Social & Human Services, Healthcare, Other, Executive Management
Job Description
Behavioral Health Clinical Director
Location New Haven, CT
Date Opened 1/8/2026 12:00:00 AM
Salary $124,895* - $170,298/year (*New State employees normally start at the minimum)
Close Date 1/20/2026 11:59:00 PM
Ready to lead clinical operations and shape the future of behavioral health care?
Apply today and become a key leader at Connecticut Mental Health Center!
Join the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) at Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC)! We are seeking an experienced and dedicated professional for the role of Behavioral Health Clinical Director. This key leadership position will oversee two inpatient units and the Transitional Residential Program, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, recovery-oriented care for individuals with complex behavioral health needs.
Inpatient services at CMHC respond to requests for hospitalization from multiple sources, including hospital emergency departments, large psychiatric units, and the Department of Corrections. The Clinical Director will provide strategic and clinical oversight to maintain excellence in care and manage clinical risk across programs. If you are a licensed clinical leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this opportunity!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
FACILITY: Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC)
DIVISION: Inpatient Services Division
LOCATION: New Haven, CT
SCHEDULE: Full-time (40 hours weekly), Monday through Friday, First Shift, 8:30 AM. - 5:00 PM
POSITION NUMBER: 141388
New! We’re excited that Connecticut has joined the Nurse Licensure Compact effective October 1, 2025. Visit Nurse Licensure Compact for more details.
WHY THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT:
Explore our comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview to see what we offer
Enjoy endless opportunities for professional growth and development
Embrace a healthy work/life balance tailored to all employees
IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:
Provide leadership and oversight for two inpatient units and a Transitional Residential Program
Direct the work of approximately 40 employees, 12 trainees, and attending psychiatrists
Ensure the delivery of responsive, recovery-oriented services and maintain high standards of clinical care
Develop and implement policies, strategic plans, and quality assurance measures
Manage clinical risk and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
Oversee recruitment, selection, and retention of clinical staff
Foster collaboration across programs and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners
Respond to critical incidents and ensure continuity of care
ABOUT US:
The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.
CMHC is an urban community mental health center with an exceptional 50-year tradition of serving individuals with serious mental illness and/or addiction. Founded in 1966, CMHC is a partnership between DHMAS and the Yale Department of Psychiatry. CMHC is nationally recognized for its scientific research into the causes and treatment of mental illness and addiction. The Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities include multiple research programs in a variety of areas. CMHC is also a major training site for individuals pursuing careers in mental health fields including psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing and pastoral care.
Please note:
A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.
Qualifications & Requirements MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
A Master's degree in a clinical discipline, public health administration, health care administration or hospital administration and six (6) years of professional experience in behavioral health care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a managerial or supervisory capacity directing clinical operations or the delivery of behavioral health care services including the supervision of professional behavioral health care staff.
NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor or Behavioral Health Program Manager.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in a senior administrative leadership role within an inpatient setting serving individuals with severe and persistent mental health and substance use disorders.
Experience managing a large, multidisciplinary team of professional and paraprofessional staff in an inpatient setting.
Experience in a leadership role overseeing a transitional residential program for clients with severe and persistent mental health and substance use disorders
Experience collaborating between large mental health systems and multiple disciplines.
Experience providing supervision and consultation.
Experience in policy writing
Experience preparing for regulatory site visits.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class must maintain the appropriate current license for clinical social work, marital and family therapist, professional counselor, registered nurse, psychologist, alcohol and drug counselor or hold a Multistate or Compact Registered Nurse license.
