Behavioral Health Program Director

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The mission of Sunshine Gospel Ministries (SGM) is to seek the renewal of the city through ministries of discipleship, mercy, and justice. Our vision is to empower youth and families to thrive and lead prosperous, healthy lives through connectedness, opportunity, and economic sustainability. Our culture is open, warm, inviting and family oriented. We are a ministry that seeks individuals who have a passion for the gospel, and our youth and families in the Woodlawn and Washington Park communities. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Behavioral Health Program Director (BHPD) will develop and lead implementation of comprehensive community-based health equity initiatives for Sunshine program youth, families, staff and community members. The BHPD will engage and strengthen relationships with currently utilized behavioral health and health related social service partners and will serve as a partner committed to enhancing the overall wellbeing of those who engage in services. The BHPD will assess training needs, create comprehensive and engaging training sessions, and support SGM staff in various behavioral health and social health related needs across SGM’s programs. The BHPD will manage program development, budget, implementation, data collection and evaluation. 

The Behavioral Health Director Position manages the newly formed Behavioral Health Coordinator, Behavioral Health Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Therapist(s) to accomplish goals in each of the program areas.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS

Duties include (but are not limited to) the following:

• In collaboration with the Managing Director of Programs, develops and implements a comprehensive behavioral health program that aligns with SGM’s mission and values.
• Works collaboratively with Youth Outreach Director(s), Flourishing Community Initiative Program Director, and Managing Director of Programs to assess and develop innovative approaches to address community health.

Supervises and provides guidance to behavioral health staff, ensuring the delivery of effective and evidence-based behavioral health services.

• Acts as liaison and major resource person for assigned program areas and the community, other agencies/organizations, and the State and Federal government.
• Oversees program budgeting and financial management, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
• Collaborates with external stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and healthcare providers, to enhance program accessibility and effectiveness.
• Monitors and evaluates program outcomes, utilizing data-driven approaches to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Implements quality assurance measures to ensure adherence to professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with relevant organizations and providers to enhance service coordination and streamline client referrals.
• Stays abreast of current trends, research, and best practices in the field of behavioral health, incorporating this knowledge into program development and service delivery.
• Provides leadership and support to program staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Plans and oversees the proper orientation, training, development and supervision of all assigned program staff.
• Conducts staff meetings, workshops and conferences to promote, communicate and initiate established policies and procedures and to monitor program activities and their effectiveness.
• Prepares reports and presentations for organizational leadership and external stakeholders, effectively communicating program outcomes, challenges, and recommendations.
• Utilizes behavioral and physical techniques in emergency situations, to prevent injury to clients, staff and others.
• Attends monthly SGM all-staff meetings.
• Maintains confidentiality and treats individuals and families with dignity and respect at all times.

RELATED DUTIES

Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. 

EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED:

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university is required, with a major field of study in social work, counseling/therapy or psychology, public health, nursing with clinical specialty in psychiatry or a comparable field of study.
• Illinois licensure as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), LCSW-C, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), LGPC (Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor), RN-CSP or clinical psychologist.  
• Minimum 5 years of licensed or certified professional experience in behavioral health and/or multidisciplinary mental health (preferably with the nonprofit health sector).
• Minimum 3 years  experience in administrative management and/or clinical supervision.
• Experience assessing and developing  innovative approaches to address community health through the completion of Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).
• Must be trained and skilled in Mental Health First Aid.
• Ability to:

               -Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of a multidisciplinary professional staff providing                     behavioral health treatment, including case management services.

               -Direct and coordinate behavioral health clinical activities.

               -Prepare and present a variety of periodic and special reports of both a professional and             

                 administrative nature.

               -Develop and monitor short and long-range budget plans that accurately reflect program needs.

               -Identify the need for and develop proposed changes in current program practices, policies and

                procedures.

               -Analyze, evaluate and develop specialized programs or grant or contract requests.

               -Provide professional consultation and program leadership techniques, methods and

                 procedures of program area and administrative functions.

               -Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; expressing complex and technical

                 terminology and concepts in an understandable manner.

               -Establish and maintain effective work relationships with others.

               -Apply a reasonable degree of physical exertion to control client behavior in emergency

                 situations.

• Must become a Mandated Reporter.                                                                                                 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Software Programs including, but not limited to: Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Demonstrates a belief of community related to SGM’s core values (Gospel, Radical Hospitality, Celebrating Beauty, Restorative Justice, Collaboration, Reconciliation, Fostering Effectiveness).
• Ability to work well in a collaborative environment as part of a team, as well as self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Desire to serve in an urban ministry setting Ability to work with and have an appreciation for diverse groups of people.
• Cultural sensitivity to the African American community.
• Ability to use discretion and judgment when dealing with confidential information.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical demands:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk and/or sit; use hands to fingers or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, push, lift, as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.  Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a public building and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

DIRECT REPORTS

Behavioral Health Coordinator, Behavioral Health Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Therapist