Director, Mental Health and Substance Use

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director, Mental Health and Substance Use , is a key member of the senior management team with primary responsibility for overseeing the effective and efficient delivery of mental health and substance use treatment, support and clinical services in alignment with the vision, values and strategic direction of the Society.

The position creates and promotes an environment that is focused on evidence-based, client-centered and trauma-informed care that supports opportunities for research, learning and teaching for staff, practicum students and volunteers.

Organizational Status

The Phoenix Society is a multi-service agency located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia dedicated to providing accessible services and opportunities to people who face barriers related to addiction, mental health, housing, education, criminal justice involvement and/or employment.  This role will support across multiple departments through planning and provision of mental health and substance use services.

Responsibilites

Program Management

• Oversee program planning and implementation in alignment with the vision, values and strategic direction of the society. 
• Ensure service delivery meets contract expectations. Responsible for oversight of reporting to funders on outputs and performance against annual service delivery plans.
• Develop and maintain outcome measures for ongoing quality improvement
• Ensure programs are in accordance with applicable local, provincial and national laws, regulations and standards (e.g., Community Care Facilities Licensing; Correctional Services Canada, BC Housing, Fraser Health Authority, Mental Health and Substance Use Services – Stabilization and Transitional Housing Programs, Canadian Standards and Guidelines for Career Development Practitioners)
• Ensure that accurate client records (e.g., assessment data, client care plan, goal setting, case notes and discharge summary), reports, statistics on residents and all required documentation are complete
• Ensure that program delivery is provided within the annual operating budget
• Assist senior leadership in the preparation of the annual operating budget

Human Resources and Staff Supervision

• Foster collaboration and effective working relationships that contribute to an environment of trust and mutual respect
• Inspires a shared vision and maintains group cohesiveness, motivation, commitment and effectiveness
• Oversee and evaluate recruitment strategies for program staffing needs
• Provide positive leadership to all program staff, practicum students and volunteers, encouraging a team approach, professional attitude and respectful, supportive working relationships
• Direct plans and coordinate the work of program staff including supervision, evaluation, training, and team building
• Ensure that training and orientation is completed for new program staff, practicum students and volunteers
• Conduct performance reviews and planning sessions with program staff and provide on-going coaching and feedback where required
• Organize and facilitate program staff meetings to maintain effective communication with managers and staff
• Maintain and update own clinical knowledge within area of practice, and develop a plan for professional development. Reviews progress to ensure that goals are achieved within established timeframes

Community Relations

• Fosters collaboration and effective working relationships with stakeholders and community groups that promote cooperative goals
• Develop proposals for initiatives and implement programs that respond to the complex needs of underserved populations
• Participate as an agency representative in collaborative partner networks and in related community social and economic development activities

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counselling, education, psychology, or equivalent
• 10+ years of experience in progressively responsible roles in community-based settings working with marginalized populations, substance use services, mental health, corrections, etc.
• Demonstrated experience related to the design, delivery, and evaluation of core programs in a non-profit environment
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal records check with vulnerable sector screening is required
• Satisfactory completion of Tuberculosis Screening form is required
• Satisfactory completion of Employee Immunization Record form is required
• First Aid Certification with CPR is required
• Valid driver’s license is required

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of practices for populations with complex needs related to mental health presentations, substance use, and homelessness
• Strong skills in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and database management systems
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and creative skills with the ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English
• Ability to lead and work in a trauma-informed practice
• Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for the organization’s mission is essential

Competencies

Judgement & Decision-Making

• Models independent thinking and creativity
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving skills
• Makes clear, consistent, transparent and timely decisions after contemplating various available courses of action
• Exercises sound judgment in the best interests of the organization

People Leadership

• Takes responsibility for the success of the organization
• Inspires, motivates and influences others in the organization
• Acts as an ambassador of the organization, promoting the values and mission
• Demonstrates pride and enthusiasm to the team and promotes cooperation, fairness and equity 

Salary for this role is between $115,647 to $140,142 per year.