Director of Behavioral Health

Summary: 

The Director of Behavioral Health provides strategic, clinical, operational, and administrative leadership for Alliance Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Department while maintaining a direct clinical practice. This role integrates department leadership with patient care to support the delivery of high-quality, team-based, and integrated behavioral health services.

The Director oversees the delivery, quality, integration, and sustainability of behavioral health services across all service sites, while maintaining an appropriate clinical caseload consistent with leadership responsibilities and ensuring visible and engaged leadership across the Behavioral Health team and service sites. Clinical duties include providing evidence-based behavioral health interventions, conducting patient assessments, developing treatment plans, and collaborating closely with primary care providers within an interdisciplinary care model.

The Director ensures that behavioral health services are fully integrated within Alliance Medical Center’s Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, including maintaining standards required for PCMH Recognition with Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration. Within the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) model, the Director partners with the CEO, CMO, and department leaders to strengthen integrated care delivery and expand access to services for the communities served.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, the Director is accountable for effective program and team leadership. This includes overseeing behavioral health staff; ensuring quality, compliance, and regulatory adherence; supporting workforce development; monitoring operational and financial performance; and leading continuous improvement efforts to enhance patient outcomes.

The Director of Behavioral Health position is hybrid, with an expectation of onsite presence 2–3 days per week. Candidates must reside within a commutable distance to Sonoma County. 

Some Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide clinical oversight in the delivery of behavioral and mental health services across multiple programs and service delivery sites focusing on integration of behavioral health services into the primary care setting. This includes the development of protocols, policies and procedures applicable to all behavioral and mental health service staff and programs.
•  Hire, supervise, and assign the work of the behavioral health providers and behavioral health case management support staff. This includes setting schedules, managing timecards and requests for time off.
• Observe and interview patients and review relevant medical and social histories in order to formulate treatment plans, including appropriate frequency and duration of therapy.
• Provide direct behavioral health services within the integrated primary care setting including patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotherapy as appropriate.
• Provide evidence-based psychotherapy to support symptom reduction and improved overall health, utilizing approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving Therapy, and supportive interpersonal therapy as appropriate. 

Thorough knowledge of and willingness to adhere to mandated reporting requirements as required by California law. 

Demonstrated knowledge of professional standards governing behavioral health practice including documentation, quality assurance, and patient confidentiality requirements. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all applicable privacy regulations, including HIPAA.

 Education and/or Experience 

• Current and unrestricted California professional license in a behavioral health discipline, required (LCSW, LMFT, Psychologist)
• 7+ years clinical experience in an outpatient setting, required;
• 3+ years of Supervisory experience with a team comprised of 5 clinical members or more, required;
• FQHC experience, Preferred;
• Bilingual Spanish, Preferred.