Clinical Director

UCS Healthcare; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Robust benefits package

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

UCS Healthcare in West Des Moines, Iowa, seeks a Clinical Director to lead counseling programs for behavioral health, including mental health and addiction services. You will provide strategic direction, oversee clinical operations, and ensure compliance with HIPAA and licensing standards.

The role demands building strong teams, guiding policies, and driving quality initiatives while integrating with leadership to advance patient-centered care in a nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in human services or related field.
• Independent clinical licensure in Iowa (LISW/LMFT/LMHC/psychologist) or eligibility.
• Experience with ASAM Criteria, HIPAA, and 42 CFR part 2.
• Minimum of 2 years in a clinical supervisory or leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and management of treatment counseling programs based on evidence-based practices.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align clinical operations with organizational goals.
• Develop and apply clinical policies and procedures to support consistent service delivery.
• Implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance care delivery and patient outcomes.
• Oversee day-to-day behavioral health operations ensuring licensure and accreditation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

Education

Master’s degree in human services

Independent clinical licensure in Iowa (LISW/LMFT/LMHC/psychologist)

Job description

Clinical Director

UCS Healthcare – West Des Moines, Iowa, United States

About this position

We have a full-time salaried position available for a Clinical Director at our West Des Moines clinic location.

“UCS Healthcare values me as an employee.” “I’m given the latitude to do my job.” “UCS Healthcare is making a difference in our community.” “My supervisor is caring and understanding and is rooting for my success!”

These are just a few quotes from a recent employee survey. Many employers promise competitive salaries and benefits, but more than that is required to provide a fulfilling career. What will? How about an organizational culture of mutual respect? Or maybe a career that is not ‘corporate,’ where profits come before people? As an integrated healthcare non-profit, we put people first. We pay for a vast majority of your health insurance premium as part of our robust benefits package. We provide real opportunities for advancement and growth while doing work that makes a difference in our communities. We are inclusive and firmly believe that bringing your authentic self to work improves teams and helps our clients thrive.

If you're seeking a workplace that aligns with your values, where your contributions are appreciated, and where you can make a tangible impact, consider joining our team. Rather than waiting for others to catch up with UCS Healthcare, apply with us. Our team members tell us that they are grateful they did. Join us in our mission to create hope for healing and lifelong well-being.

We have a commitment to supporting working parents through our family-friendly policies and practices. We’re seeking to create a workplace that supports employees at work and in life. These practices reflect our belief that when people feel supported as whole individuals, they do their best work and thrive.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Job Summary

The Clinical Director creates, implements, and manages counseling programs that cater to individuals with behavioral health needs, including mental health, substance use, and problem gambling disorders. The Clinical Director is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for the department, overseeing clinical operations, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. The Clinical Director is a member of the leadership team and works with other leaders to provide strategic leadership, interdepartmental collaboration, and operational management to UCS Healthcare. As part of UCS Healthcare, the Clinical Director will comply with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as UCS policies and procedures, including patient confidentiality, HIPAA/42CFR part 2, and CARF requirements. They will embody UCS Healthcare's core values, work effectively within a team, provide or support patient-centered services, and strive to deliver the highest level of care.

Essential Functions (65%)

• Lead the development, implementation, and management of treatment counseling programs and treatment modalities based on evidence-based practices that align with accreditation standards and government regulations.
• Work collaboratively with the executive leadership team and other department heads to align clinical operations with organizational strategies and goals.
• Direct the development and application of clinical policies and procedures to support consistent and high-quality service delivery.
• Implement and monitor continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance care delivery and optimize patient outcomes.
• Oversee day-to-day behavioral health operations, ensuring compliance with licensure, accreditation standards, and all regulatory guidelines.
• Manage change in integrated health care delivery systems, such as work restructuring, technological innovations, and shifts in the focus of care.
• Ensure Clinical Supervisors effectively implement departmental policies and procedures, maintaining consistency across all clinical teams.
• Direct, supervise, and evaluate supervision of clinical and direct-service personnel addressing: clinical decision-making, clinical documentation quality and timeliness, ethics and legal aspects of clinical practice and professional standards, promoting continued professional growth and ensuring they deliver culturally competent care, electronic health record (EHR) functionality, efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Team Management and Development

• Provide direct supervision, guidance, and performance management to direct reports.
• Assist with training and onboarding of team members, using effective techniques to promote team development.
• Create goal setting and cascading annual goals for team members.
• Responsible for interviewing and selection of team members.
• Effectively delegate to accomplish goals and to build team members’ capability and confidence.
• Coach and mentor team members; receive and provide feedback in a constructive way that builds confidence within the team; address performance issues as needed in a timely manner.
• Completion and maintenance of required recordkeeping including but not limited to applicant tracking, onboarding, supervisions, and annual reviews.

Other Duties (35%)

• Mediate, manage, and respond to provider and/or patient needs/concerns/crises.
• Act as a liaison with state health department officials, accrediting agencies, and licensing boards to ensure compliance and address external inquiries or audits.
• As needed, supervise Masters level students for practicum or internship experiences.
• Administer the department’s fiscal operations, including budget planning, resource allocation, and expense authorization in alignment with organizational goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• A minimum of a master’s degree in a human services or related area (e.g., social work, counseling, psychology).
• Must either hold or be eligible for independent clinical licensure in the state of Iowa. Acceptable licenses include: LISW, LMFT, LMHC, licensed Psychologist.
• Must be experienced with American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria, HIPAA, and 42 CFR part 2.
• Minimum of 2 years in a clinical supervisory or leadership role, with experience in managing teams in a healthcare setting.
• Strong clinical and administrative judgment, with the ability to quickly and effectively respond to critical incidents or urgent matters.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment.
• Strong organizational leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, lead teams, and oversee clinical operations.

Preferred Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and/or experience with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and its application in behavioral health treatment is highly desirable.
• An understanding of various professional roles within the behavioral health industry and the corresponding scopes of practice is preferred.

Supervisory Responsibility

See organizational chart.

Physical Requirements

• Must be accessible by phone or email regularly to address operational needs.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work on a computer.
• A valid driver's license is required and liability insurance or an equivalent means of reliable personal transportation and coverage as travel within the state of Iowa may be necessary.

This is a full-time, exempt position. Daily schedule may vary based on what patient needs, team member needs, or job duties demand.

Benefits

• We pay for a vast majority of your health insurance premium as part of our robust benefits package.
• We provide real opportunities for advancement and growth while doing work that makes a difference in our communities.
• We have a commitment to supporting working parents through our family-friendly policies and practices.