Clinical Director - Juvenile Justice
Job description
About the role
This role delivers clinical leadership for a residential juvenile justice program in Brockton. It operates within a structured, accredited setting that follows a Positive Youth Development framework. You will own the clinical vision and ensure that all therapeutic activities are aligned with this framework and regulatory standards. The position requires you to oversee direct care practices while fostering a safe, supportive, and rehabilitative environment for youth. You will be responsible for translating organizational goals into actionable plans for the clinical team. Success in this role is defined by your ability to lead complex clinical work and drive measurable improvements in youth outcomes. You will partner closely with administrative and programmatic stakeholders to ensure seamless service delivery.
Key facts
What you'll do
Daily operations are organized and supported in collaboration with the administrative team to ensure smooth functioning.
Intake and discharge planning is overseen, and new referrals are assessed to guide youth through the system.
Testing and evaluations are arranged or conducted to inform clinical decisions and treatment planning.
Clinical issues are reviewed with the Program Director to align care with program standards and safety.
The Behavior Modification System is developed and integrated, and crisis management support is provided to maintain a secure environment.
The effectiveness of daily groups is monitored, facilitated, and feedback is provided to improve participant outcomes.
Clinical staff are hired and trained, with ongoing supervision provided to sustain clinical quality and team development.
You will coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that clinical interventions are consistent and effective.
Documentation and reporting processes are managed to meet accreditation requirements and organizational policies.
You will support the implementation of data-driven practices to evaluate program effectiveness and guide improvements.
Professional development opportunities are created for clinical staff to enhance skills and knowledge.
You will ensure that all clinical activities adhere to ethical guidelines and standards of care.
Collaboration with courts, families, and external providers is facilitated to support comprehensive care.
You will contribute to the development and refinement of clinical policies and procedures.
Requirements
A Master's degree in the Healing Arts is mandatory for this role.
An independent Clinical License such as LMHC or LICSW is required for practice.
At least 3 years of experience working with adolescents in a team-based environment is required.
A valid Massachusetts drivers license is required for this position.
You must be able to pass a background check and meet all regulatory requirements.
You must demonstrate a commitment to ethical practice and confidentiality in all interactions.
You must be able to work within a structured environment that adheres to accreditation standards.
You must be capable of managing clinical risk and implementing safety protocols effectively.
You must be willing to engage in ongoing training and professional development.
You must be able to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including youth, families, and team members.
You must be able to work a full-time schedule that includes Monday-Friday hours.
You must comply with all organizational policies and procedures.
You must be prepared to handle complex clinical situations with professionalism and care.
Practical notes
This role is based in Brockton and follows a Monday-Friday 9am-5pm schedule.
The position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical and dental coverage, retirement savings, wellness supports, and life insurance.
Typical interview steps
Leadership hiring usually includes a strategy case, a people scenario, and a values conversation. Candidates may be asked to turn around a struggling team or plan for growth. Past results are examined closely, especially how decisions were made. Interviewers dig into specific decisions you made and their consequences. Preparing two or three decision stories with numbers and lessons is the best use of time.
Good to know
Professionals in this field typically work with minors in structured residential settings and coordinate care with courts and families. Common tools include clinical documentation systems, behavior tracking methods, and structured therapy protocols. These roles require strong risk assessment skills and adherence to regulatory and accreditation standards. Communication with multidisciplinary teams is a regular part of the work. Ethical practice and confidentiality are central to this kind of position.
Questions to ask
Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.
Career growth
Leadership careers move from manager to senior manager, director, and executive roles. Each step adds more scope and more responsibility for outcomes. The best leaders keep learning how to delegate, communicate, and decide. Leadership careers reward a record of building and developing people. The higher you go, the more your communication shapes the whole organization.