Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
Current independent clinical licensure in Arizona (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or equivalent).
Minimum of five years of behavioral health clinical experience.
At least two years of experience in clinical oversight and documentation review.
Knowledge of ADHS, AHCCCS, and accreditation standards for behavioral health.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Responsibilities
Lead clinical quality and performance of inpatient and crisis social services.
Supervise the Inpatient Program Manager and support staffing coordination.
Provide clinical supervision and guidance to social services personnel.
Oversee behavioral health assessments and treatment planning.
Ensure timely escalation of clinical concerns to leadership.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams for patient-centered care.
Monitor clinical documentation and service quality through routine reviews.
Benefits
CPI and CPR/First Aid certification training provided.
Opportunities for professional development and competency growth.
Supportive work environment focused on diversity and integrity.
Engagement in interdisciplinary leadership and quality initiatives.
Full Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Social Services provides clinical leadership and oversight of social services at The Healing Place (THP) and assigned crisis services. This independently licensed behavioral health professional is accountable for the quality, timeliness, and regulatory compliance of social services assessments, treatment planning, interventions, discharge coordination, and clinical documentation. The Director supervises the Inpatient Program Manager and ensures appropriate clinical oversight of BHTs and other assigned personnel, in collaboration with the designated facility Clinical Director, medical and nursing leadership, and Operations. Daily workflow coordination remains with the Program Manager; facility-wide clinical direction remains with the designated Clinical Director.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead the clinical quality, performance, and development of inpatient and crisis social services, consistent with Polara Health priorities.
• Supervise and support the Inpatient Program Manager, providing clear expectations for staffing coordination, workflow performance, documentation tracking, and escalation of concerns.
• Provide clinical supervision, consultation, and practice guidance to assigned licensed and unlicensed social services personnel, consistent with professional scope and applicable requirements.
• Provide or arrange required BHP oversight of assigned BHTs and BHPPs, including review of clinical work, consultation, and timely completion of BHP-required documentation reviews and signatures.
• Oversee the quality and timeliness of behavioral health assessments, treatment/service plans, progress documentation, risk-related clinical documentation, and discharge planning within social services.
• Ensure clinically significant concerns, safety risks, documentation deficiencies, and changes in patient needs are promptly escalated to appropriate clinical, medical, and nursing leaders.
• Collaborate with Inpatient and Crisis Leaders as well as interdisciplinary teams to coordinate patient-centered treatment and continuity of care.
• Provide clinical direction for the social services contribution to therapeutic groups and programming; partner with the Program Manager on schedules and coverage.
• Lead social services discharge planning practices, community referrals, outpatient linkage, and coordination with Admissions and external partners.
• Monitor clinical documentation and service quality through routine review, performance data, coaching, and corrective action in partnership with Quality.
• Ensure social services practices support applicable ADHS, AHCCCS, CMS, and Joint Commission requirements, policies, and survey readiness.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, competency development, performance management, and staffing planning for assigned personnel.
• Collaborate with Operations and Finance on departmental resource needs, efficiency, and improvement opportunities.
• Participate in interdisciplinary leadership meetings, incident reviews, quality initiatives, and development of relevant policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS
• 21 years of age or older; or minimum 18 years old and licensed or certified under A.R.S. Title 32 and providing services within the personnel member's scope of practice; or minimum 18 years old for select administrative positions
• Must be able to provide or obtain an AZDPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver License, current automobile insurance, and a driving record that meets the guidelines and requirements of the organization
CPI and CPR/First Aid certification required (training provided by Polara Health)
• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
• Current, unrestricted independent clinical licensure in Arizona as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or equivalent independently licensed Behavioral Health Professional (BHP).
• Minimum of five (5) years of behavioral health clinical experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing clinical oversight, clinical consultation, and review and approval of behavioral health documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, and other documentation requiring BHP review or signature.
• Experience working in inpatient psychiatric, crisis stabilization, residential, or other acute behavioral health settings preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ADHS, AHCCCS, and applicable accreditation standards related to BHT clinical oversight, clinical documentation, assessment, and treatment planning.
• Ability to exercise independent clinical judgment, provide effective clinical guidance, and identify and escalate clinical quality or patient safety concerns.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage assigned responsibilities and documentation requirements within established timeframes
CORE COMPETENCIES
• People - Passionately believes in people and embraces diversity
• Integrity - Does the right thing even when no one is looking
• Learning - Challenges old paradigms with critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity
• Accountability - Sets an intentional culture of personal responsibility; believes everyone carries the load
• Relationships - Serves colleagues and consumers with love, empathy and compassion
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS
The nature of work may generate considerable physical (transporting, moving, assisting clients, etc.), mental and visual demands. The physical and working demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Office environment, travel within the community, as needed
• Heavy exposure/use of computers, cell phones, office phones, etc.
• May be required to wear protective clothing (PPE)
• Annual TB screening per program policy and procedure
• Ability to be physically mobile (stand, walk, reach, climb, bend) and the ability to sit for prolonged periods throughout work hours
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move 25 or more pounds
• Must be able to respond appropriately and effectively in crisis situations by using good judgment and following Polara Health protocols
This position is considered Safety-Sensitive by Polara Health.
