Director of Substance Use Services

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Substance Use Services is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of state-certified substance use programs, including the design and delivery of therapeutic services. This individual ensures services are delivered in a safe, compliant, and patient-centered manner while supporting organizational clinical and financial objectives. The Director serves as a key liaison among providers, staff, administration, and patients, fostering collaboration and communication across disciplines. This role manages program budgets, leads performance and staff development, and drives continuous quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, the Director contributes to strategic planning for substance use services and provides direct alcohol and other drug use (AODA) counseling to maintain program quality and continuity of care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Establishes and maintains state-certified alcohol and other drug use (AODA) programs in compliance with Chapter DHS 75.49 and 75.50 requirements to ensure service delivery aligns with regulatory standards.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to support appropriate utilization of healthcare resources and ensure continuity of care for patients.
• Serves as a liaison between patients, internal staff, external agencies, and insurance providers to facilitate understanding of care options and responsibilities.
• Promotes a positive work environment by resolving conflicts and fostering staff morale to support high-quality patient care.
• Collaborates with staff, psychiatrists, internal departments, community partners, and treatment teams to develop systems and workflows that enhance communication, strategically expand services, and improve the patient experience while maintaining cost-effective operations.
• Conducts interviews, hires staff, and designs onboarding processes to ensure the development of a knowledgeable and competent team.
• Evaluates staff performance, delivers feedback, and provides educational opportunities to promote a high-performing workforce.
• Develops, maintains, and updates a comprehensive policy manual outlining procedures for the delivery of substance use services.
• Designs and implements an evaluation plan to monitor service effectiveness, measure patient care outcomes, and assess quality measures to report results and drive continuous improvement.
• Prepares and monitors budgets in coordination with leadership to ensure financial capability and program sustainability while maintaining high-quality patient care.
• Reviews reimbursement activity in collaboration with the Business Systems Team and recommends process or system changes to optimize financial performance and achieve service line goals.
• Coordinates with funding sources to maintain continued treatment coverage and access to care.
• Maintains strict adherence to scheduled work hours with regular and reliable attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES