Director of Clinical Operations

Overview

The Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader with a mental health license to serve as the Director of Clinical Operations. This upper‑level management position works directly with the Director of Mental Health Services, supporting the development, oversight, and evaluation of clinical operations statewide.

This position will supervise director‑level staff and support the leadership of two clinical teams responsible for aligning youth, youth‑in‑transition, and adult service systems to ensure timely, effective, and least‑restrictive treatment for Vermonters. It requires leadership at both the state and community levels, with extensive collaboration with Designated Agencies, Designated Hospitals, legislators, and other community providers.

Ideal candidates have demonstrated experience in clinical program management and operations, preferably in public mental health systems, proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in complex service environments, strong understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks for mental health services, excellent strategic planning, fiscal management, and organizational leadership skills, and strong interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to holistic, strengths‑based, and results‑oriented service delivery.

Clinical experience working with children, youth, families, and adults—with an emphasis on youth—is required. The Director will also work closely with the Director of the Children, Adolescent, and Family Unit in mental health systems and will be responsible for systems improvement, performance measurement, and promoting innovation across the organization.

This position, Director of Clinical Operations (Job Requisition #53251), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

For more information about this position, please contact kristen.briggs. Resumes will not be accepted via e‑mail; you must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:
Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re‑employment (RIF) rights.

Work is performed in a standard office setting. Evening meetings are occasional. Travel is required for which private means of transportation must be available. Interaction with client advocates and the pressures of budgetary, program, and legislative issues are present.

Professional licensure in psychology, social work, or counseling AND three (3) years or more of experience providing direct service to clients diagnosed with a mental illness AND three (3) years or more of experience at an administrative or managerial level of responsibility.

• 80% State‑paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: a State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low‑cost group life insurance
• Incentive‑based wellness program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status.

The State's employment decisions are merit‑based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.