Description
I) Job Purpose
The Clinical Officer (CO) serves as a senior executive leader responsible for establishing and executing the strategic vision, quality, and integrity of all clinical services across the organization. The role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care while aligning clinical operations with organizational goals, compliance with regulatory requirements, and community needs. The Clinical Officer role partners with executive leadership to drive innovation, improve positive population health outcomes, and establish a high-performing, person-centered system of care.
II) Essential Functions
A) Set and execute the organization's clinical vision, strategy, and long-term goals while championing a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement; position the organization as a leader in behavioral health delivery.
B) Serve as the senior authority on all clinical matters, including standards of care and clinical ethics, and represent the organization on agency and statewide committees.
C) Advise the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and Program Administrators on clinical risks, opportunities, and emerging industry trends.
D) Oversee clinical practices for all programs (e.g., mental health, substance use disorders, crisis services, integrated care, Intellectual Development and Disability (IDD) and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programs).
E) Ensure consistency and quality of care across multiple sites, regions, and training practices while maintaining oversight of high-risk cases, sentinel events, and complex clinical issues.
F) Establish and monitor organization-wide clinical quality metrics and outcome measures.
G) Lead enterprise-level performance improvement and utilization management initiatives; drive improvements in access, engagement, retention, and recovery outcomes.
H) Implement data-driven strategies to improve population health and reduce disparities.
I) Develop and operationalize ongoing quality check-ins for staff, patients, and centers; incorporate quality into ongoing agency coaching practices.
J) Ensure full compliance with all governing regulations applicable to Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA), Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA), and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services, including Medicaid, Medicare, state licensing, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability ACT of 1996 (HIPAA), and applicable local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulation, Part 2).
K) Lead certification and accreditation efforts (e.g., Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and ensure audit readiness.
L) Oversee risk management, patient safety programs, and corporate compliance related to clinical care; participate in all compliance audits and site visits by funders.
M) Develop and execute a clinical workforce strategy to recruit, retain, and develop high-quality staff.
N) Manage clinical leadership structure (e.g., clinical directors, program managers, supervisors) and promote clinical supervision, licensure advancement, and continuing education.
O) Address workforce burnout and support staff resilience and wellness initiatives.
P) Partner with the Chief of Staff and Chief Financial Officer to align clinical services with operational and financial goals.
Q) Oversee productivity standards, staffing models, and cost-effective care delivery while ensuring compliance with billing, documentation, and reimbursement requirements.
R) Support value-based care initiatives and alternative payment models serving as the lead negotiator with managed care organizations.
S) Direct the development and expansion of program and service lines while integrating innovative care models (e.g., tele-behavioral health, integrated primary care, mobile expansion).
T) Identify and support funding opportunities and applications, including grants and partnerships.
U) Serve as the primary clinical delegate to external stakeholders, regulators, and partners while representing the organization in policy discussions and professional forums; serve with on-call availability for critical incidents or executive response.
V) Build collaborations with healthcare systems, public agencies, justice systems, and community organizations, advancing integrated care models and cross-system coordination.
W) Exercise high-level decision-making in multi-site environment (community mental health, healthcare system, public sector settings) with organization-wide impact.
X) Strive for improved clinical outcomes, development of patient/person-centered quality, strong regulatory and accreditation performance, workforce retention and engagement, financial sustainability of clinical programs, expansion and innovation of services.
Y) Performance standards are performed as applicable with MHMR's We CARE values "We Connect People in Our Community. We Provide Access to Services. We Link People to Resources. We Empower People."
Z) Performs other job duties or responsibilities as requested or assigned.
III) Knowledge of Laws, Regulations, Policies/Procedures, Skills, and Abilities
A) Working knowledge of executive leadership and strategic planning.
B) Deep expertise in mental health, IDD, and substance use disorder treatment.
C) Strong knowledge of behavioral health policy, regulations, and reimbursement systems.
D) Knowledge of data analytics and outcomes-driven management.
E) Knowledge of crisis leadership and risk management.
F) Knowledge of change management and organizational transformation.
G) Committed to person-centered care.
IV) Internal & External Customer Service
A) This position requires extensive internal and external contacts. The employee will accomplish this with advanced written and verbal skills.
B) Must demonstrate compassion, trauma-informed care, and safety practices including suicide safe care.
V) Travel
A) Adhere to MHMR Mileage and Travel reimbursement policy and any other aspect regarding travel.
VI) Equipment Used
A) Utilized as required for position.
Minimum Requirements
VII) Minimum Qualifications
A) Minimum Education: Master's Degree
B) Defined Education: Behavioral Health, IDD, Public Health, Education, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, Psychiatry, Special Education, or related field
C) Preferences: Doctorate Degree
D) Substitutions: None
E) Years' Experience: Ten (10) years
F) Defined Experience: Demonstrated progressive leadership experience in behavioral health, public health, education or community-based care settings managing multi-site or system-wide clinical operations, overseeing clinical leaders, managers, and multidisciplinary teams in senior/executive clinical leadership roles
G) License/Certifications: Valid Texas Driver's License, active, independent clinical licensure (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PhD, PsyD, RN, Edu) with eligibility to provide clinical supervision in relevant jurisdiction
H) Special Courses: None
I) Supervisory Experience: None
VIII) Agency Requirements
A) All staff are required to participate in agency Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Safety programs and may be assigned by their department as a key/essential staff level function during critical events or for the purpose of sustaining business continuity.
B) This position may require temporary or permanent re-assignment to any MHMR Tarrant facility as determined by program needs and/or the Division/Director.
C) Assigned work hours may change as the needs of the agency change.
D) The Functional Title of this position may change as the needs of the agency change.
E) All work will be completed within the scheduled work hours. All non-exempt (hourly) employees are expected to clock in and clock out for each work shift, no work should be done off the clock.
F) MHMR reserves the right to change, add to or eliminate positions as it deems appropriate.
G) Employment is at will, as well as agency needs may change.
H) Agency dress code is to be followed at all times.
I) Physical on-site presence, including regular attendance and punctuality, is an essential function of this position. Any changes or adjustments to your assigned work schedule or shift hours must be approved by your supervisor in advance.
Lifting 0-15#
