Ascension

Clinical Director

Ascension$80K — $100K *
Healthcare
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Addiction Studies, Psychology, or related field.
  • Active Iowa clinical licensure (LISW, LMHC, LMFT, or equivalent).
  • Minimum of 5 years experience in substance use disorder or behavioral health treatment.
  • Minimum of 2 years of clinical leadership experience.
  • Strong knowledge of ASAM criteria, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based treatment modalities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead all clinical operations and therapeutic programming.
  • Develop innovative treatment curricula and specialty recovery tracks.
  • Expand programming addressing purpose, employment readiness, and life skills.
  • Integrate evidence-based treatment with wellness-focused programming.
  • Evaluate and implement innovative treatment approaches to improve outcomes.
  • Provide supervision and mentorship to clinical staff.
  • Oversee assessments and ensure patient-centered care.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance available.
  • Sign-on bonus available.
Full Job Description
Clinical Director Relocation Assistance Available | Sign-On Bonus Available Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa Facility Opening: Late Summer 2026 Status: Full-Time | Exempt Reports To: Executive Director Schedule: Monday-Friday | Leadership Flexibility Required Position Summary The Clinical Director serves as the senior clinical leader for the facility and is responsible for the oversight, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of all clinical programming and therapeutic services. This role provides leadership to clinicians, case managers, and clinical support staff while partnering closely with executive, medical, nursing, admissions, and operations leadership. The Clinical Director will champion clinical excellence, staff development, patient outcomes, and innovative programming that supports sustainable recovery and whole-person wellness. Key Responsibilities Clinical Leadership & Program Development - Lead all clinical operations and therapeutic programming. - Develop innovative treatment curricula and specialty recovery tracks. - Expand programming that addresses purpose, employment readiness, life skills, emotional wellness, family healing, and sustainable recovery. - Integrate evidence-based treatment approaches with holistic and wellness-focused programming. - Ensure programming aligns with ASAM criteria, trauma-informed care principles, and industry best practices. - Evaluate emerging treatment models and implement innovative approaches that improve patient outcomes. Clinical Supervision & Staff Development - Provide supervision, coaching, and mentorship to licensed and license-eligible clinicians. - Support professional growth, licensure development, and leadership pathways. - Facilitate case consultations, treatment reviews, and clinical team meetings. - Observe clinical services and provide structured feedback to promote excellence. - Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Treatment Planning & Clinical Excellence - Oversee assessments, treatment planning, and discharge planning processes. - Ensure individualized, patient-centered care throughout the treatment experience. - Collaborate with medical, nursing, and case management teams to support integrated care delivery. - Provide consultation on complex clinical presentations and high-acuity cases. Quality, Compliance & Accreditation - Maintain compliance with Joint Commission standards, Iowa regulations, Medicaid requirements, and organizational policies. - Oversee clinical documentation quality and regulatory compliance. - Conduct chart audits and quality assurance reviews. - Lead survey readiness efforts and support accreditation activities. Leadership & Strategic Collaboration - Partner with executive leadership on program strategy, staffing models, and clinical outcomes. - Participate in recruitment, onboarding, and development of clinical staff. - Support growth initiatives, community partnerships, and business development efforts. - Serve as a clinical ambassador for the organization both internally and externally. Who You Are - You are a builder. - You are energized by creating programs rather than simply maintaining them. - You believe recovery is more than abstinence and that treatment should help individuals rebuild purpose, relationships, careers, health, and hope. - You are passionate about developing clinicians, elevating standards of care, and creating innovative treatment experiences that truly change lives. Qualifications Required - Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Addiction Studies, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field. - Active Iowa clinical licensure (LISW, LMHC, LMFT, or equivalent). - Candidates licensed in another state who are eligible to obtain Iowa licensure are strongly encouraged to apply. Relocation assistance is available. - Minimum of five (5) years of experience in substance use disorder and/or behavioral health treatment. - Minimum of two (2) years of clinical leadership or supervisory experience. - Strong understanding of ASAM criteria, trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorders, and evidence-based treatment modalities. - CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire. Preferred - Independent clinical licensure (LISW, LMHC, LMFT, or equivalent). - Experience building, launching, or expanding treatment programs. - Experience developing clinical curriculum and specialty programming. - Knowledge of holistic, wellness-focused, experiential, or integrative treatment approaches. - Experience with Joint Commission accreditation standards and regulatory compliance. What We're Building We believe addiction treatment should prepare people not only to stay sober-but to thrive. Our vision includes: - Evidence-based addiction treatment - Professional and vocational development tracks - Family restoration programming - Trauma-informed care - Holistic wellness and lifestyle education - Recovery capital development - Life skills and purpose-driven programming - Long-term recovery planning - Innovative curriculum that prepares individuals for life after treatment If that vision excites you, we would love to talk.

About Ascension

Ascension is a healthcare company that provides a range of services, including hospital care, primary care, and specialty care. The company operates more than 150 hospitals and 50 senior living facilities across the United States. Ascension also offers health insurance and other healthcare-related services. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
Learn more about Ascension
Size
165,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1999

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