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As we launch a new Mental Health Counseling Center at our New Jersey location, we are seeking an experienced leader to oversee operations, program development, and service delivery. The Social Services Program Director will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and growth planning for behavioral health and social service programs at the SBH NJ Branch. The ideal candidate will bring experience in behavioral health program management, staff leadership, community engagement, and operational excellence, with a commitment to improving outcomes for individuals and families in the communities we serve.

• Lead the launch and ongoing oversight of the agency’s new Mental Health Counseling Center, ensuring effective operations and high-quality service delivery.
• Develop and implement operational processes, policies, and procedures to support the growth and success of the Mental Health Counseling Center.
• Provide leadership and oversight for all mental health and social service programs and initiatives.
• Oversee the management of complex and high-acuity behavioral health cases.
• Utilize clinical expertise and case management skills to provide consultation, guidance, and short-term supportive counseling to clients as needed.
• Supervise and support the Crisis Response Team, including oversight of escalated crisis situations.
• Collaborate with SBH directors and leadership to establish and achieve organizational and departmental goals.
• Assist onsite divisions in responding to client behavioral health and crisis-related needs.
• Partner with board members, committees, and community leaders to identify and address evolving community mental health needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and community organizations to strengthen community support and referral networks.
• Develop, implement, and expand mental health programs and initiatives to meet community needs.
• Monitor, track, and report on program outcomes, service utilization, and key performance metrics.
• Utilize and enhance existing data management systems to support effective service delivery and program evaluation.
• Represent SBH within the broader mental health community and foster strategic partnerships that advance the organization’s mission.

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related mental health field.
• Current professional licensure in a mental health-related discipline required.
• Minimum of five years of experience in behavioral health, mental health services, or social services, including supervisory or leadership responsibilities preferred.
• SIFI certification preferred.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with professionals, community leaders, volunteers, board members, and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, management, problem-solving, and program development skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, and Google Workspace applications.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize data tracking and reporting systems.
• Familiarity with and sensitivity to the needs of the Orthodox Jewish community.
• Ability to travel regularly to Deal, New Jersey.

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and diagnostic assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans, including medication management and follow-up care.
• Provide ongoing clinical care, adjust treatment plans based on clinical outcomes, and ensure continuity of care.
• Collaborate with therapists, social workers, nurse practitioners, and other clinical staff to coordinate care and support treatment goals.
• Provide supervision and guidance to clinical staff, including therapists and trainees, to support professional development and ensure high-quality care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to review clinical cases and treatment planning.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) system in accordance with agency standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention services according to clinic protocols.
• Offer psychoeducation to clients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment options, and medication management.
• Provide care to clients with complex or high-risk presentations, ensuring appropriate risk management and safety planning.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness, including familiarity with the needs and customs of the Orthodox Jewish population.
• Comply with all Article 31 clinic rules, New York State regulations for mental health services, and documentation standards.
• Ensure clinical practices support Medicaid billing requirements and medical necessity documentation for services rendered.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, clinical case reviews, and supervision/training initiatives as requested by leadership.

Skills & Education

• Medical degree (MD or DO) from an accredited institution.
• Board certified or board eligible in Psychiatry.
• Active and unrestricted New York State medical license.
• Demonstrated experience working with children and adolescents in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
• Experience working with high-risk clients, including managing complex or acute clinical presentations.
• Experience with psychopharmacology and evidence-based psychiatric interventions for children, adolescents, and adults.
• Experience in a multidisciplinary clinic or community mental health setting strongly preferred.
• Ability to provide supervision, mentorship, and guidance to clinical staff and trainees.
• Cultural sensitivity and familiarity with the Orthodox Jewish population.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Professional personal presentation and ability to build rapport with clients of all ages.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong clinical documentation and organizational skills.
• Commitment to client confidentiality and ethical standards of practice.
• Enrollment as a Medicaid provider or willingness to complete Medicaid provider enrollment procedures.

• Program Management & Leadership:
• • Oversee the daily operations of the outpatient substance abuse treatment program including OASAS regulations and compliance.
  • Develop, implement, and ensure adherence to policies and procedures that support the center’s mission and goals.
  • Lead and supervise clinical staff, providing guidance, support, and training as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and licensing standards.
  • Monitor program performance through regular data analysis and client feedback.
  • Conduct regular staff meetings and ensure effective communication between staff and management.
• Client Care & Treatment Planning:
  • Oversee the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans for clients.
  • Ensure that clients receive comprehensive and culturally competent treatment services.
  • Provide direct supervision to clinical staff involved in client assessments, counseling, and discharge planning.
  • Foster a client-centered environment that promotes recovery, wellness, and resilience.
  • Ensure that a full range of therapeutic services is available, including individual and group therapy, case management, and support services.
• Staff Development & Training:
  • Facilitate the ongoing professional development of staff members.
  • Ensure staff receive regular feedback and performance evaluations.
  • Oversight on relevant staff training and achieving best practices and new evidence-based treatment methods.
  • Promote a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages staff retention and job satisfaction.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance:
  • Monitor clinical documentation to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards.
  • Implement and maintain quality improvement processes, including client outcomes and treatment effectiveness.
  • Conduct audits and ensure timely, accurate reporting of client progress and program outcomes.
  • Prepare reports for management and stakeholders regarding program performance, challenges, and successes.
• Community Outreach & Stakeholder Relations:
  • Build and maintain relationships with community partners, including healthcare providers, social services, and legal agencies.
  • Represent the treatment center at community meetings and conferences.
  • Engage in outreach activities to promote the center’s services and establish referral networks.

·         Conduct a thorough assessment of clients physical, mental, emotional, social and financial needs to identify areas requiring intervention

·         Develop with the captain and client, individualized treatment plans that address the client’s holistic well-being.

·         Collaborate with internal and external resources regarding case issues

·         Advocate for clients needs and access to appropriate services

·         Provide supportive counseling, reassurance, and guidance to clients throughout their crisis journey

·         Coordinate client care and referrals with all relevant SBH divisions including, pantry, clinic, entitlements, career etc.

·         Attend weekly individual supervision and staff meetings

·         Monitor and track clients progress and all case management services provided and adjust the treatment plans as needed

·         Attend allocation meetings for assigned clients

·         Maintain accurate and detailed records of client assessments, treatment plans, progress notes and coordination efforts.

Job Requirements:

Skills and Education Required:

• Exceptional therapeutic skills to allow for mental health assessment and cognitive reframing
• MSW or Master’s degree in mental health related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years experience in social service case management and/or mental health work preferred
• Excellent organizational and written/oral communications skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel and Google apps
• Ability to learn and utilize existing data tracking systems
• Familiarity with the Orthodox Jewish population

Special Requirements:

• Ability to travel to client’s homes

• Client Assessment & Intake:
  • Conduct initial assessments and intake interviews with new clients to determine the severity of their substance use disorder and mental health needs.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment results, client needs, and treatment goals.
  • Regularly review and update treatment plans to ensure they remain aligned with clients’ progress and evolving needs.
• Individual and Group Counseling:
  • Provide individual counseling sessions to clients to address substance use issues, co-occurring mental health conditions, and recovery goals.
  • Lead and facilitate group therapy sessions, incorporating evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and other appropriate modalities.
  • Provide ongoing support and encouragement to clients as they work toward recovery, fostering a therapeutic and non-judgmental environment.
• Case Management & Support:
  • Assist clients in identifying and addressing social, psychological, and environmental factors that may affect their recovery.
  • Provide referrals to additional services, including mental health treatment, medical care and vocational support, as needed.
  • Coordinate with other healthcare providers, community agencies, and support systems to ensure comprehensive, integrated care for clients.
• Documentation & Record Keeping:
  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date clinical documentation, including intake assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries.
  • Ensure that all documentation is compliant with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards.
  • Track client progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as necessary.
• Recovery Support & Education:
  • Provide psychoeducation to clients and their families about the nature of substance use disorders, treatment options, and the recovery process.
  • Educate clients about relapse prevention strategies, coping skills, and self-care techniques to maintain long-term sobriety.
  • Facilitate discussions on addiction, recovery, and related topics to promote awareness and healthy coping mechanisms.
• Collaboration & Teamwork:
  • Work closely with other team members, including counselors, social workers, case managers, and medical staff, to ensure comprehensive treatment planning and continuity of care.
  • Participate in regular clinical meetings and case reviews to discuss client progress, treatment challenges, and best practices.

• Education & Experience:
  • High School diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field preferred.
  • Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification from an accredited organization.
  • Minimum of 3+ years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, preferably in an outpatient treatment setting.
  • Knowledge and experience in working with co-occurring mental health disorders required.
  • Experience with the Orthodox Jewish population required.
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with clients.
  • Knowledge of evidence-based addiction treatment approaches and therapeutic modalities.
  • Ability to facilitate both individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly regarding documentation and record-keeping.
  • Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with other service providers.
  • Compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach to working with individuals struggling with addiction.
  • A commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current on addiction treatment best practices.
  • Strong ethical standards, with a focus on confidentiality and client-centered care.
  • Ability to manage challenging situations and handle crisis interventions in a calm and effective manner.

• Licensing & Certification:
  • Valid CASAC certification (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor).
  • Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations regarding substance abuse treatment or willingness to learn these regulations.
  • CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within a reasonable time frame).