Detention Behavioral Health Program Lead

Acuity International; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Acuity International is seeking a Behavioral Health Program Manager to oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of behavioral health services within a detention environment.

The role ensures clinical, operational, and administrative functions meet federal, state, and local regulations while leading a multidisciplinary team to deliver trauma‑informed and evidence‑based care that supports detainee well‑being and safe facility operations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related behavioral health field.
• Independent clinical licensure (Licensed Psychologist (PhD or PsyD) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LICSW)).
• Minimum 7 years of post‑licensure clinical experience and 6 years administrative supervisory experience.
• Experience managing behavioral health treatment programs and/or leading complex organizations.
• Experience with treatment of SMI population.
• Demonstrated experience in correctional, detention, or other high‑security or high‑acuity environments.
• Strong knowledge of detention standards, suicide prevention protocols, crisis management, and trauma‑informed care.
• Ability to manage behavioral health operations during phased facility ramp‑up and fluctuating detainee populations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams in a fast‑paced operational environment.
• Proficiency in clinical documentation, reporting, and quality assurance processes.
• Must be able to multi‑task, be detail‑oriented, be organized, and have excellent verbal and communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain necessary clearances and credentials required for access to detention facilities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain favorable background investigations.
• Meet the requirements of the contract for all immunizations.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, resided in the U.S. for 3 years in the past 5 years.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must complete all required training.
• Ability to adapt to sudden changes and flexibility in work requirements to include potential shift changes based on operational needs and/or command priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead all behavioral health operations in accordance with facility standards, client directives and requirements.
• Oversee intake mental health screenings, ensuring timely completion during high‑volume or accelerated intake periods.
• Manage delivery of clinical services including assessments, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, treatment planning, and continuity of care.
• Develop and maintain behavioral health policies, procedures, and workflows that support safe operations and facility ramp‑up phases.
• Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with documentation, reporting, and quality assurance standards.
• Supervise behavioral health clinicians, case managers, and support staff; provide clinical oversight and performance evaluations.
• Coordinate with medical, security, case management, and facility leadership to support integrated care and safe detainee management.
• Participate in daily operational briefings and multidisciplinary case reviews.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare required reports for internal leadership and stakeholders.
• Develop and oversee therapeutic programming that is trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with detainee needs.
• Implement corrective action plans when deficiencies are identified during inspections or audits.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical supervision

Trauma‑informed care

Regulatory compliance

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in psychology/social work

Job description

Acuity International is seeking a Behavioral Health Program Manager to oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of behavioral health services within a detention environment.

The role ensures clinical, operational, and administrative functions meet federal, state, and local regulations while leading a multidisciplinary team to deliver trauma‑informed and evidence‑based care that supports detainee well‑being and safe facility operations.