Director, Center for Behavioral Medicine
Methuen-MA-01844-United States
JOB PURPOSE:
The Center for Behavioral Medicine Director will be responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for the department, overseeing clinical operations, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and managing the budget. Plays a crucial role in the management and oversight of the behavioral health system located at three sites. They should have a strong background in behavioral health management, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for improving the quality of behavioral health services.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee the administrative and clinical operations, programs, and policies of the Center for Behavioral Medicine.
- Analyze data to inform decision-making and policy development.
- Lead crisis intervention and emergency response efforts.
- Develop and implement strategic plans for the department.
- Oversight of multidisciplinary teams of mental health professionals, including providers, social workers, nurses, and other allied health staff.
- Providing clinical supervision and support to the staff through monitoring the quality of care provided by the behavioral health team.
- Recruit, hire, train and evaluate the performance of the behavioral health staff.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality behavioral health services.
- Implement quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes.
- Implement training programs for staff to improve their therapeutic skills, knowledge and professional development.
- Lead the department to successful outcomes in accreditation, certification, and licensing surveys.
- Manage the department’s budget and resources.
- Ensure the facility complies with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Collaborate with other departments to provide integrated care.
- Represent the department in meetings with internal and community stakeholders.
- Stay current with the latest trends and best practices in behavioral health.
GENERAL COMPETENCIES:
ENVIRONMENT OF CARE (SAFETY)
All new employees are required to attend New Employee Orientation, to include the safety topic, and must complete the annual Safety Training.
Uses all equipment in a safe manner.
Identifies and reports all safety hazards throughout the Hospital.
Reports injuries and accidents and/or errors to patients and visitors in a timely manner.
Completes and forwards an Incident Report when indicated using the Hospital’s reporting system.
Responds to fires and/or fire drills using the appropriate procedure.
Follows the Tobacco Free Environment Policy. (Policy # 01-057)
Manages waste and hazardous materials in the proper manner.
Uses the Safety Data Sheets when needed.
Performs appropriately in actual or simulated Internal Emergency Preparedness episodes.
Performs appropriately in actual or simulated External Emergency Preparedness episodes.
Uses proper body mechanics and lifting techniques.
QUALITY/PATIENT SAFETY/PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
Strives to exceed Quality and Safety benchmarks quarterly and annually, as established from the Annual Operating Plan (AOP).
Abides by service, quality, safety and productivity standards.
Supports the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Safety Culture Survey and the Implementation of Improvements, as indicated in the AOP. Develops action plans as required.
Identifies problems/issues/risks and formulates effective solutions to mitigate them. Uses Hospital notification system for reporting such problems/issues/risks.
Participates in Performance Improvement activities such as Root Cause Analysis or Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) when appropriate and required.
Implements solutions borne out of a Root Cause Analysis or HFMEA when appropriate.
Leverages the Lean methodology to document and continually improve processes when applicable.
SECURITY
Assumes responsibility for a clean and safe work environment.
Wears one’s Identification Badge at all times while at work.
Adheres to policies relating to computer security.
PATIENTS RIGHTS, CONFIDENTIALITY & ETHICS
Maintains patients’ rights, privacy and confidentiality in all aspects of the job, including those relating to diagnosis and patient records.
Promotes and employs ethical actions at all times with patients’ families and others.
Adheres to the policies and procedures of the Hospital Compliance Program.
SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Performs as a team member utilizing the LGH values of quality, service, integrity, and compassion.
Demonstrates excellent customer service by conducting daily activities, communications and interactions in a cooperative, positive and professional manner as dictated by the Hospital’s Service Excellence 7 Standards of Behavior.
COMPETENCY & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Identifies and communicates learning, competency and personal development needs to the supervisor.
Actively identifies and participates in educational activities that meet one’s educational needs, as approved by the supervisor.
Uses newly found knowledge and skills in one’s role.
AGE RELATED COMMUNICATION & SAFETY
Communicates in a manner appropriate and respectful to the comprehension level of the patient and/or family.
Maintains a safe environment specific to the age group served.
INFECTION CONTROL
Follows standard of universal precautions and use of appropriate personal protection equipment.
Works to reduce the risk of health care acquired infections through compliance with current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) hand hygiene guidelines.
Standard Precautions area utilized during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials, when necessary.
Is knowledgeable of and demonstrates compliance with all National Patient Safety Goals in preventing healthcare acquired infections.
Adheres to infection control and safety policies.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
Maintains the responsibility for punctuality and attendance to ensure optimal operation of the department.
Meets Hospital attendance policy as defined in the Hospital policy manual.
When an unscheduled absence from work is necessary, the department is notified according to department policy.
Submits requests for Paid Time Off, days off, etc. in accordance with department policy.
EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Required:
- Master’s degree or higher in Nursing with Current Registration in MA or Master’s degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related discipline.
- Current License in Clinical Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or related field.
-
- Minimum of 4 years post graduate experience with demonstrated clinical competence in the specialty area of behavioral health .
- Minimum of 4 years of management or supervisory experience in a behavioral health environment, preferably in an inpatient setting.
-
-
- Excellent leadership and management skills are required.
- Knowledge of CMS and TJC standards.
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
- Ability to handle stressful situations and make informed decisions.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate across disciplines and care settings.
- High clinical acumen and excellent clinical decision-making skills.
- Proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) documentation and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
- BCLS required.
Preferred:
- Knowledge of patient populations served by the hospital.
- Experience with quality improvement initiatives and change management.
- Experience working in a managed care environment including utilization review processes.
- Experience working in a union environment.
- Experience managing programs at multiple sites.
- Knowledge of Commonwealth of MA DMH regulations and standards
- Experience with, and knowledge of, hospital operations.

PI274303336