Director of Mental Health

Friends of the Children•Klamath Falls, OR

2d•$90,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Mental Health (DMH) is a foundational leadership role responsible for building and overseeing Friends of the Children - Klamath Basin’s new behavioral health program, which will align behavioral health skill-building and mentoring work. This position is supervised by the Executive Director and works in close partnership with the Program Director. The DMH will lead clinical program development, ensure compliance with Medicaid and OHA/CCO requirements, supervise staff delivering services, and integrate mental health services into the organization’s long-standing mentorship model. While this role primarily focuses on program development, clinical oversight, supervision, and system-building, it also includes meaningful direct service responsibilities. These include conducting regular assessments for each child and, when capacity allows, providing direct therapy to youth who are not currently connected to an external provider.

Requirements

Active, unrestricted LCSW, LPC, or LMFT license in Oregon
Experience providing clinical supervision and overseeing non-licensed staff
Strong knowledge of Medicaid billing, OHA regulations and community mental health systems
Demonstrated experience in trauma-informed care
Ability to work toward or maintain eligibility to provide clinical supervision in Oregon
No felony convictions or misdemeanors related to behavioral health service provision
Strong leadership and clinical decision-making skills
Ability to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services
Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a developing program environment
Ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, and community partners
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements
Strong interpersonal, communication and colaboration skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Strong problem solving skills and sound professional judgement

Responsibilities

Provide clinical supervision to staff serving as QMHAs and peer support specialists
Lead transition into primary clinical supervision responsibilities as eligible and approved
Support development and adherence to each child’s Roadmap or Transition Plan
Ensure coordinated care across providers, families, and systems
Lead the development of a compliant Behavioral Health program aligned with OHA, CCO, and Medicaid requirements
Oversee clinical documentation systems, including review of service notes, claims, and billing alignment
Ensure organizational compliance with all federal, state, and local behavioral health regulations
Support credentialing, contracting, and relationships with CCOs and community partners
Participate in audits and ensure readiness for Medicaid billing and regulatory review
Collaborate with staff to ensure accurate and timely invoicing for services
Serve as a member of the Crisis Response Team and support emergency response planning
Ensure timely and appropriate response for clients at risk of harm to self or others
Oversee staff credentialing (QMHA and related roles), onboarding, and professional development
Identify and coordinate internal and external training opportunities aligned with OARs and CCO requirements
Monitor licensure and certification compliance for all clinical staff
Support development of trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices across the organization
Identify opportunities for program growth and innovation (e.g., ACEs-informed care, neurofeedback, pilot interventions)
Lead mental health intakes for youth in current program
Complete assessments, treatment plans, and service documentation in alignment with regulatory standards
Deliver services within scope of licensure and expertise
Support families, caregivers, and community partners in strengthening protective factors and long-term outcomes
Build and maintain relationships with local providers, agencies, and community organizations
Support referral pathways and service coordination across the Klamath Basin
Provide insight and guidance to leadership on local behavioral health needs and system gaps
Collaborate across all Friends of the Children staff to ensure integrated, holistic care