Director Of Children'S Clinical Services

## Description

## About Nexus Family Recovery Center

Nexus Family Recovery Center is a Dallas-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women and families heal from substance use disorder. We provide a comprehensive continuum of care, from detox through residential and outpatient treatment, rooted in trauma-informed, evidence-based practice and a deep belief that recovery is possible for everyone we serve.

At Nexus, our culture is built on the same values we bring to our clients: respect, compassion, and integrity. Our team is made up of professionals who are serious about the work and about each other, and we are committed to building a workplace where staff feel supported, valued, and able to grow.

We back that commitment with meaningful benefits. Full-time employees receive fully covered health insurance premiums — no cost to you for your own coverage. Coverage is also available to dependents at a cost. Additionally, clinical and medical staff are eligible for student loan reimbursement through our HRSA-approved site designation, making Nexus an exceptional opportunity for those carrying the weight of graduate or professional school debt.

If you're looking for work that matters, a team that shows up, and an organization that invests in the people doing the hard work, then we'd love to meet you.

## Summary

The Director of Children's Clinical Services oversees the assessment, treatment planning, and coordination of clinical services for children at Nexus. This role involves providing trauma-informed care to children impacted by parental substance use, developing individualized treatment plans, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the holistic well-being of each child. The coordinator will also advocate for the needs of children within the agency, offer direct clinical services, and work with external partners to facilitate comprehensive care. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in child development, trauma-informed care, and family systems, with the ability to foster a supportive and healing environment for both children and families.

## Essential Duties & Responsibilities

**Client Assessment and Treatment Planning:**

• Conduct clinical assessments of children to identify emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs.
• Develop individualized treatment plans for children in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including mothers, counselors, therapists, case managers, and the PPWC program director.

**Assessment and Data Reporting:**

• Evaluate and select appropriate clinical assessment tools to accurately measure the emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of children affected by parental substance use.
• Ensure the selected assessments are evidence-based, age-appropriate, and aligned with best practices in trauma-informed care.
• Regularly review and update assessment tools to ensure they remain relevant and effective for the children's population served.
• Administer comprehensive clinical assessments to evaluate the emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of children impacted by substance use in the family.
• Collect and track data related to children's progress, treatment outcomes, and overall well-being as part of the facility's outcome measurement process.
• Analyze and report key outcome measures to ensure program effectiveness and compliance with grant requirements and to inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the facility's data management systems, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with all legal standards.

**Service Coordination and Case Management:**

• Coordinate services and care for children, ensuring access to therapy, educational support, developmental services, and other appropriate resources.
• Facilitate referrals to external agencies, such as mental health services or specialized medical care.
• Ensure continuity of care for children during and after their mothers’ treatment, assisting with reintegration into home and school settings.

**Direct Clinical Services:**

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions for children who have been impacted by substance use disorders within their families.
• Offer trauma-informed care and crisis intervention services for children experiencing emotional distress or trauma.
• Provide family therapy sessions to improve mother-child relationships and address the family dynamic affected by substance use.

**Collaboration with Staff and External Agencies:**

• Work closely with facility staff, including teachers, therapists, and support staff, to ensure a holistic approach to the care of children.
• Build relationships and collaborate with local child welfare services, schools, pediatricians, and mental health providers.

**Program Development and Implementation:**

• Develop appropriate age group programs and activities that foster emotional well-being, resilience, and social skills for residential and outpatient children.
• Design and implement intervention strategies for children exposed to trauma, neglect, or abuse due to parental substance use.

**Advocacy and Family Support:**

• Advocate for children’s needs within the treatment framework, ensuring their voices are heard in care decisions.
• Provide parental education to mothers on child development, healthy communication, and positive parenting practices.

**Monitoring and Evaluation:**

• Regularly monitor and evaluate children's progress through case reviews and updates to treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and documentation according to facility and legal standards.

**Training and Development:**

• Train and educate staff on child development, trauma-informed care, and best practices for working with children in a substance-affected environment.
• Stay current with research and best practices in child development and clinical interventions.

**Compliance and Reporting:**

• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, including DSHS rules, Joint Commission standards, child welfare laws, and privacy standards.
• Prepare reports on the progress of the children’s clinical services program, ensuring outcomes are aligned with organizational goals.

**Support for Transition and Aftercare:**

• Assist with transition planning for children who are discharging from the facility, ensuring the smooth continuation of care and support.
• Ensures services delivered as in line with the Nexus Mission and Values
• Other duties within the organization as assigned.

## Qualifications
## Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of child development, trauma-responsive care, and evidence-based practices in child mental health and family therapy.
• Familiarity with SUD treatment frameworks and the impact of parental substance use on children.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills, with the ability to lead a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to design, implement, and evaluate clinical programs for children and families affected by SUD.
• Skills in adapting programs to meet diverse needs while ensuring alignment with facility goals and best practices.
• Expertise in handling high-stress situations, managing crisis interventions, and supporting staff and families during emergencies.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues that may impact children and families.
• Ability to work with diverse populations with a respectful and inclusive approach.
• Understanding of social, economic, and cultural factors that impact SUD and family health.
• Proficient in common office technology tools, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with children, families, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with children and families facing sensitive and complex challenges.
• Proficiency in using data to monitor program effectiveness, measure outcomes, and support continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with reporting standards, documentation, and regulatory compliance in clinical settings.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations for children’s services and behavioral health.
• Commitment to maintaining ethical standards and protecting client confidentiality in line with CFR 42 and HIPAA requirements.
• Ability to develop and deliver training and workshops for clinical staff.
• Expertise in guiding staff in best practices for children’s behavioral health and family-oriented SUD treatment.
• Experience in building partnerships with community resources and advocating for services that support family recovery and child well-being.
• Skills in networking and creating collaborative relationships to enhance program impact.

## Education, Licensure, & Experience

• Master’s Degree with associated licensure – LMSW, LCSW, LPC, minimum 2-year work experience in mental health clinical work with children and families.
• Must have children’s mental health services program design and implementation experience.
• Training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is required and training in Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy (ABA) is preferred.
• Training and experience working in therapeutic family system models of counseling, strongly preferred.
• Good organizational and time management skills, including proven ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment