Director of Mental Health (Psychologist)
About The Position
The Director of Mental Health provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and clinical direction for behavioral health programs at the assigned facility. The role ensures high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health services and compliance with regulatory standards, accreditation requirements, and organizational goals. The Director works with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes and program performance, support staff development, and maintain continuity of care. The position is based at Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, New Jersey, and includes 24/7 on-call responsibilities, including after-hours coverage, unless an alternative arrangement is approved. Travel to facilities may be required if assigned to more than one location.
Requirements
- Doctoral degree in Psychology.
- Active, unrestricted Licensed Psychologist license, as required by organizational needs.
- Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive behavioral health leadership experience.
- Strong leadership and team development skills.
- Knowledge of behavioral health regulations, standards, and evidence-based practices.
- Experience with quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.
- Ability to analyze data and make operational decisions.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to travel to facilities if assigned to more than one location.
Nice To Haves
- At least 3 years managing a site, program, or regional operation.
- Experience in correctional healthcare, community mental health, hospital systems, or integrated healthcare settings.
- Experience with regulatory agencies and accreditation standards.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and oversight for behavioral health operations at the assigned facility.
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals and improve behavioral health services.
- Monitor program performance, quality metrics, and patient outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.
- Lead and support site staff, clinicians, and interdisciplinary care teams.
- Conduct regular audits to evaluate operational effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Oversee staffing models, workforce planning, recruitment support, and retention strategies.
- Partner with Human Resources and clinical leadership on hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance management.
- Review and analyze key performance indicators, productivity measures, and behavioral health reports.
- Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and clinical workflows.
- Identify and implement quality improvement initiatives and corrective action plans.
- Collaborate with medical, nursing, correctional, and administrative leaders to coordinate integrated patient care.
- Manage departmental budgets and assist with financial planning and resource allocation.
- Serve as a liaison between site-level staff and regional behavioral health teams.
- Participate in meetings, committees, and leadership initiatives as assigned.
- Provide on-call support for the facility 24/7, including after-hours coverage, and respond to urgent operational or clinical issues.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Promote patient and employee safety through proper identification, reporting, documentation, and prevention.
- Maintain competency and knowledge of current standards of practice, trends, and developments relevant to the role.
- Follow infection control, medication administration and storage, controlled substance, facility safety, OSHA, occurrence reporting, HIPAA, and PREA requirements.
- Participate in ongoing quality improvement activities, complete required orientation, remain punctual and dependable for assigned shifts, and maintain facility security clearance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
