Director of Mental Health Services

The Director of Mental Health Services is responsible for overseeing the provision of mental health services for children who are served at Bivona Child Advocacy Center for investigation of child abuse.  This includes ensuring that timely and effective mental health services are made available to all children who present with need, and monitoring the effectiveness of services delivered by Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) partners utilizing the standards set forth by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) and other best practice guidelines.  Responsibilities will include maintaining collaborative relationships with all MDT mental health providers as well as service providers in the wider community, with a goal of guiding their service to the population of children served by Bivona.  The Director of Mental Health Services will provide oversight of the process of referrals to MDT and community-based providers, and, working closely with MDT Family Advocates and CPS Caseworkers, will address barriers to care on the individual and aggregate level on behalf of children served at Bivona. The Director of Mental Health Services will provide administrative and clinical supervision to any clinicians employed by Bivona, and will act as a consultative resource to clinicians employed by MDT partner agencies. The Director of Mental Health Services will provide expedited mental health care to a limited number of children who present with acute needs that cannot be met by the available provider array.

 The Director of Mental Health Services is a member of the Senior Leadership Team of Bivona and will act in a leadership capacity within the agency and the MDT. This person will directly supervise any mental health clinicians employed by Bivona, and report to the Executive Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide oversight and supervision to mental health clinicians employed by Bivona.

• Ensure an effective and timely process for mental health referrals is in place at all times, including development and maintenance of a centralized scheduling system.

• Oversee use of trauma assessments and other tools of evaluation and facilitate use of this data for triage and referral purposes.

• Address barriers to access at the individual and group level through direct communication and problem-solving with providers, Family Advocates, Caseworkers, parents/caregivers, and other involved parties. Communicate concerns in a timely fashion to CPS leadership.

• Develop and maintain highly productive and collaborative relationships with MDT and community-based mental health providers, orienting them to the needs of Bivona’s clients and supporting their service delivery.

• Provide group supervision in relevant clinical models to MDT-based providers.

• Ensure compliance with relevant NCA guidelines and play a leading role in NCA accreditation processes related to mental health services.

• Gather data for monthly/quarterly grant reporting, ensuring reports are submitted in a timely manner.

• Regularly attend internal team and leadership meetings and, as requested, meetings of the board of directors.

• In collaboration with the MDT, assess and address training needs of team members; may be responsible for coordinating and/or conducting trainings for mental health providers as well as identifying resources for training in evidence-based models.

• Develop resource materials, referral manuals, assist with special projects etc.

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with area colleges and universities, including the coordination and supervision of internship programs helpful to mental health services at Bivona.

• Provide short-term, expedited mental health services to a small number of clients who present with acute need and cannot otherwise be accommodated by MDT or community based providers.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate proficiency in meeting competencies required for position; able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s Degree in Social Work or Psychology field, plus five years’ experience practicing with children who have experienced trauma required. NYS Certification as a Licensed Master of Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker or comparable credential required. At least three years’ experience supervising clinicians and providing program leadership.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of the clinical treatment of trauma in children.

• Knowledge of child abuse; child protective and law enforcement investigation procedures; and the legal reporting mandates for professionals.

• Ability to provide effective clinical supervision to individuals and groups.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Experience managing people with diverse backgrounds.

• Outstanding ability to work cooperatively with service providers and partner agencies.

• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft® Office and database software.

• Respect for diversity and a commitment to providing culturally competent and inclusive services