Director of Mental Health
Location: Klamath Falls, OR (local candidates strongly preferred)
Role Type: In-person
Anticipated Start Date: June 2026
Employment Type: Full-time salary, non-exempt
Compensation: $90,000 - $115,000/year DOE
Benefits: Medical & Dental/IRA match/Robust PTO
About Friends of the Children
Friends of the Children serves children and families impacted by trauma, systemic inequities, and generational adversity. We partner with youth facing significant risk factors including exposure to ACEs, economic instability, and limited access to essential resources and provide transformational, long-term support to help buffer the impacts of toxic stress.
Each child is paired with a salaried, professional mentor (“Friend”) for 12+ years, from kindergarten through high school graduation. Friends support youth in building emotional regulation, resilience, school readiness, and prosocial skills. In parallel, we work with caregivers through case management, resource navigation, and parenting support to strengthen the entire family system.
Position Overview
The Director of Mental Health (DMH) is a foundational leadership role responsible for building and overseeing Friends of the Children - Klamath Basin’s new behavioral health program, which will align behavioral health skill-building and mentoring work.
This position is supervised by the Executive Director and works in close partnership with the Program Director. The DMH will lead clinical program development, ensure compliance with Medicaid and OHA/CCO requirements, supervise staff delivering services, and integrate mental health services into the organization’s long-standing mentorship model.
While this role primarily focuses on program development, clinical oversight, supervision, and system-building, it also includes meaningful direct service responsibilities. These include conducting regular assessments for each child and, when capacity allows, providing direct therapy to youth who are not currently connected to an external provider.
Core Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Supervision
- Provide clinical supervision to staff serving as QMHAs and peer support specialists
- Lead transition into primary clinical supervision responsibilities as eligible and approved
- Support development and adherence to each child’s Roadmap or Transition Plan
- Ensure coordinated care across providers, families, and systems
Program Development & Clinical Administration
- Lead the development of a compliant Behavioral Health program aligned with OHA, CCO, and Medicaid requirements
- Oversee clinical documentation systems, including review of service notes, claims, and billing alignment
- Ensure organizational compliance with all federal, state, and local behavioral health regulations
- Support credentialing, contracting, and relationships with CCOs and community partners
- Participate in audits and ensure readiness for Medicaid billing and regulatory review
- Collaborate with staff to ensure accurate and timely invoicing for services
- Serve as a member of the Crisis Response Team and support emergency response planning
- Ensure timely and appropriate response for clients at risk of harm to self or others
Staff Development & Training
- Oversee staff credentialing (QMHA and related roles), onboarding, and professional development
- Identify and coordinate internal and external training opportunities aligned with OARs and CCO requirements
- Monitor licensure and certification compliance for all clinical staff
- Support development of trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices across the organization
- Identify opportunities for program growth and innovation (e.g., ACEs-informed care, neurofeedback, pilot interventions)
Direct Service
- Lead mental health intakes for youth in current program
- Complete assessments, treatment plans, and service documentation in alignment with regulatory standards
- Deliver services within scope of licensure and expertise
- Support families, caregivers, and community partners in strengthening protective factors and long-term outcomes
Community & Systems Integration
- Build and maintain relationships with local providers, agencies, and community organizations
- Support referral pathways and service coordination across the Klamath Basin
- Provide insight and guidance to leadership on local behavioral health needs and system gaps
- Collaborate across all Friends of the Children staff to ensure integrated, holistic care
Minimum Qualifications
- Active, unrestricted LCSW, LPC, or LMFT license in Oregon
- Experience providing clinical supervision and overseeing non-licensed staff
- Strong knowledge of Medicaid billing, OHA regulations and community mental health systems
- Demonstrated experience in trauma-informed care
- Ability to work toward or maintain eligibility to provide clinical supervision in Oregon
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors related to behavioral health service provision
Essential Skills & Abilities
- Strong leadership and clinical decision-making skills
- Ability to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a developing program environment
- Ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, and community partners
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements
- Strong interpersonal, communication and colaboration skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Strong problem solving skills and sound professional judgement
Why This Role Matters
This is a unique opportunity to build a mental health program from the ground up within a nationally recognized, evidence-based mentorship model. The Director of Mental Health will play a critical role in expanding access to care for youth and families while ensuring clinical excellence, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Resume or CV
- Brief statement of interest or Cover Letter
- Relevant experience in clinical supervision, trauma-informed care, and/or program development