Overview
The Clinical Program Manager provides integrated leadership across program management, clinical services, and compliance to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed care for clients with early-stage mental health needs. The role combines implementation of program plans and procedures with hands-on oversight of SMHS billing, documentation quality, staff supervision, and community partnership.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement IRC’s EI SMHS program in accordance with ACBHD’s EI program model, including staffing models, service workflows, and documentation systems
- Establish and maintain program policies, procedures, and operational infrastructure in compliance with BHSA regulations and ACBHD contracting requirements
- Track program performance against ACBHD productivity standards and the 50% Medi-Cal billable services threshold
- Drive continuous quality improvement and sustainable program growth
- Ensure accurate use of HCPCS codes and correct application of provider type and modifier rules
- Ensure documentation practices align with Medi-Cal SMHS requirements and withstand audit scrutiny
- Conduct regular audits of case files, billing records, and service documentation
- Collaborate with IRC finance and compliance teams to resolve discrepancies and prepare for monitoring reviews
- Supervise program staff, including ASWs, Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialists (MHRS), and other direct service providers
- Provide clinical oversight of assessments, treatment plans, and case documentation; facilitate case conferences and support clinical decision-making
- Ensure case documentation meets Medi-Cal SMHS standards; take full responsibility for case conferences, treatment plan compliance, and clinical decision-making
- Support staff development through training, coaching, consultation and skill-building focused on documentation standards, SMHS compliance, and trauma-informed practice
- Ensure all services meet licensing, ethical, and regulatory standards and are delivered in a culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate manner
- Lead crisis interventions including independent decision making on client safety interventions and APS/CPS reporting.
- Coordinate with ACBHD program staff on EI model requirements, monitoring benchmarks, and billing transition timelines
- Develop and maintain working relationships with community providers, managed care organizations, and other referral and service partners
- Participate in external coalitions, working groups, and county stakeholder meetings on behalf of IRC
- Maintain a small caseload if appropriate to program needs
Required Experience
- 2+ years post-licensure experience providing clinical mental health services, ideally within a MediCal setting
- 2+ years supervising staff
- 1+ years managing programs
- Demonstrated experience with new project development and implementation preferred
- Experience with Alameda County’s behavioral health system, ACBHD contracting processes, or county-funded SMHS programs
- Deep knowledge of SMHS billing practices: HCPCS codes, Medi-Cal documentation standards, provider type credentialing, and county contract compliance
- Strong understanding of policies and procedures governing behavioral health, preferably in Alameda County
- Experienced with community outreach and engagement, including with schools, FQHCs, community-based organizations, and other human and social service providers
- Strong quality assurance and audit skills
- Effective supervisor with the ability to develop staff across a range of credentials and experience levels
- Experience working with refugees, immigrants, or other forcibly displaced populations preferred
- Experience with MAA billing or Medical Administrative Activities a plus
- Analytical and systems-oriented; comfortable with financial modeling, productivity tracking, and program data
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience representing programs to funders and county partners
- Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and client-centered care
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); experience with EHR/billing platforms a plus
Qualifications
- Active and unrestricted licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in good standing with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
- Eligible to be an approved clinical supervisor in California (licensed for 2+ years in the state of CA)
