Director of Programs - Mental Health Waiver

Position Overview

The Director of the Mental Health Waiver Program oversees the daily functions of the program at Advanced Behavioral Health, Inc. Located in Middletown, CT, this leadership role involves formulating and implementing strategic plans consistent with the organization's mission, creating internal policies, and fostering program growth and partnerships within the community.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a network of providers state-wide to deliver Mental Health Waiver services.
• Design and facilitate ongoing education programs for clinical staff, provider agencies, and direct care personnel.
• Manage the introduction of new services from ideation through launch; identify and lead key projects and collaborations.
• Implement performance metrics and develop reporting frameworks to monitor outcomes and support data-informed decision making.
• Assess strategic risks, craft mitigation strategies, and counsel senior leadership on complex program challenges.
• Handle fiduciary duties related to authorizations, claims, and participant self-direction within the waiver program.
• Pinpoint opportunities for resource optimization and growth investments.
• Collaborate with executive leaders on long-term fiscal planning and sustainability of the program.

Team Leadership and Operational Management

• Direct everyday program activities, setting clear performance goals on multiple time frames.
• Delegate tasks, set deadlines, track productivity, and clarify staff responsibilities.
• Hold regular team meetings and manage vendor partnerships to ensure program effectiveness and consensus.
• Coordinate client assessments, service monitoring, and continuity of care across the provider network.
• Serve as main organizational liaison to assigned Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DHMAS) and Department of Social Services (DSS) personnel.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations for staff members.
• Provide coaching, constructive critiques, and promote ongoing professional growth within the team.
• Cultivate a workplace culture emphasizing continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability.
• Work with Human Resources to resolve employee relations issues in compliance with laws and policies.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Behavioral Health, Human Services, Public Health, Business Administration, or a comparable discipline.
• Progressive supervisory and management experience within behavioral health or human services sectors.
• Familiarity with CMS waiver regulations and state/federal behavioral health regulatory standards.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience considered.
• Preferred: Experience working with community organizations and individuals in recovery.
• Preferred: Skills in data analysis and program evaluation.
• Preferred: Active Connecticut professional license such as LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or RN.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of behavioral health issues, community case management, and coordinated multi-agency care.
• Understanding of state and federal behavioral health regulations including compliance and confidentiality.
• Adherence to ethical and professional standards in behavioral health settings.
• Expertise in program development, quality improvements, strategic planning, and outcome measurement.
• Strong leadership skills including clear communication, workflow organization, timely feedback, and team capacity building.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities for diverse audiences including staff, stakeholders, and executive leadership.
• Organizational competencies to effectively balance multiple priorities.
• Client-focused responsiveness with professionalism and empathy in managing complaints and inquiries.
• Proficient in research, data interpretation, compliance assurance, and strategic planning documentation.
• Competence in Microsoft Office and web-based platforms.
• Forward-thinking, detail-oriented, adaptable, and collaborative; skilled at conflict resolution.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence and empathetic interactions consistently.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The role demands normal ambulatory abilities to travel between locations. Physical tasks include standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting light to medium weights (10 to 20 pounds). Requires dexterity for computer work and visual acuity for reading materials. Regular attendance is essential to maintain high standards in service delivery. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed to fulfill essential duties.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Health savings account (HSA)
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Long-term disability and other voluntary insurance options
• Management incentive plan
• Various paid time off options including vacation, sick leave, personal, floating holidays, and standard holidays