Director of Mental Health Services

University of Wisconsin Madison; Brantford; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Mental Health Services to lead and innovate within their counseling department. This senior leadership role involves overseeing a diverse team of over 70 professionals, managing budgets, and implementing programs that enhance student mental health for a vibrant campus community of over 50,000. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in mental health leadership, a commitment to diversity, and a data-informed approach to decision-making. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of direct client care experience in mental health.
• 5+ years in a leadership role in a mental health clinic.

Responsibilities

• Directs strategic planning and operations for university counseling services.
• Manages personnel and budget while ensuring compliance with policies.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Evidence-based Mental Health Services

Quality Improvement Practices

Cultural Competency

Education

Doctorate in Psychology or related field

Licensure as Psychologist or LCSW

Tools

Electronic Health Record System

Job description

Job Summary:

The Director of Mental Health Services (MHS) is a senior leadership position at University Health Services (UHS), reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who is also the Executive Director of UHS. UHS is part of the Division of Student Affairs, on the UW-Madison campus.

The Director provides leadership and programmatic oversight for administration, budgets, services, and staff related to mental health services in a collaborative integrated health care model. The Director is the mental health leader on campus, providing insight and consultation for campus administrators, leadership, and staff.

The Director leads the UHS Mental Health Services Leadership Team (MHLT), which includes the Office Manager, Associate Directors, and Assistant Directors. The Director supervises the Office Manager and Associate Directors, overseeing areas such as Outreach, Training, Satellite and Embedded Clinical Services, Psychiatric Services, Survivor Services, and general Mental Health Clinic Services.

This role involves partnership with UHS leadership to manage the budget and oversee a diverse counseling staff of 70+ members, including full-time, part-time staff, and clinical trainees. The Director may also provide direct client care as needed, maintaining clinical skills and proficiency with UHS' electronic health record system. Additionally, the Director offers consultative services within UHS and campus-wide on student mental health issues.

The position entails developing, implementing, evaluating, and managing programs that support individual and population health, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, and utilizing innovative methods to meet the high demand for mental health services on campus with over 50,000 students.

Shared management responsibilities include system development to foster optimal outcomes, promoting a healthcare team environment, and ensuring compliance with policies, laws, and accreditation standards. The Director employs a data-informed approach for decision-making, considering organizational impact and risks.

Applicants should possess strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, along with advanced knowledge in delivering evidence-based mental health services, addressing health disparities, working in integrated care settings, and advancing quality improvement practices. An understanding of intersecting identities and their impact on mental health is essential.

The Director plays a crucial role in strengthening campus connections through coordination of services, liaising with various campus departments and external partners, and ensuring effective critical incident follow-up, fostering trust and collegiality among students and staff.

Responsibilities:

1. Develops and directs strategic planning and operations for university counseling services (25%)
2. Supports diversity and promotes an inclusive environment (5%)
3. Provides supervision, clinical consultation, and strategic leadership (20%)
4. Ensures compliance with policies and standards (20%)
5. Manages personnel and budget (20%)
6. Acts as liaison to campus and community stakeholders (5%)
7. Supervises staff, including hiring, performance management, and disciplinary actions (5%)

Qualifications:

Required:

• Minimum of seven years of direct client care experience
• At least five years in a leadership role in a mental health clinic
• Supervisory experience with professional staff

Preferred:

• Experience in a college mental health setting
• Experience in an integrated practice setting

Licensure/Certification:

• Psychologist (license in Wisconsin or eligibility)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Physician (MD or DO) with board certification in Psychiatry