KEY FUNCTION:
The Director of Mental Health and Clinical Support provides operational, and clinical leadership of mental health, addictions, pharmacy, and laboratory/diagnostic imaging. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, safe person-centered care while maintaining full compliance with legislative, regulatory, and accreditation standards. The Director leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that support integrated, equitable, and sustainable care across the continuum. A key focus of the role is advancing quality improvement, strengthening clinical practice, and ensuring that patients and clients receive services that reflect best practices, cultural safety, and organizational values. Given the rural and northern context, the Director plays a key role in addressing access, workforce sustainability and community-based service integration. The Director also plays a critical leadership role in building strong teams, supporting managers, and fostering a collaborative, accountable, and learning-oriented culture. This includes overseeing operational planning, resource management, and workforce development to ensure programs are well-resourced and sustainable. Through strategic vision and hands-on leadership, the Director ensures that residential treatment, and mental health services operate cohesively and effectively within a complex and evolving healthcare environment.
REPORTING:
Under the general direction of the Vice-President, Quality and Clinical Services, & Chief Nursing Executive.
DUTIES:
- Develops operational plans that align and support department services and SJGHEL’s strategic priorities, Ontario Health priorities and community needs.
- Drives operational performance across all portfolio areas, ensuring safety, efficiency, and service excellence.
- In collaboration with Managers, ensures needed resources, including human resources, staffing models, education, and equipment are in place to properly support resident and client care services.
- Develops and implements policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure efficient, compliant, and safe operations.
- Ensures compliance with all applicable legislation, accreditation standards, and SJGHEL policies, including but not limited to Public Hospitals Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Accreditation Canda standards and Required Organizational Practices (ROPs)
- Manages budgets, resources, and capital projects within assigned portfolios.
- Supports clinical excellence through evidence-based practice, risk management, and resident/client safety initiatives.
- Leads system transformation initiatives, including service redesign, new models of care, and digital health innovations.
- Identifies opportunities for innovation, alternative service delivery models, funding, grants, and partnership development to enhance service delivery.
- Ensures effective communication and coordination across teams, departments, and external collaborators.
- Collaborates with clinical and administrative leaders to optimize support services that contribute to high-quality patient care and operational efficiency.
- Addresses escalated concerns, complaints, and complex situations involving patients, clients, or families.
- Monitors performance metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives across all areas of responsibility.
- Leads, coaches, and develops staff to ensure high performance, succession planning and staff engagement.
- Collaborates with internal and external partners/organizations/community groups to achieve program objectives and support integrated care pathways.
- Leads or participates in cross-functional projects to optimize operational workflows, service delivery, and financial sustainability.
- Leads program level quality improvement initiatives, including data analysis, outcome monitoring, and implementation of evidence-based practices.
- Participates in management on-call coverage within a rotation of Managers as required.
QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, or a regulated health profession is required.
- Master’s degree in Health Administration, Nursing, Business or related field preferred.
- Current professional registration in good standing is an asset.
- Specialized training in mental health, and addictions, quality improvement, patient safety, or healthcare leadership is an asset.
EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare, preferably in mental health or hospital environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary and unionized teams and complex programs.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, trauma-informed care, and person-centered service models is an asset.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of, and willingness to support SJGHEL’s Mission, Vision & Values of Compassion, Humility & Harmony, Respect, Integrity, Social Responsibility and The Sacredness of Life.
- Possesses strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop respectful, supportive relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Strong understanding of mental health regulations, and community care standards.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and operational priorities.
- Leads by example and demonstrates ethical leadership, accountability and professionalism.
- Proven conflict resolution and mediation skills.
- Tact and diplomacy to be able to operate effectively in complex, sensitive politically sensitive and a unionized environment.
- Service-oriented focus with a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
- Experience implementing programs in a complex and regulated healthcare organization.
- Proven leadership and team building skills with a personal presence that inspires confidence and credibility at all levels of SJGHEL.
- Ability to influence outcomes and balance competing interests.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Possesses a high capacity for developing respectful and supportive interpersonal relationships.
PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
- Ability to develop partnerships and collaborative processes across institutions.
- Demonstrated ability to take appropriate action to resolve workplace related issues and problems.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
- Positive work record and excellent attendance record. 6. Meets the physical and sensory demands of the job.
- Ability to travel between local sites.
OTHER:
- Bilingualism is an asset.
- Understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities associated with rural and northern healthcare delivery is an asset.
Pay: $143,061.00-$161,176.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
