Job Description

Posting number: 27-00705

Department: MH Substance Abuse & Developmental Services

Job classification: Program Manager II / Grade 128

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community Services, Mental Health, Social Services

The Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services (MHSADS) is seeking an experienced, innovative, and collaborative behavioral health leader to serve as the Program Manager for the Discharge Planning and PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) Programs. This position provides clinical, administrative, and operational leadership for two critical behavioral health programs that support individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders as they transition from inpatient psychiatric treatment and homelessness to stable, community-based recovery.

Examples of duties

The Program Manager provides supervision and oversight of the County's Discharge Planning team, ensuring individuals transitioning from inpatient psychiatric hospitals, Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs), and partial hospitalization programs receive coordinated, recovery-oriented discharge planning that promotes continuity of care, self-determination, and successful community reintegration. The position oversees collaboration with hospitals, private providers, courts, families, internal MHSADS programs, and community partners to facilitate timely access to behavioral health treatment, housing, transportation, medical care, employment support, and other essential community resources.

The Program Manager also oversees the development of comprehensive discharge plans in accordance with Virginia Code and DBHDS requirements and provides oversight of Local Inpatient Purchase of Service (LIPOS) authorizations and Discharge Assistance Program (DAP) funding to support successful community placement and recovery. In addition, this position oversees the federally funded PATH Program, providing leadership for outreach and engagement services for adults experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of homelessness and living with serious mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorders. The Program Manager ensures compliance with PATH grant requirements while promoting person-centered outreach, engagement, case management, motivational interviewing, and connection to mainstream behavioral health, medical, housing, and entitlement services.

Successful candidates are strategic leaders who excel at building collaborative partnerships, supporting staff development, improving systems of care, and leading quality improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional clinical judgment, strong organizational and communication skills, and a passion for improving outcomes for individuals with serious behavioral health needs through coordinated, community-based care.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing the Discharge Planning and PATH Programs, providing administrative, clinical, and operational leadership for both service areas.
• Supervising clinical staff, providing clinical consultation, and promoting professional development and evidence-based practices.
• Overseeing discharge planning services; ensuring compliance with Virginia Code, DBHDS standards, and County policies related to continuity of care.
• Overseeing PATH outreach services that connect with individuals who have serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders and are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness and helps them access housing, behavioral health treatment, and other mainstream community services.
• Oversees Local Inpatient Purchase of Service (LIPOS) authorizations and Discharge Assistance Program (DAP) funding, ensuring appropriate utilization of resources to support safe community transitions.
• Developing collaborative relationships with state hospitals, private hospitals, DBHDS, regional partners, housing providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Monitoring program performance, quality improvement initiatives, contract compliance, grant requirements, data collection, and program outcomes.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

Master's degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, Public Administration, or a closely related behavioral health field; current independent clinical licensure in Virginia as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP); minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience providing behavioral health services, including experience working with individuals experiencing serious mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders, and a minimum of one (1) year of supervisory, program management, or leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience administering or overseeing Discharge Assistance Program (DAP) funding, Local Inpatient Purchase of Service (LIPOS), or other state-funded behavioral health programs.
• Experience administering federal or state behavioral health grants, including PATH or similar homeless outreach initiatives.
• Knowledge of Virginia behavioral health regulations, discharge planning requirements, DBHDS performance measures, and community-based behavioral health systems.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
  

Supplemental information

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all required pre-employment checks, including a criminal background check, credit check, fingerprinting, DMV driving record check, and TB test. Must have a valid driver’s license in Virginia or regional state of residence.