Director of Clinical Services

Position Title:

Director of Clinical Services Supervised By:
Sr. Director of Program Services Supervises:
Client Resource Manager, Program Interns Department:
Programs Status:
Full Time, Exempt, On-site

About us:

Sarah's Circle is a non-profit organization working to end homelessness for women in Chicago. Located in Uptown, Sarah's Circle has provided support for thousands of women since 1979. This position supports clients and staff in all of our programs, including Interim Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing, and a drop-in Daytime Support Center. For more information about Sarah's Circle, visit https://sarahs-circle.org/

Summary This position utilizes clinical social work expertise to support the organization in the provision of supportive services that effectively engage clients facing barriers due to trauma and/or mental illness. The position serves as a resource to housing case managers in all programs, providing consultative support to assess and address barriers. The position maintains a regular presence in all client programs, providing direct client services including conflict resolution, crisis de-escalation, and participation in client meetings and appointments, as needed.

The position researches, engages, and coordinates education, training, and staff development opportunities to guide and equip staff to respond to challenging client situations with a trauma informed approach. This position also supervises the Client Resource Manager, ensuring a full schedule of client engagement and wellness activities. In collaboration with the Sr. Director of Program Services, this position evaluates and plans programs, working to continuously improve client experience and maintain program alignment with Sarah's Circle's commitment to providing services "in a non-intrusive setting which respects each individual's privacy and fosters change by nurturing the women's own sense of worth and individual dignity."

Work closely with case managers, program managers, and the Sr. Director of Program Services to achieve and improve program and housing goals and objectives. Utilize clinical expertise to provide guidance and support to housing case managers so that they may effectively engage clients experiencing trauma and/or mental illness in services that align with program and housing goals and objectives. Maintain contact with program and housing operations, activities and participants through regular presence in program and housing space and participation in program and housing events.

Provide direct client services including participation in client meetings when requested by case managers. Accompany clients to appointments, as needed, to serve as an advocate and assist them in accessing services. Lead de-escalation of client conflicts or mental health crises when they are escalated by front line staff or case managers. Conduct crisis intervention follow-up assessments and debriefs with staff when appropriate.

Direct and monitor all aspects of the petitioning process for individuals requiring involuntary evaluation or treatment, ensuring clinical appropriateness, regulatory compliance, accurate documentation, interdepartmental coordination, and effective collaboration with legal, judicial, and community stakeholders. Monitor and manage follow-up to support clients' successful reintegration into programs and services or their transition to the next level of care following treatment. Respond to client grievances when appropriate according to Sarah's Circle's grievance procedure.

Provide written and verbal guidance to staff regarding the handling of situations that arise within the programs, adhering to best practices and a trauma-informed approach. Collaborate with the Sr. Director of Program Services and the Director of Human Resources, to assess education, skill development and training needs of staff of residential programs and case management. Hold regularly scheduled group meetings with case managers to discuss client issues and provide training in trauma-informed best practices that equip staff to successfully engage clients in services.

Advise the Senior Director of Program Services of emerging trends in program, population and/or services and make recommendations of program development, implementation, evaluation and research. Serve as a resource for program staff experiencing workplace stress, vicarious trauma, and burnout. Provide individual coaching that emphasizes…