Mental Health Director

Job Description

Job Description

Volunteers of America Delaware Valley is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Mental Health Director to lead and expand community-based behavioral health services throughout Camden County. This leadership position is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, evaluation, and growth of mental health programs that address the needs of vulnerable and underserved populations. The Mental Health Director will provide strategic direction, clinical and administrative oversight, community partnership development, staff leadership, and program innovation to ensure high-quality, accessible, and impactful services.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong experience in nonprofit social service delivery, behavioral health program management, grant-funded initiatives, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Service Delivery

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all mental health and behavioral health programs.
• Ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with organizational mission and values.
• Oversee program implementation, quality assurance, compliance, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Monitor program outcomes and performance indicators to ensure effectiveness and impact.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and service standards that meet regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, county, and funding-source regulations.

Program Growth and Development

• Identify community needs and emerging behavioral health trends to guide service expansion and innovation.
• Lead the design, development, and launch of new mental health initiatives and service models.
• Collaborate with leadership to pursue funding opportunities, grants, contracts, and strategic partnerships.
• Contribute to grant writing, program narratives, budgets, and reporting requirements.
• Develop sustainability strategies that support long-term program growth and organizational impact.

Staff Leadership and Supervision

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate clinical and program staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
• Provide coaching, professional development opportunities, and performance management.
• Facilitate regular team meetings, case consultations, and staff training initiatives.
• Support workforce development and retention efforts.

Community Relations and Partnership Building

• Serve as a key representative of the organization within Camden County and surrounding communities.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, government agencies, social service organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Participate in local coalitions, advisory groups, and community planning initiatives.
• Promote awareness of behavioral health services and advocate for mental health equity and access.

Financial and Administrative Management

• Develop and manage program budgets in collaboration with leadership and finance staff.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Analyze program data and prepare reports for funders, leadership, and board stakeholders.
• Support contract management and compliance monitoring activities.

Strategic Planning and Organizational Leadership

• Participate as a member of the organization's leadership team.
• Contribute to strategic planning, organizational growth initiatives, and agency-wide decision-making.
• Use data and community feedback to guide programmatic improvements and future development.
• Support organizational efforts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, Human Services, or a related field.
• Current New Jersey professional license in good standing required (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or Licensed Psychologist).
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in behavioral health, social services, or nonprofit program management.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing mental health programs and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based programs.
• Knowledge of behavioral health systems, social service networks, and community resources.
• Experience managing grants, contracts, and program budgets.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Camden County as needed.

Preferred

• Clinical licensure such as LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or Licensed Psychologist.
• Experience working within New Jersey behavioral health systems.
• Experience with nonprofit fundraising, grant development, and strategic partnerships.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) are highly desirable.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Program Development and Growth
• Community Engagement
• Clinical and Operational Oversight
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Staff Development and Coaching
• Fiscal Management
• Collaboration and Relationship Building
• Cultural Humility and Trauma-Informed Practice

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $95,000–$105,000 based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Professional development and continuing education support.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families throughout Camden County.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Volunteers of America Delaware Valley is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering an environment of respect, equity, and belonging for all.