Residential SUD Clinical Director

Position Summary

The Clinical Director oversees all clinical operations within the substance use treatment program, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with state and federal regulations. Working under the Executive Director, the Clinical Director provides leadership to the clinical team, manages program compliance, and ensures that all treatment services support client recovery, safety, and successful reintegration into the community. Responsibilities include supervision of clinical staff, oversight of treatment planning, monitoring program outcomes, and maintaining compliance with BHA, COMAR, CARF, HIPAA, and other regulatory standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Program Oversight

● Direct all clinical services, including group therapy, individual counseling, case management, mental health services, and skill development programming.

● Oversee development, implementation, and review of individualized treatment plans using evidence-based practices.

● Ensure timely completion of clinical documentation, including progress notes, assessments, monthly reports, discharge summaries, and aftercare plans.

● Monitor chart compliance and ensure adherence to program licensure requirements and core curriculum standards.

● Provide crisis intervention and clinical support to staff and clients as needed.

Staff Supervision & Development

● Supervise all clinical staff, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, and support personnel.

● Conduct weekly supervision sessions, interdisciplinary team meetings, and case consultations.

● Provide clinical and ethical guidance to ensure best practices in treatment delivery.

● Conduct annual performance evaluations and support staff development through training and mentorship.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

● Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including HIPAA, CARF, COMAR, and BHA requirements.

● Maintain program schedules and documentation to ensure regulatory alignment.

● Evaluate program outcomes and lead quality improvement initiatives.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

● Serve as a liaison with community partners, referral sources, and collaborating agencies.

● Work closely with the criminal justice system, including BHA 8507/8505 programs, re-entry courts, drug courts, and mental health courts.

● Coordinate external referrals for clients’ specialized needs (medical, vocational, legal, family, etc.).

● Represent the organization professionally at community events and meetings.

Administrative & Operational Responsibilities

● Assist in developing and managing program budgets and billing processes.

● Maintain accurate reporting for internal use, legal systems, and external agencies.

● Support organizational goals by aligning clinical operations with agency mission and strategic priorities.

Professionalism & Organizational Conduct

● Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.

● Foster a respectful, professional environment that supports teamwork, diversity, and the dignity of clients and families.

● Demonstrate dependability, accountability, and openness to change.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

● Master's degree in clinical psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field.

● Current Maryland licensure at the independent practice level (LCSW-C, LCPC, LCADC, or equivalent).

● Preferred: Approved clinical supervisor status per the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, or the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, as applicable to the candidate’s license. This credential is preferred but not required; The Jude House maintains board-approved supervisory coverage on staff and will support a qualified candidate in obtaining the designation..

Experience

● Minimum of 5 years of experience in substance use disorder treatment, including counseling and clinical leadership.

● Minimum of three (3) years of direct leadership experience in a residential or inpatient substance use treatment setting, including 24-hour milieu management, staffing and coverage planning, census and admissions flow, and critical incident response.

● Experience working with individuals with chemical dependency and criminal justice involvement.

● Knowledge of evidence-based practices, COMAR, CARF, and BHA regulations.

Leadership Competencies

This position requires operational leadership of a 24-hour residential program. Candidates will be evaluated on demonstrated ability in the following areas:

● Systems-level thinking — the ability to see the program as a whole, anticipate downstream effects of clinical and staffing decisions, and connect daily operations to organizational strategy.

● Prioritization under load — the ability to manage multiple competing demands simultaneously and sustain performance during high-volume or high-stress periods.

● Rapid decision-making — the ability to assess a situation and act decisively during clinical emergencies, critical incidents, and after-hours escalations.

● Direct supervisory communication — the ability to give clear, concise direction to staff, hold employees accountable to performance expectations, and address performance concerns promptly and consistently.

● Team building and alignment — the ability to bring staff across shifts and disciplines into a cohesive team and to build working relationships across departments.

● Availability and ownership — an understanding that a residential program operates continuously and that the Clinical Director carries responsibility beyond standard business hours.

Skills & Competencies

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

● Proficiency in crisis intervention, treatment planning, and clinical documentation.

● Ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations, including interactions with clients, families, and external agencies.

Work Schedule & Availability

The Jude House operates a 24-hour residential program. While this position maintains a primary schedule during standard business hours, the Clinical Director is expected to be reachable outside those hours for clinical emergencies, critical incidents, and staffing crises, and to be present on site when a situation requires director-level response. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Compensation

Salary range: $90,000 – $105,000 annually, commensurate with experience, licensure, and demonstrated residential leadership. This is a full-time, exempt (FLSA-E) position. The Jude House offers a benefits package in addition to base salary

Email resume to HRteam@thejudehouse.org.