POSITION TITLE: Director of Clinical Programs
LOCATION/DEPT: Harbor Light Center-Chicago
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
PEOPLE MANAGER: Yes
FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt
STATUS TYPE: RFT
PAY RANGE: $95,000-$120,000
WHO WE ARE
At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to “Doing the Most Good”. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for kids after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Clinical Programs is a mission driven leader who shapes the vision, quality, and impact of behavioral health and substance use services within our organization. This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful, life changing work by overseeing a diverse portfolio of clinical programs designed to support individuals on their path to recovery. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director provides strategic and operational leadership to a team of licensed clinicians and program leaders. They cultivate a collaborative, high performing environment where staff are supported, standards are clear, and quality care is the priority. This role ensures that all services are delivered with compassion, integrity, and adherence to regulatory and accreditation requirements, while continuously strengthening clinical practices and outcomes. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director plays an active role in advancing the organization’s mission and expanding its impact in the community. They build strong partnerships with public agencies, funders, and community organizations, helping to increase access to care and improve the lives of individuals and families facing complex behavioral health challenges.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a licensed clinical leader who is passionate about service, energized by leading teams, and motivated to drive innovation, growth, and lasting community impact.
PROGRAM/CLIENT ENVIRONMENT
The backgrounds of the clients served by The Harbor Light Program will manifest a variety of inappropriate behaviors. When this occurs, employees are to respond within the context of the treatment environment of the site. Employee conduct (actions, dress, etc.) and interactions (conversations, written communications, etc.) with clients must also be within the treatment environment of the facility.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- The treatment programs of the Harbor Light Center are managed within stated regulations, objectives, policies, and the approved budget in order to provide quality, individual care to our clients.
- Supervision is provided of the approved program budget and assistance is given in the preparation of the recommended annual budget as requested.
- Clinical and administrative staff supervision is provided, including direction, training, support, affirmation, discipline, and evaluation. The position directly supervises all Harbor Light clinical programs including: The Outpatient Department, Intensive Rehabilitation Unit Supervisor, Minority Addictions Treatment Program Supervisor, Recovery Home, Intake Supervisor and the Office Manager.
- The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center is represented by this position with the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, State of Illinois, Veterans’ Administration, City of Chicago and with other agencies assuring communication, problem resolution, and contract compliance is positively maintained.
- Oversee program outcomes and performance metrics for SUPR and other city and state funded grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and reporting standards.
- Ensure full utilization of electronic systems across all staff (Next Step).
- Oversee billing function for Clinical Services.
- Oversee insurance credentialing and contacting.
- Coordinate service with Lawndale Christian Health Center.
- Will assure CARF standards are met in all Clinical programs.
- A sample of case files are reviewed by this position for compliance with applicable DASA standards and the agency policies to assure quality services are provided.
- Operating procedures, treatment/rehabilitation modalities, record keeping methods and other related activities in accordance with the licensing standards and existing state and federal regulations are maintained and updated when necessary.
- All reports and data collected by the Quality Care staff are reviewed with the QC Director and department supervisors to assure written plans for deficit correction are developed and completed.
- All program functions are monitored for licensure compliance with results being shared with the Executive Director.
- Program wide preparation for all internal and external program audits and reviews are coordinated. The agency goal is a score of 100%; a score of 90% or less is unacceptable.
- Plans to address performance deficiencies and noncompliance issues are developed and implemented.
- Client satisfaction surveys are studied and the programs will be updated as appropriate to meet the needs of the clients.
- An active interest and involvement is maintained in the substance abuse and mental health field; participation in groups, seminars, conferences, as approved by The Salvation Army and the Executive Director, is expected.
- Staff training needs will be assessed continually and training opportunities will be developed assuring the staff has the tools they needs to provide quality care.
- All program curriculum, including groups, will be assessed and updated as necessary. A written curriculum will be maintained for all programs.
- This position will sit in on all groups twice a year to evaluate the effectiveness of the group leader and the curriculum.
- This position will hold focus groups of clients in each program twice a year to hear client feedback on the program and suggestions for change.
- Staff members of all programs will be encouraged, appreciated, listened to, appropriately trained, and given the tools they need to complete their tasks. The staff will be held accountable to follow all policies and procedures and to represent The Salvation Army positively to clients, co-workers, and the community.
- This position leads the team at the Review Board; participates on Management Team, Quality Care Planning Committee, Advisory Council, Admin Team, Strategic Planning Committee, and other groups as requested by the Executive Director.
- Program development and funding options will be explored and developed with the lead of the Executive Director.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Education: Position requires a graduate degree from an accredited school of Social Work or Psychology with an LCSW, LCPC or CADC.
- Experience: At least eight years of experience in social work field, including a minimum of three years of supervisory and/or administrative responsibility in a substance abuse/psychiatric setting.
JOB LIMITATIONS
- This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
- This individual will keep the Executive Director informed on all critical issues relating to her/his area of responsibility.
- This individual will adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This position is required to do light physical work. In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and PC.
- Must be able to walk up three flights of stairs and lift up to 25lbs.
- The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low noise level.
- Must be able to work with clients that have poor social skills, suffer from mental illness, and have substance abuse problems.
COMPETENCIES
- A strong personal conviction for the mission of The Salvation Army.
- An ethical ability to work with confidential material.
- Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
- A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible with changing job situations/priorities.
- Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, using diplomacy and good judgment.
- Must possess an exceptional attention to detail.
- An advanced knowledge of social services and on-going interest in the substance abuse recovery field.
- Knowledge of supervising professionals in a variety of departments and fields.
THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
