Ascend Healthcare is committed to providing fully integrated, quality psychiatric and behavioral health services in a compassionate, convenient, and affordable manner. We work with external partners to provide services to patients across the country through integrated psychiatric medication management, substance use disorder treatment, counseling services, peer support and care coordination for seamless patient care. We believe in a “no wrong door” treatment model which finds ways to say “yes” to any patient referral rather than a multitude of exclusionary criteria found elsewhere. This approach reflects our values of improved patient and clinician experience, better outcomes, and lower costs.
About us
Ascend Healthcare fosters a professional, collaborative, and rewarding workplace culture, dedicated to making a profound impact on diverse communities through exceptional patient care.
Our work environment includes:
- Patient-First Mindset
- Fully-Remote
- Business Casual
- Emphasis on Career Growth, Collaboration and Teamwork
What we do:
Our team of Psychiatry Providers and Mental Health Therapist treat all mental health and substance use disorders to a patient population of age 6 and up. Our philosophy is to incorporate all areas of care into a patient’s well-being. We believe in a “no wrong door” treatment model that finds ways to say “yes” to any patient referral rather than a multitude of exclusionary criteria found elsewhere.
Position Overview:
The Director of Clinical Education and Excellence drives the strategic development and execution of educational workflows and training that enhance access to quality psychiatric care, elevate patient outcomes, and optimize provider performance. This role combines healthcare expertise with a commitment to advancing dual collaboration of psychiatric medical and therapeutic care. The Director ensures the highest standard of onboarding, training, and quality assurance for Behavioral Health Medical Professionals (BHMPs) and Therapist staff, contributing to the organization’s mission to deliver top-tier care across all Ascend partnerships. The Director plays a pivotal role in building and maintaining best practices, regulatory compliance, and quality programs that position Ascend as a leader in psychiatric healthcare delivery.
Key Areas of Ownership:
- Develop and deliver innovative education programs for both BHMPs and Therapist staff, in collaboration with the other department members.
- Ensure that all clinical staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality psychiatric care.
- Design, implement, and continuously improve clinical protocols that support patient-centered care and elevate outcomes, in conjunction with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or Chief Operations Officer (COO)
- Participate in and act as the subject matter expert for peer review and quality programs, in conjunction with the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer and the CMO or COO.
- Alongside Ascend’s Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, act as a subject matter expert to ensure clinical practices are aligned with federal, state, and licensing body regulations, particularly concerning the supervision of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.
- Oversee a systemic framework that provides strategic support to all BHMPs, ensuring the highest quality of care.
- Oversee all supervisory and collaborating physicians within the organization in conjunction with the CMO
- Ensure appropriate allocations for supervisory relationships, assist with onboarding these physicians
- Direct Patient Care (up to 40%): Provide direct psychiatric care to patients, allowing for continuous evaluation of operational systems and clinical practices, ensuring alignment with best practices and patient-centered care models
- Serve as a key player in clinical optimization, particularly focusing on maximizing patient outcomes.
- Monitor team billing practices and continuously educate clinical staff on appropriate Evaluation and Management (E&M) billing practices to optimize reimbursement and ensure compliance with industry standards
- Oversee Ascend Healthcare’s high-level participation in the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) as business needs warrant, ensuring psychiatric consultation services are provided to underserved and low-access areas
- Ensure continuous professional development by staying up to date on the latest clinical best practices and engaging actively with current research.
- Enhance the quality of patient care by integrating the most effective, evidence-based approaches, leading to improved patient outcomes and higher standards of care.
- In conjunction with other key stakeholders (e.g., Chief Clinical Officer), oversee department staff by providing strategic direction to ensure that onboarding, clinical education, supervision, and quality initiatives are aligned with organizational goals.
Qualifications:
- Active unrestricted PMHNP or Physician Assistant License
- 5 years of management/leadership experience (Strongly preferred)
- 5 years of psychiatric provider experience (Strongly preferred)
- Experience with multiple EMRs
- Experience working with Community Health Centers (CHCs) (Strongly Preferred)
- Experience collaborating with multifunctional teams
- Ability to hold multiple state licenses
- Billing and finance expertise
- Experience in quality improvement initiatives
- Experience in corporate or educational training environments
Physical Requirements: This is a fully remote position but may require in-person attendance as company needs arise. Please be aware the below physical requirements should be considered prior to applying to the position:
- Prolonged Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods during working hours.
- Manual Dexterity: Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for using a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
- Visual Requirements: Adequate vision for reading computer screens and documents.
- Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for virtual meetings and correspondence.
- Hearing: Sufficient hearing ability for participating in phone calls or virtual meetings.
- Work Environment: Access to a quiet, dedicated workspace free from distractions with reliable internet connectivity.
Perks
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and LTD benefits
- PTO + Company Holidays
- Yearly CEU Stipend
- Collaborative Environment
- Remote-first setting
- Clinician Founded and Operated
FLSA: Exempt
Compensation: $175,000-$180,000
Schedule: Monday-Friday. 8am-5pm AZ time.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental Insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Ascend Healthcare is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Ascend Healthcare participates in conducting comprehensive background checks and drug screenings for all potential employees as a contingency to gaining employment status.