURPOSE:  The Director of Mental Health Services provides overall leadership for a multidisciplinary mental health clinical team, and is responsible for the areas of Contract Compliance, Utilization Management, Documentation Practices and Quality Assurance for Mental Health Service Contracts. This includes all development, implementation and oversight of quality assurance and improvement functions for mental health service delivery.QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in social science field required.  Minimum of 2 years post LCSW or LMFT licensing required.
• 2+ years quality assurance experience strongly preferred. 
• 2+ years progressive management experience required. 
• Program development, management and contract compliance experience strongly preferred.
• Solid clinical background both in direct experience and training and supervision.

• Ability to develop a quality team of mental health professionals through one-on-one supervisory and group/full team settings.   
• Solid proficiency in computer skills (Microsoft suite; Word, Excel, etc.) and ability to quickly learn record/data base systems required. 
• Strong organizational, assessment, decision-making, problem-solving and time management skills.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.  Ability to articulate and professionally communicate with staff and other stakeholders including grantors and regulatory agencies.  
• High degree of detail orientation and analytical thinking required.
• Knowledge of CARF, Joint Commission, state standards or other accreditation bodies and criteria a plus.
• Strong ability to work as part of a team and maintain professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities and complete projects within specified timeframes.
• Culturally sensitive and able to work with a multicultural client/customer population.

• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines as well as be flexible and dependable.

• Must be able to pass criminal background check (Live Scan fingerprinting) prior to beginning employment.

 RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Program Management and Clinical Oversight 

• Provide overall team leadership to mental health services team; facilitate program development.
• Provide direct supervisorial direction and oversight to mental health clinical supervisors, intake and outreach specialist, and administrative personnel.    
• Provide ongoing program training and oversight to contracted psychiatrists, including client assignment, approval of clinical documentation, and review of monthly billing. 
• Regularly assess team clinical training needs and develop yearly training plan.  
• Lead and/or provide access for staff to quality clinical training relevant to multicultural populations with wide variety of diagnostic issues and needs.   Ensure the provision of effective interventions and positive client impact through enhancement of skills and staff development.  
• Provide weekly supervisory meetings with each direct report and full staff meetings weekly/bimonthly/monthly as appropriate.  
• Create/maintain learning environment for training, case consultation, clinical supervision skills, or other relevant professional development for mental health services staff. 
• Maintain budgetary oversight for mental health program.  
• Collaborate with Sr. Director(s) of Community Mental Health and Case Management on annual budget development.  Participate in monthly finance budget meetings. 
• Serve as custodian of records for mental health services program client files.   

Contract Compliance

• Manage all aspects of contract compliance for Mental Health Services contracts.      
• Utilize JFS’s electronic records platform for assessment, tracking and monitoring as needed. 
• Compile reports and maintain program statistics for funding sources and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare internal and external contract reports monthly and as required to monitor compliance.
• Liaison with outside agencies, community members and regulatory agencies as needed.
• Train staff members on contract requirements affecting program implementation and compliance issues.  
• Monitor, keep updated and communicate effectively and efficiently on any upcoming or immediate modifications to contracts.  Implement staff meetings/other methods of communication as needed to update/train staff on changes affecting daily program operations, protocols, and service delivery.   
• In collaboration with clinical supervisors, create and maintain updated protocols and procedures for service delivery and contract compliance.  
• Identify areas to increase efficiency, effectiveness of current systems relative to contract compliance and utilization management and controls. 

Utilization Management

• Lead mental health team toward efficient and effective delivery of quality clinical services. 
• Implement monitoring methods to evaluate effectiveness of services and collaborate with supervisors to develop utilization management policies including documentation and client management.
• Lead mental health team regarding client accessibility; staff accountability, and evaluation of factors affecting service delivery and contract utilization.
• Identify and implement ways to improve utilization of services to fully meet budget/contract goals.  
• Maintain/implement protocols in adherence to changes in laws and contract requirements.

Quality Assurance

• Maintain superuser status in team oversight and staff training of client record database platform.    
• Create quality assurance and improvement plans using established protocols, and as required by contract or funding source agreement.
• Oversee QA/QI functions including case/record reviews, coordination and tracking of case assignments,  and ensuring accuracy/completeness of documentation.  Assure accuracy of billing prior to submission.   
• Organize and lead quality assurance utilization review meetings as required by funder or by agency accreditation body.
• Consistent and regular analysis of program data and utilization of contract funding that support impactful program outcomes. 
• Lead plan for preparation of charts for internal and external agency audits. 
• Attend funder meetings as appropriate.

Other

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

 Jewish Family Service is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran. This position reports to: Co-Senior Director(s), Community Mental Health and Case Management

Be part of our commitment and join our family. For more information on our philosophy and services, please tour our website www.jfsla.org 

Jewish Family Service is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.