Clinical Director Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Program (DATEP)

Ser Familia, Inc; Kennesaw (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ser Familia, Inc. is seeking a Clinical Director to provide leadership, oversight, and compliance for the DATEP program, ensuring services meet regulatory standards and person-centered care.

The role supervises clinical staff, coordinates assessments, treatment planning, documentation, and quality improvement, while promoting trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices. The director will collaborate with medical staff, ensure ethical care, and drive continuous program improvement to

Qualifications

• Licensed practitioner authorized under Georgia law to provide treatment, counseling, or guidance for substance use disorders.
• Certified addiction counselor recognized by the state (CAC II/III) or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of ASAM criteria and evidence-based treatment practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead DATEP clinical services and ensure regulatory alignment.
• Oversee screening, intake, assessment, and admission processes.
• Approve individualized treatment plans and monitor progress and outcomes.
• Supervise licensed and unlicensed clinical staff and support staff development.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate medical oversight and referrals with the Medical Director.
• Oversee risk, safety, and incident reviews; enforce ethical practices.
• Drive quality assurance, program improvements, and quarterly reviews.
• Support discharge planning and aftercare to sustain recovery outcomes.
• Provide training on trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and data-driven practices.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Staff supervision

Documentation & compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred

Education

LCSW / LPC / LMFT license (Georgia)

CAC II / CAC III certification

Job description

Position Summary

The Clinical Director is responsible for the overall clinical leadership, oversight, quality, and integrity of services provided through Ser Familia’s Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Program (DATEP). This position ensures that all clinical services are delivered in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including Georgia Rule 111-8-19, requirements of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), applicable Department of Community Health (DCH) standards, and agency policies and procedures.

The Clinical Director provides leadership in clinical practice, supervises clinical staff, ensures appropriate assessment, admission, treatment planning, documentation, discharge, and aftercare processes, and leads quality assurance and performance improvement activities. This role promotes high quality, person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care for the individuals and families served by Ser Familia.

Qualifications

1. Licensed practitioner authorized under Georgia law to provide treatment, therapeutic advice, or counseling for substance use disorders, such as LCSW, LPC, or LMFT
2. Certified addiction counselor recognized by the state, such as CAC II, CAC III, or equivalent

Additional Requirements

1. Minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience in substance use disorder treatment
2. Experience in outpatient or community-based behavioral health settings preferred
3. Knowledge of ASAM criteria and evidence-based treatment practices
4. Demonstrated experience in clinical supervision, staff development, and program oversight
5. Strong working knowledge of clinical documentation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance requirements
6. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

Core Responsibilities

1. 1. Clinical Leadership and Program Oversight

   • Provide clinical leadership and oversight for all DATEP services
   • Ensure services align with program purpose, participant needs, and regulatory requirements
   • Promote ethical, professional, and evidence-based standards of care
   • Support the agency’s clinical vision through recovery-oriented, person-centered, and trauma-informed practices
   • Provide consultation and guidance on complex clinical cases, including coordination with medical providers, crisis services, and community partners

2. 2. Assessment and Admission Oversight

   • Oversee clinical screening, intake, and assessment processes in accordance with Rule .13
   • Ensure assessments are completed by qualified staff within required timeframes
   • Ensure individuals admitted to the program meet eligibility and admission criteria
   • Review and approve clinical determinations when required
   • Ensure assessment and diagnostic practices are consistent with DBHDD, DCH, and program expectations

3. 3. Individualized Treatment Planning

   • Approve individualized treatment plans within required timeframes in accordance with Rule .14
   • Ensure treatment plans include identified needs, measurable goals, appropriate interventions, and clear service frequency and clinical rationale
   • Ensure treatment plans are reviewed and updated as required
   • Monitor participant progress, engagement, and clinical outcomes
   • Promote person-centered planning and service delivery with fidelity to evidence-based practices

4. 4. Clinical Supervision and Staffing

   • Provide direct supervision and clinical oversight to licensed and unlicensed clinical staff
   • Ensure staff credentials, roles, and scope of practice are consistent with state requirements and program needs
   • Participate in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance evaluation of clinical personnel
   • Ensure staffing patterns and supervision structures support safe, effective, and compliant service delivery
   • Promote workforce development and ongoing professional growth among staff

5. 5. Documentation and Medical Record Oversight

   • In coordination with the Compliance Director, ensure the accuracy, completeness, integrity, and timeliness of all clinical documentation in accordance with Rule .09
   • Oversee maintenance of participant records in compliance with confidentiality laws, including 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, and agency requirements
   • With the support of the Compliance Director, conduct or oversee periodic chart reviews to ensure compliance, quality, and medical record integrity
   • With the support of the Compliance Director, ensure documentation meets requirements for assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, event notes, and related clinical records

6. 6. Medication Oversight and Coordination

   • Ensure appropriate medical oversight from the Medical Director when medications are prescribed or administered, in accordance with Rule .15
   • Ensure medication-related services, referrals, and monitoring are documented appropriately
   • Coordinate with the Medical Director and other medical professionals as needed, to ensure appropriate referral, communication, and continuity of care

7. 7. Behavior Management, Risk, and Safety

   • Oversee clinical policies and procedures related to behavior management and participant safety
   • Ensure emergency safety interventions, when applicable, are used appropriately, documented correctly, and reviewed for quality and compliance
   • Review incidents requiring clinical oversight
   • Support the Chief Programs Officer in providing leadership related to risk management, participant rights, safety practices, infection control, and service environment standards

8. 8. Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement

   • Lead clinical quality assurance and performance improvement activities in accordance with Rule .16
   • Monitor service quality, outcomes, fidelity, accessibility, and effectiveness
   • As part of their role in the Quality Improvement Committee, review incidents, trends, utilization, participant outcomes, performance indicators, as well as to implement corrective action plans and program improvements as needed
   • Participate in quarterly, annual, and other required program reviews
   • Collaborate with agency leadership, compliance staff, and quality improvement structures to strengthen clinical performance and regulatory readiness

9. 9. Discharge and Aftercare Planning

   • With the support of the Compliance Director, ensure discharge summaries are completed within required timeframes in accordance with Rule .17
   • Ensure aftercare and transition plans are developed appropriately and referrals are made as needed
   • In coordination with the Chief Programs Officer, promote continuity of care and linkage to community-based supports and services
   • Ensure discharge and transition planning support sustained recovery outcomes for participants and families

10. 10. Training and Staff Development

    • In coordination with the Chief Programs Officer, ensure all clinical staff receive required initial and ongoing training
    • Oversee or support training in areas including de-escalation, trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practice, documentation standards, emergency safety interventions when applicable, participant rights, and confidentiality
    • Promote continuous improvement in staff knowledge, competency, and service delivery practices

11. 11. Regulatory Compliance, Audits, and Reporting

    • With the support of the Compliance Director, ensure program compliance with all applicable DATEP, DBHDD, DCH, and other regulatory requirements
    • Ensure compliance with service eligibility, authorization, and utilization management expectations, where applicable
    • Participate in licensing reviews, audits, site visits, and monitoring activities
    • As part of their role in the Quality Improvement Committee, review and approve required reports related to incidents, safety events, corrective actions, and other compliance matters
    • Collaborate with executive leadership in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and workflows that support operational excellence and compliance

Key Competencies

• Strong clinical leadership and sound decision-making
• Deep understanding of substance use treatment, recovery models, and evidence-based practices
• Knowledge of ASAM criteria, outpatient behavioral health services, and community-based care
• Ability to interpret and implement regulatory requirements and clinical standards
• Strong documentation, quality assurance, and compliance skills
• Skill in clinical supervision, coaching, and staff development
• Commitment to ethical practice and continuous quality improvement
• Demonstrated cultural competence, trauma-informed practice, and responsiveness to the communities served
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and external stakeholders