Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at United Counseling Services – Bennington, Vermont

Why join UCS?

Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County.

As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners—a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies—we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

Why is UCS a great place to work?

Under the supervision of the CEO, and in collaboration with the Chief Program Officer (CPO) oversees all psychiatric services, Emergency Services and clinical programs and initiatives of the agency. They are responsible for ensuring that programs align with the organization’s mission and goals, provide guidance to clinical staff, and are responsive to meeting client and community needs. The CMO will ensure that agency goals and structures meet or exceed stated objectives, communicating responsibly with other members of Executive Leadership, the Board, Government agencies, donors, and community partners. The CMO must foster a positive organizational culture ensuring a professionally thriving workforce.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, Management, & Accountability
• Serve on the Executive Leadership Team, fostering strong, cohesive partnerships across the agency
• Lead, manage, and inspire program directors and staff to be accountable in achieving goal-based outcomes.
• Ensuring directors and managers develop and provide effective high-quality training, professional development, supervision and evaluation of employees to meet individual and agency KPIs.
• Foster positive organizational culture and attain our mission and demonstrate our agency values,
• Monitor program performance to ensure that targets (qualitative and quantitative), compliance and contractual obligations are met.
• Ensure clinical standards are met or exceeded across disciplines,
• Attest to the clinical training and qualifications of clinical staff practicing at UCS.
• Provide clinical supervision to psychiatric practitioners and nursing staff.

Program Strategy & Planning
• Meet the goals of the Strategic Plan, agency goals, and program goals.
• Sustain and adjust service provisions through utilizing timely data-driven practices.
• Develop long-range and annual plans and budgets; ensure alignment of organizational plans across teams create and execute program strategies and plans that are evidence-based; leverage best practices to meet outcomes and goals.
• Analyze trends using dashboards/data at all program levels to enable identification and recommendation for program and operational improvements over time.
• Change and develop clinical services to meet the changing needs of the community and community partners.

Quality Assurance and Improvement
• Evaluate and ensure dynamic processes in all phases of clinical services delivery.
• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of program outcomes and impact metrics, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational standards.
• Ensure high quality assurance standards are met.
• Work with the Quality and Compliance Team to review findings from monitoring and auditing activities, to review adherence with compliance standards, and to review and prevent breaches of confidentiality, among other quality activities. The results of these reviews will inform and direct quality improvement initiatives and corrective actions and audits.
• Oversee and chair the Ethics Committee.

Partnership & Grants Management
• In collaboration with CEO and Executive Team, develop and cultivate community relationships and partnerships with providers and stakeholders to ensure strong relationships are maintained at all levels.
• Represent the organization at relevant meetings and events to enhance visibility and influence in the Human Service sector.
• Manage programmatic compliance with grants, and communicate regarding new proposals, grant deliverables and grant reporting requirements.
• Follow agency protocols in submitting grant proposals and implementing new activities that receive funding, and understand financial implications.

Financial and Resource Management:
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to develop and manage division and program budgets.
• Optimize resource allocation to maximize program impact and sustainability.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships to support program growth and sustainability.

* In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctorate in Medicine from an accredited institution and completion of accredited residency in general psychiatry OR Board Certification in Nurse Practice in Psychiatry. A qualifying Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), who maintains active psychiatric specialization certification in accordance with 26 VSA 1611(2), may be an allowable substitute to fulfill the basic requirements of the position pending Vermont State of Mental Health authorization of substitute criteria.
• Eligible for licensure in the State of Vermont.
• 5 years of leadership experience.
• Ability to work effectively with clients and with staff.
• Valid Driver’s License