Director of Programs

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Programs serves as a member of MHAST's Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and oversight of the agency's behavioral health programs. This position provides leadership to Program Managers, and clinical leadership to ensure high-quality, person-centered, recovery-oriented services that align with MHAST's mission, strategic priorities, and regulatory requirements.

The Director of Programs oversees program operations, clinical service delivery, program development, workforce support, quality improvement, and performance outcomes across agency programs while ensuring compliance with OMH, OASAS, Medicaid, managed care, contractual, and funding requirements.

The Director of Programs partners closely with the Executive Director and Executive Leadership Team to strengthen service delivery, advance strategic initiatives, develop new programs, monitor organizational performance, and support the agency's continued growth and long-term sustainability.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Leadership & Strategy:

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of all agency behavioral health programs.
• Develop long-term program strategies that support organizational growth and sustainability.
• Participate in strategic planning and organizational development initiatives.
• Evaluate opportunities for program expansion and new service development.
• Monitor program performance, utilization, outcomes, and organizational effectiveness.
• Participate in on-call duties as assigned.

Program Operations:

• Provide leadership and supervision to Program Directors, Managers, and other assigned leadership staff.
• Ensure programs operate efficiently and in compliance with agency expectations.
• Support hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Promote collaboration across programs and departments.
• Monitor staffing models and workforce capacity.

Clinical Leadership & Quality:

• Provide clinical supervision to licensed mental health professionals, as appropriate.
• Maintain agency clinical standards, documentation expectations, and evidence-based practices.
• Support complex case consultation and risk management.
• Oversee development and implementation of clinical policies and procedures.
• Promote trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and culturally responsive care.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Improvement:

• Ensure compliance with OMH, OASAS, Medicaid, managed care, and contractual requirements.
• Monitor program quality indicators, audits, incidents, and corrective action plans.
• Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives across programs.
• Support licensing, certification, and regulatory reviews.

Community Partnerships & Organizational Leadership:

• Represent MHAST with community partners, healthcare systems, government agencies, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.

• Participate in community committees and collaborative initiatives.

• Support grant implementation, reporting, and program evaluation.

• Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team to advance agency priorities and strategic goals.

• Master's degree in Social Work or related behavioral health field.

• Current New York State LCSW required.

• Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in behavioral health, crisis services, or human services.

• Minimum three years supervising behavioral health staff and/or program leadership.

• Demonstrated experience in program administration, clinical oversight, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement.

• Eligible for Broome County 9.45 designation.

• Knowledge of OMH, OASAS, Medicaid, managed care organizations, and behavioral health regulations.

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic Leadership
• Program Development
• Clinical Excellence
• Relationship Building
• Change Management
• Accountability
• Team Development
• Continuous Improvement
• Mission-Driven Leadership

Great Benefits Package:

• Health Insurance Premiums covered 90% by employer
  • Deductible covered 100% by employer
• Shift Differential
• 401(k) Roth and Traditional with up to a 4% match
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off – Vacation and Sick
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short Term Disability – covered 100% by employer
• Long Term Disability – covered 100% by employer
• Life Insurance – covered 100% by employer

MHAST is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to inclusive employment practices that represent and support a diverse workforce. MHAST is also committed to employing individuals with lived experience, including mental health and substance use disorder experiences. Peers with lived experience are representative of the populations served in MHAST programs, and their work within the mental health field has been proven to be a pivotal part of the success and recovery of others.