Program Director - Subacute Mental Health

Volunteers Of America, Utah • Murray, UT

just now • Onsite

About The Position

Volunteers of America, Utah is an affiliate of a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization that has served communities across the United States for more than 125 years. Volunteers of America, Utah’s mission is to provide community-supported paths for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and increase their self-reliance. Our programs serve people experiencing challenges related to mental health, substance use, and homelessness. We encourage all who are passionate about making a difference, including individuals with lived experience, to apply.

Program Description

Our Subacute Mental Health Treatment Facility is a newly developing, short-term residential program designed to serve adults experiencing high-acuity behavioral health needs. Opening in the coming months, this program will provide a structured, therapeutic alternative to inpatient psychiatric hospitalization while offering more intensive support than traditional outpatient or community-based services.

We will serve both men and women who are experiencing severe mental illness, significant psychiatric decompensation, or elevated suicidality but who do not require the level of medical intensity provided in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. This program will serve as:
A step-down from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization
A step-up from outpatient or community-based care
A hospital diversion option to prevent unnecessary inpatient admissions

The program will operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, with continuous nursing coverage and a multidisciplinary treatment team that includes prescribers, nurses, therapists, case managers, peer support specialists, and front-line staff members.
Treatment will focus on psychiatric stabilization, medication evaluation and management, suicide risk assessment and safety planning, therapeutic interventions, skills building, and intensive discharge planning.

Our facility will provide a structured, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented milieu designed to balance safety with dignity. Clients will participate in daily programming, structured groups, and individualized treatment planning while residing in a supervised, supportive setting.

As a new program, team members will have the opportunity to help shape systems, workflows, and culture from the ground up. We are seeking professionals who are energized by program development, committed to high standards of care, and motivated to create a safe and effective alternative to hospitalization.

Position Summary
Responsible for the administration and daily operation of the Subacute Mental Health Facility. Providing a safe environment that promotes stabilization and recovery and ensuring the program is providing the highest quality services to clients in accordance with VOA mission and policy.

Requirements

• Clinical master’s degree and licensure as a mental health clinician (CMHC, ACMHC, LCSW, CSW).
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with a diverse workforce, clients, and the public.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; attention to detail.
• Maintain appropriate, professional boundaries with clients, co-workers, and volunteers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Organize, prioritize, and independently complete multiple tasks.
• Able to work in Microsoft office.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, possess a current driver’s license, have a good driving record and be insurable on the agency’s liability policy.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and Utah DHHS – Office of Licensing background screening.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and understanding of Medicaid note requirements and billing processes.
• Experience working with clients experiencing serious mental illness, substance use and addiction, and/or homelessness.
• Understanding and/or training in:
• Trauma Informed Approach
• CBT for Psychosis
• Crisis intervention
• DBT
• LOCUS model of care
• Motivational Interviewing
• Trans-theoretical Model - Stages of Change
• Familiarity with CARF accreditation requirements and standards.
• Experience with grants and licensing requirements.
• Experience with program development.
• Administrative experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct a multidisciplinary team to support residents, provide evidence-based modalities and services, and promote recovery.
• Ensure program practices align with the intended intensity and structure of a subacute level of care with a structured milieu, serving clients with high behavioral health needs.
• Act as hiring manager for all members of the management team. Oversee hiring, training, and competency-based evaluation of all positions. Provide direct supervision of management team members.
• Assist with program development and operational workflows prior to and after program opening and maintain responsibility for their implementation.
• Oversee admission, transfer, and discharge processes to support timely access to care, continuity of treatment, and optimal census management.
• Operate according to DHHS licensing standards, CARF criteria, and all contract requirements to guide daily program operations and program development.
• Maintain compliance with funders and/or contracts throughout the year. Coordinate and participate in licensing, accreditation, and audit processes.
• Ensure clinical documentation integrity, including timely authorizations, clinically appropriate treatment planning, and complete, accurate documentation of services.
• Assist in preparing the program budget, participate in monthly budget meetings, and comply with billing requirements.
• Coordinate and collaborate effectively with our agency and community partners.
• Conduct regular interdisciplinary meetings to support coordinated care.
• Ensure all positions receive regular training relevant to their position and responsibility that promote best practices, address concerns, promote teamwork, and encourage the emotional health and well-being of staff members.
• Provide on-call support to the on-call manager and provide crisis management support to staff as needed.
• Complete clinical assessments and provide interventions on an ad hoc basis.
• Provide clinical supervision for staff members if required and licensure permits.
• Attend work in-person, as scheduled.
• Maintain clinical licensure
• Have a clear understanding of and adherence to federal confidentiality and HIPAA laws.
• Obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Complete annual required trainings.
• Proactively expand and integrate knowledge of community resources and evidenced based practices.
• Participate in various meetings and trainings as needed, at various locations.
• Perform other functions as necessary or assigned.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health savings account.
• 403b retirement plan with employer match (50% match up to 3%).
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees
• 33 paid days off: 11 observed paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 10 vacation days to start. Vacation increases to 12 days after 1 year, 15 days after 2 years, and more at 5 and 9 years of service
• Sick and vacation time accrue hourly per pay period
• $50,000 in employer-paid life insurance; additional coverage available
• Employer contribution to your Health Savings Account (paid quarterly)
• Employee Referral Program including cash bonuses and paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director