Director of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services

CARITAS (Richmond, VA); Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CARITAS seeks a visionary, licensed leader to serve as Director of Behavioral Health. This full-time onsite role builds a trauma-informed, evidence-based system across shelter and recovery programs, bridging clinical care with peer-led recovery.

You will lead policy, oversight, staff development, and partnerships with community providers, expanding access to behavioral health services and ensuring timely intakes and data-driven improvements.

Qualifications

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia.
• Experience supervising counselors and social work students.
• 5+ years in behavioral health, preferably with SUD and homelessness.
• Experience in program development, supervision, and systems coordination.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care.
• Understanding of peer-driven recovery models.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical oversight across shelter and recovery programs.
• Develop and implement behavioral health policies, protocols, and ethical standards.
• Ensure services align with evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered practices.
• Support program staff with clinical consultation and case guidance.
• Provide strategic oversight for CARITAS Emergency Shelter, Case Management, and Surge Weather Shelter.
• Oversee the development and monitoring of the annual program budget with CARITAS leadership.
• Build and lead the Behavioral Health Department structure.
• Integrate behavioral health services across the continuum of care.
• Expand access to services beyond current capacity.
• Support medication-assisted recovery in partnership with The Healing Place and Recovery Residence staff.
• Create intake evaluations within 48 hours of participant intakes.
• Establish partnerships with community providers and coordinate on-site/off-site services.
• Guide crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.
• Develop protocols for safety, stabilization, and care transitions.
• Design and deliver training on trauma-informed care, crisis response, CBT/DBT, and best practices.
• Oversee behavioral health data systems and track outcomes.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Trauma-informed care

CBT/DBT principles

Crisis intervention

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Supervision

Education

LCSW in VA

Job description

CARITAS seeks a visionary, licensed leader to serve as Director of Behavioral Health. This full-time onsite role builds a trauma-informed, evidence-based system across shelter and recovery programs, bridging clinical care with peer-led recovery.

You will lead policy, oversight, staff development, and partnerships with community providers, expanding access to behavioral health services and ensuring timely intakes and data-driven improvements.