Director of Programs

Advanced Behavioral Health, Inc•Middletown, CT

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

The MH Waiver Program Director leads the day-to-day operations of ABH's Mental Health Waiver Program. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with ABH's mission and values, establishing internal policies and procedures, and identifying opportunities for program growth, innovation, and community collaboration.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Behavioral Health, Human Services, Public Health, Business Administration, or related field
Progressive management and supervisory experience in behavioral health or human services
Knowledge of CMS waivers and state/federal behavioral health regulatory frameworks
Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered
Strong leadership and supervision: communicating clear goals, organizing workflow, providing timely feedback, and developing team capability
Excellent written and verbal communication for staff, clients, stakeholders, external partners, reports, and executive presentations
Organizational and time management skills to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Client service orientation with professional, empathetic handling of inquiries, complaints, and stakeholder concerns
Research and data analysis to interpret reports, ensure compliance, and support planning and documentation
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and internet-based platforms
Forward-thinking and results-oriented with strong attention to detail
Collaborative and effective across a network of community-based services and diverse stakeholders
Adaptable and composed under pressure; responds constructively to shifting priorities and unforeseen challenges
Skilled at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and facilitating conflict resolution with external partners
Committed to continuous professional development and staying current with industry trends and regulatory changes
Demonstrates emotional intelligence and empathy in all professional interactions

Nice To Haves

Experience engaging community organizations and individuals in recovery
Proficiency in data analysis and program reporting
Active Connecticut professional license: LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or RN

Responsibilities

Build and maintain a statewide provider network for all Mental Health Waiver services.
Develop ongoing training for clinical staff, provider agencies and direct care staff.
Oversee new service development from concept through launch; identify key projects, partnerships, and program ventures.
Establish and maintain performance metrics and reporting structures to track outcomes and support data-driven decision-making.
Identify strategic risks and develop mitigation plans; advise senior leadership on complex programmatic issues.
Oversee fiduciary responsibilities for the Mental Health Waiver (authorizations, claims and participant self-direction of services.
Identify areas for resource reallocation, efficiency improvements, or growth investment.
Partner with executive leadership on long-range financial planning and program sustainability.
Oversee daily program operations and establish clear weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance goals.
Assign work, set deadlines, monitor productivity, and ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities.
Conduct regular team meetings and coordinate vendor relationships to support program delivery and consensus-building.
Manage client assessment coordination, service tracking, and network-wide care continuity.
Serve as primary organizational contact for DHMAS and DSS assigned staff; participate in ongoing project meetings.
Lead full-cycle hiring, onboarding, and performance management for direct reports.
Provide ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, and professional development support to team members.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and accountability.
Partner with HR to address employee relations issues, disciplinary matters, and complaints in accordance with policy and applicable law.