Citywide PES Linkage Program Director

UCSF Health, AG; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Health seeks a Program Director to lead the Citywide Psychiatric Emergency Services Linkage Program, directing clinical and administrative efforts for PES teams. You will oversee multidisciplinary staff, ensure quality and outcomes, and align with system priorities.

You will collaborate with city and community partners to drive continuous improvement and discharge planning across care settings. The role requires executive leadership, trauma-informed practice, and strong supervision of

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work, psychology, or related field.
• Licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as LCSW, MFT or LPCC.
• Six years of post-master's experience; strong supervisory background.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, clinical, and administrative leadership for PES Linkage Program.
• Oversee multidisciplinary staff and ensure quality, outcomes, and budgeting.
• Lead discharge planning, utilization management, and continuity of care across settings.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical supervision

Trauma-informed care

Communication

Discharge planning

Staff development

Education

Master's degree in social work/psychology or related field

LCSW/MFT/LPCC license (CA)

Six years post-master's experience

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Description & Requirements

Under the direction of the Deputy Division Director, the Program Director provides strategic, clinical, and administrative leadership for the Citywide Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) Linkage Program, including the Clinical Discharge and Caseload teams. The Director is responsible for overall program functioning, quality, effectiveness, and alignment with departmental and system-wide priorities. This includes oversight of multidisciplinary staff, including Clinical Social Workers, psychiatrist, and nursing staff, as well as recruitment, training, supervision, performance evaluation, and professional development. The Director provides clinical and administrative supervision and leadership regarding complex cases, utilization management, discharge planning, and continuity of care, while fostering effective team collaboration and high-quality, trauma-informed services for adults with serious mental illness, many of whom experience co-occurring substance use disorders, significant trauma, and chronic institutionalization.

The Director oversees clinical and operational systems that support effective service delivery, including documentation, billing, charting, quality assurance, outcomes, contract compliance, and budgeting/program expenditures. The Director develops and monitors data and performance measures to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous quality improvement. Services include psychotherapy, crisis intervention, case management, outreach, discharge planning, and linkage to ongoing behavioral health services in PES and community settings. The Director provides direct clinical services and consultation and ensures that program practices remain responsive to the needs of clients, staff, and the broader behavioral health system. Staffing is subject to change and other duties assigned based on the operational needs of the program and the behavioral health system.

The Director serves as a senior liaison and representative for the program across City, County, community, and contracted agencies, including San Francisco Department of Public Health Behavioral Health Services, the Behavioral Health System of Care, Transitions, the Office of Coordinated Care, the Public Conservator, and Jail Psychiatric Services. In collaboration with internal and community partners, the Director identifies system gaps and opportunities for program growth, develops expansion strategies and RFP/Q responses, and strengthens pathways across levels of care. The Director represents the program in public meetings and provides leadership on issues related to psychiatric emergency services, behavioral health linkage, discharge planning, and continuity of care.

Department Overview

The Division of Citywide Case Management Programs at UCSF/ZSFG, Department of Psychiatry is located at 1263 Mission Street, San Francisco. The Division provides comprehensive outpatient treatment to those suffering from severe mental illness, often complicated by homelessness, chronic traumatization, institutionalization, substance use disorder and chronic medical conditions. The mission of the Division is to help clients recover prior functioning, while reducing reliance on acute services, and facilitate transitions from ZSFG psychiatric inpatient, jails, or other institutions to the community. Our programs serve a diverse group of individuals, in terms of social, cultural, and linguistic characteristics; and is structured around interdisciplinary teams. Interventions provided include psychotherapy, crisis intervention, psychotropic medication management, case management, outreach, and employment services.

Qualifications

• MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: - Master's degree in social work, psychology, or related field from an accredited University and six years of related work experience including at least five in a lead/supervisory role or an equivalent combination of education and experience. - Licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as LCSW, MFT or LPCC - Advanced knowledge and applied background in clinical intervention strategies and treatment planning for patients with severe mental health conditions. Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge in an acute care setting. - Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Ability to apply policy knowledge to suggest improvements to potential regulatory issues. - Proven ability to effectively manage, lead and motivate employees. Strong conflict resolution skills to resolve issues and counsel staff. Two years of supervisory experience - Proven ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and delegate work functions efficiently. - Strong interpersonal skills to create and maintain a climate for effective communication and collaborative decision making. - Verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate. Demonstrated active listening, persuasion and counseling skills. - Knowledge of business software, specialized applications and electronic medical records systems used in behavioral health clinics / clinical departments. - Six years of post-master's experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. - Experience working with severe mentally ill adults, homeless and dual diagnosis populations - Previous experience working with populations that are diverse in gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity - Able to lift 50lbs and climb stairs - Demonstrated excellent attendance and reliability - A preliminary job offer and assignment may be extended pending successful background clearance. - Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with populations that is diverse in gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. - Ability to work with clients and program staff from diverse cultural and social class backgrounds - Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with others. Ability to work in a high stress, high volume area and work well under pressure and with deadlines. Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately; detail oriented. Able to efficiently prepare written summaries of activities, set priorities and complete reports within required timeframes. Knowledge of medical and/or psychiatric terminology. - Good oral, written, and telephone communication skills. Able to work as a team member in a culturally diverse setting. - Ability to work with other providers who possess different level of skills, education and training - Ability to work on a multidisciplinary team, including on-site support services and property management staff
• PREFERRED: - Prior experience working in an emergency room and/or acute psychiatric setting
• LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: - Licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as LCSW, MFT or LPCC

License / Certification

Lic Clinical Social Worker, Licd Marriage_Family Therapist

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as https://www.ucsf.edu/about/mission-and-values . In addition to , UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available https://diversity.ucsf.edu/ . Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

EEO Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.