Clinical Program Manager I BHC - LCSW - Job Opportunity at Kaiser Permanente

Los Angeles, US
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 16, 2025
On-site
USD 114,500 - 148,170 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare coverage through Kaiser Permanente's integrated delivery system, providing seamless access to medical, mental health, and pharmacy services
Equal opportunity employment with commitment to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces ensuring career development in a diverse environment
Labor/Management Partnership environment fostering collaborative decision-making and employee engagement
Professional development opportunities through supervision, training, and consultation support
Flexible scheduling with primarily weekday hours and minimal weekend coverage requirements

Key Responsibilities

Drive operational excellence by managing comprehensive delivery of timely, cost-effective, and high-quality behavioral health services across established clinical sites, directly impacting patient outcomes and organizational performance
Lead strategic care coordination initiatives ensuring seamless continuity of care and optimal resource utilization both within Behavioral Health Care and across external community partnerships
Partner with physicians and department leadership in developing short and long-range strategic plans for psychotherapeutic and psychiatric social work programs that directly address member needs and purchaser requirements
Establish and maintain professional practice standards for group and individual therapeutic modalities, ensuring clinical excellence and regulatory compliance across all treatment programs
Provide comprehensive clinical supervision, professional development, and performance management for licensed clinical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence
Drive integration and coordination of psychiatric and addiction medicine programs across inpatient and outpatient departments while building strategic community partnerships
Develop and implement evidence-based systems and methodologies for continuous improvement of treatment modalities, directly contributing to improved patient outcomes and program effectiveness
Lead comprehensive program evaluation initiatives including outcomes management, protocol development, and establishment of inclusion/exclusion criteria for treatment programs
Develop and implement strategic policies, procedures, and systems to ensure optimal customer satisfaction, member access, and service delivery excellence
Manage human, fiscal, and physical resources while implementing cost reduction strategies and maximizing departmental efficiency and productivity
Provide direct clinical services to individual patients and patient groups up to 50% of working time, maintaining clinical expertise and patient care excellence

Requirements

Education

Masters degree in a field/discipline related to mental health such as psychology, social work, counseling, behavioral science, or psychiatric/chemical dependency nursing specialty

Experience

Minimum three (3) years of clinical experience as a staff clinician in a mental health setting. Minimum one (1) year of experience in managing/supervising the development, delivery and evaluation of clinical mental health programs

Required Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of individual and/or group psychotherapeutic treatment modalities and techniques Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate/improve multi-discipline group and/or individual program for patients (children, adolescents, adults, and families) Interpersonal and leadership skills Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment

Certifications

Registered Nurse License (California) OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker (California) OR Psychologist License (California) OR Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (California) OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California)
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The behavioral health sector is experiencing unprecedented demand driven by increased mental health awareness, COVID-19's lasting psychological impact, and growing recognition of mental health parity. Healthcare systems are rapidly expanding their behavioral health programs and integrating mental health services into primary care delivery models. This trend is creating significant opportunities for experienced clinical program managers who can bridge clinical excellence with operational efficiency. Value-based care models are reshaping behavioral health delivery, emphasizing outcome measurement, cost-effectiveness, and integrated care coordination. Organizations are seeking leaders who can demonstrate measurable improvements in patient outcomes while managing costs, making clinical program management roles increasingly strategic and data-driven. The shortage of qualified mental health professionals continues to intensify, with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing reporting that 76% of organizations struggle to recruit qualified staff. This creates a competitive advantage for experienced clinicians with management capabilities and opens pathways for rapid career advancement in leadership roles.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $114,500 - $148,170 is competitive for the Los Angeles market and reflects Kaiser Permanente's position as a premium healthcare employer. This range aligns well with national averages for clinical program managers in integrated healthcare systems, considering the high cost of living in Los Angeles and the comprehensive nature of the role combining clinical supervision, program management, and direct patient care.

Role Significance

Typically manages 8-15 licensed clinical staff members including therapists, social workers, and counselors, while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams across departments. The role involves indirect oversight of clinical support staff and collaboration with medical providers, department managers, and administrative personnel across the healthcare system.
This mid-level management position represents a critical bridge between clinical practice and healthcare administration, requiring the ability to influence both clinical outcomes and operational performance. The role carries significant responsibility for program development, staff supervision, and resource management, positioning the incumbent as a key decision-maker in the organization's behavioral health strategy.

Key Projects

Implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols and outcome measurement systems to improve patient care quality and demonstrate program effectiveness Development of integrated care pathways connecting behavioral health services with primary care, specialty medicine, and community resources Launch of specialized treatment programs for specific populations such as addiction medicine patients, adolescents, or families requiring coordinated care approaches Quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing readmission rates, improving patient satisfaction scores, and optimizing resource utilization across the behavioral health continuum

Success Factors

Clinical expertise combined with business acumen to balance quality patient care with operational efficiency and cost management in a value-based care environment Strong leadership and communication skills to effectively supervise diverse clinical teams, collaborate with physicians, and influence organizational change across multiple departments Data-driven decision making capabilities to analyze program performance, implement evidence-based practices, and demonstrate measurable outcomes to stakeholders Adaptability and change management skills to navigate the rapidly evolving behavioral health landscape, including regulatory changes, technology adoption, and new treatment modalities

Market Demand

High demand driven by healthcare system expansion of behavioral health services, regulatory requirements for integrated care, and the ongoing mental health crisis requiring experienced clinical leaders who can manage complex programs while maintaining quality standards.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical supervision and staff development capabilities are essential given the current shortage of qualified behavioral health professionals and the need to maintain high clinical standards while supporting professional growth. The ability to mentor, train, and retain clinical staff directly impacts program success and patient outcomes. Program evaluation and quality improvement skills are crucial as healthcare systems increasingly focus on demonstrating value, measuring outcomes, and implementing evidence-based practices. The ability to analyze data, identify improvement opportunities, and implement systematic changes drives both clinical excellence and organizational success. Interdisciplinary collaboration and integration skills are vital in Kaiser Permanente's integrated care model, requiring the ability to work effectively with medical providers, administrators, and community partners to ensure coordinated care delivery and optimal resource utilization.

Beneficial Skills

Technology proficiency in electronic health records, data analytics platforms, and telehealth systems becomes increasingly valuable as healthcare delivery evolves and organizations invest in digital transformation initiatives to improve efficiency and patient access. Cultural competency and community engagement skills are particularly valuable in diverse markets like Los Angeles, where understanding social determinants of health and building community partnerships can significantly enhance program effectiveness and patient outcomes. Business and financial acumen including budget management, cost analysis, and revenue cycle understanding provide competitive advantages for career advancement into senior leadership roles where clinical expertise must be combined with business strategy.

Unique Aspects

Integration of clinical supervision responsibilities with direct patient care delivery, allowing for continued clinical skill development while building management expertise
Opportunity to work across the entire behavioral health continuum from addiction medicine to psychiatric services, providing broad clinical exposure and career versatility
Access to Kaiser Permanente's extensive technology platform, research capabilities, and evidence-based practice initiatives supporting professional growth and clinical innovation
Partnership with academic institutions and community organizations creating opportunities for program development, research participation, and community health initiatives

Career Growth

Career advancement to director-level positions typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated success in program management, staff development, and measurable outcome improvements. Progression to executive roles generally requires 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare settings.

Potential Next Roles

Director of Behavioral Health Services overseeing multiple clinical programs and sites with expanded budget responsibility and strategic planning authority Regional Clinical Manager responsible for behavioral health operations across multiple facilities within a healthcare system Chief Clinical Officer positions in behavioral health organizations or integrated healthcare systems, combining clinical leadership with executive management responsibilities Independent consulting roles advising healthcare organizations on behavioral health program development, regulatory compliance, and clinical excellence initiatives

Company Overview

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente stands as one of the nation's largest integrated healthcare delivery systems, serving over 12 million members across multiple states with a unique model combining health insurance, medical care, and hospital services under one organization. The company's integrated approach to healthcare delivery creates distinctive opportunities for clinical professionals to work across the entire care continuum.

Kaiser Permanente maintains a dominant market position as a leader in value-based care delivery, preventive medicine, and healthcare innovation. The organization's financial stability, technology investments, and commitment to quality metrics make it an employer of choice for healthcare professionals seeking career growth and professional development opportunities.
In Los Angeles, Kaiser Permanente operates as one of the largest healthcare employers with significant community presence and strong relationships with academic institutions, community organizations, and public health agencies. The Watts location specifically serves diverse communities with complex social determinants of health, providing rich clinical experience and community impact opportunities.
The Labor/Management Partnership environment represents a unique collaborative approach to workplace decision-making, employee engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives. This culture emphasizes shared governance, professional development, and innovation while maintaining high standards for clinical excellence and patient safety.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.