Programs Director Jobs in Watertown, CT (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The MH Waiver Program Director leads the day-to-day operations of ABH's Mental Health Waiver Program. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with ABH's mission and values, establishing internal policies and procedures, and identifying opportunities for program growth, innovation, and community collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning & Program Development

• Build and maintain a statewide provider network for all Mental Health Waiver services.
• Develop ongoing training for clinical staff, provider agencies and direct care staff.
• Oversee new service development from concept through launch; identify key projects, partnerships, and program ventures
• Establish and maintain performance metrics and reporting structures to track outcomes and support data-driven decision-making
• Identify strategic risks and develop mitigation plans; advise senior leadership on complex programmatic issues

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Oversee fiduciary responsibilities for the Mental Health Waiver (authorizations, claims and participant self-direction of services.
• Identify areas for resource reallocation, efficiency improvements, or growth investment
• Partner with executive leadership on long-range financial planning and program sustainability

SUPERVISORY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Team Leadership & Operations Management

• Oversee daily program operations and establish clear weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance goals
• Assign work, set deadlines, monitor productivity, and ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities
• Conduct regular team meetings and coordinate vendor relationships to support program delivery and consensus-building
• Manage client assessment coordination, service tracking, and network-wide care continuity
• Serve as primary organizational contact for DHMAS and DSS assigned staff; participate in ongoing project meetings
• Lead full-cycle hiring, onboarding, and performance management for direct reports
• Provide ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, and professional development support to team members
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and accountability
• Partner with HR to address employee relations issues, disciplinary matters, and complaints in accordance with policy and applicable law

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in Behavioral Health, Human Services, Public Health, Business Administration, or related field
• Progressive management and supervisory experience in behavioral health or human services
• Knowledge of CMS waivers and state/federal behavioral health regulatory frameworks
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered
• Active Connecticut professional license: LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or RN

 Preferred:

• Experience engaging community organizations and individuals in recovery
• Proficiency in data analysis and program reporting

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge

• Behavioral health issues, community case management, and coordinated care across multiple providers and agencies
• State and federal regulations governing behavioral healthcare, including confidentiality, compliance, and reporting requirements
• Ethical standards, professional conduct, and conflict of interest principles relevant to behavioral healthcare
• Program development, quality improvement, strategic planning, and data-driven outcome measurement

Skills

• Strong leadership and supervision: communicating clear goals, organizing workflow, providing timely feedback, and developing team capability
• Excellent written and verbal communication for staff, clients, stakeholders, external partners, reports, and executive presentations
• Organizational and time management skills to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Client service orientation with professional, empathetic handling of inquiries, complaints, and stakeholder concerns
• Research and data analysis to interpret reports, ensure compliance, and support planning and documentation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and internet-based platforms

Abilities

• Forward-thinking and results-oriented with strong attention to detail
• Collaborative and effective across a network of community-based services and diverse stakeholders
• Adaptable and composed under pressure; responds constructively to shifting priorities and unforeseen challenges
• Skilled at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and facilitating conflict resolution with external partners
• Committed to continuous professional development and staying current with industry trends and regulatory changes
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence and empathy in all professional interactions

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift/carry/move light to medium weights of 10-20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and visual acuity to operate a keyboard and read materials. The associate must regularly sit, reach, talk, and hear. Regularity and consistency of attendance is essential to ensure high-quality service delivery.

NOTE: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

Benefits

Medical - Dental - Vision - Health Savings Account - LTD and other Voluntary plans

401k with Match

Management Incentive Plan

Vacation, Sick, Personal, Floating, & Holiday Time available