Director, Practice Improvement & Consulting (Workforce)

Organizational Overview

Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (National Council) is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of nearly 3,500 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. The National Council is a 501(c)(3) association that advocates for policies that ensure people who have mental health and substance use challenges have access to comprehensive, high quality services. We also offer state-of-the-science education and practice improvement consulting and resources to ensure services are efficient and effective.

Position Summary

The Practice Improvement and Consulting Department (PIC) is central to the National Council’s goal of providing timely and meaningful technical assistance and consulting to community mental health and substance use services organizations and others serving the health of our nation. As directed by the Senior Director, PIC, this position leads several workforce related initiatives focused on developing actionable and innovative solutions to address the mental health and substance use workforce crisis. This position assists in the day-to-day operations of the Department within the framework of the National Council's policy goals, priorities, and annual organizational work plan. We seek candidates who are positive, inventive, proactive, and efficient while maintaining an approachable and professional presence to internal and external audiences. While this position can be based remotely anywhere in the United States, our primary work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time zone hours.

The National Council is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and commit ourselves to creating an inclusive environment for everyone.

Project Overview

This position will lead the National Mental Health Workforce Acceleration Collaborative, a new National Council initiative that aims to increase the number of qualified licensed mental health and substance use treatment clinicians, while enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in patient-facing mental health and substance use treatment positions.

Responsibilities

PIC Department Activities

• Task supervision of other staff and/or oversight of external consultants and contracts; may include supervision of and professional development support for other staff members
• Contribution of subject matter expertise to development of tools and resources, presentations, written documents, and strategic plans
• Other activities aligned with the priorities and day-to-day activities of the National Council
• Relationship management with relevant funders and other project stakeholders and oversight of reports
• Financial monitoring and stewardship of National Council’s resources, including development and oversight of budgets
• Business development, including writing for proposals and participation in discrete areas of strategic planning and outreach
• Oversight and/or direct delivery of high-impact, multi-modal training and technical assistance (T/TA) that aligns with the primary audience, scope and budget of the individual initiative; T/TA to generally include tools and toolkits, trainings (virtual and in person), ad hoc consultation and ongoing coaching
• Definition and oversight of individual project’s scope, financial plan, staffing needs and functional assignments, and overall timeline
• Direct and oversee project monitoring and evaluation, including data analysis and interpretation
• Consistent and proactive communication with senior leadership regarding project activities including, but not limited to, progress on deliverables, subcontract management, financial reports, implementation challenges and mitigation strategies, and potential new opportunities
• Public speaking at conferences, learning communities, webinars, and key business meetings that facilitate National Council positioning
• Provision of responsive, high quality, issue-related and strategy-based technical assistance to National Council state and regional associations, members and other organizations
• Project leadership, including coordination with internal and external parties, and clear communication of goals, objectives, and strategic context

Organizational Activities – Participate in other National Council activities

• Carry out other duties as assigned
• Travel on behalf of the National Council as needed
• Participate in department and all staff meetings

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 6+ years of experience in relevant field; experience in workforce development, staff development, organizational development, or work-based learning programs preferably in the field of mental health, substance use, or human/social services.
• Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, public administration, public policy, business or related field; Master’s degree strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Organized and results-oriented with a high attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and meet deadlines in a demanding, fast-paced environment
• High-level proficiency in Microsoft Office— Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Focused and agile under pressure
• Ability to travel up to 30%
• Experience supporting the growth and development of other staff; professional supervision experience preferred
• Previous experience in business development with successful results
• Ability to contribute to a collaborative, team-based environment with matrix supervision and fluid project assignments
• Project and budget management experience with at least 3 years of demonstrated leadership experience; Project Management Certification and experience with local, state and/or federal contracts/grants oversight preferred
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills demonstrating a high degree of emotional intelligence

National Council is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

National Council uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security at 888-897-7781 or visit www.dhs.gov/everify.