Program Manager

Program Manager

The UNM Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Community Behavioral Health Division (CBH) is seeking a Program Manager for the First Episode Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) Program to lead statewide clinical, operational, and research initiatives focused on early intervention for psychosis across New Mexico. This role is central to the implementation, sustainability, and continuous improvement of CSC services. We prefer a clinically trained professional who can integrate program leadership with direct clinical care.

The Program Manager will work in close partnership with the Medical Director, outpatient psychiatrists, and senior leadership, and will provide both programmatic oversight and clinical services within the CSC model. This position is ideal for a clinician with strong systems thinking who can hold clinical complexity, administrative responsibility, and collaborative leadership simultaneously. Training in CSC specific interventions will be provided.

Key responsibilities for this position include :

Program Leadership and Management

Provide overall leadership and day-to-day management of the First Episode Psychosis CSC program across clinical, operational, and research domains.

Collaborate closely with the Project Principal Investigator, Medical Director, outpatient psychiatrists, and departmental leadership to define program vision, statewide goals, and implementation strategies.

Oversee program operations including workflows, scheduling, referral pathways, staffing coordination, and logistics.

Manage and support CSC team members, including direct supervision of program therapists and case manager(s) in collaboration with the Medical Director.

Facilitate regular team meetings, case conferences, and program planning sessions.

Develop, maintain, and monitor program metrics, databases, dashboards, and reporting systems to ensure fidelity, quality improvement, and accountability.

Support fiscal and administrative activities related to program sustainability and reporting.

Clinical and Family Support Role

Provide direct clinical services to a limited caseload, including patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis and or their families, within the CSC framework.

Deliver family psychoeducation, engagement, and support interventions consistent with evidence-based CSC practices.

Serve as a clinical resource to the team for complex cases, family dynamics, and system navigation.

Participate in triage of community referrals in collaboration with the Medical Director.

Support clinical decision making while maintaining appropriate scope and collaboration with prescribing clinicians.

Systems, Outreach, and Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as a liaison with the New Mexico Health Care Authority and other state and community partners, including preparation of quarterly and ad hoc reports.

Lead outreach and relationship building with community behavioral health agencies, referral sources, and partner organizations.

Support troubleshooting of operational challenges, including staffing coverage, absences, and coordination with IT and administrative units.

Contribute to workforce development, onboarding, and education of CSC staff and trainees.

Research and Evaluation

Lead and support program evaluation activities, including data collection, fidelity monitoring, and dissemination of outcomes.

Collaborate on research initiatives related to early psychosis, including partnerships with other institutions.

Assist with IRB submissions, compliance activities, and scholarly outputs such as reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

This is a full time, benefits eligible, term position with anticipated continuation beyond the 2026 term end date. The role requires a high level of initiative, adaptability, and professional judgment within complex and often inflexible systems. Limited in-state travel may be required.

Minimum Qualifications :

High school diploma or GED; at least 6 years of experience 2 of which are management level experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications :

Advanced clinical degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related mental health discipline.

Demonstrated experience in program management, implementation, or systems level leadership in behavioral health.

Clinical experience working with serious mental illness, including psychosis.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including professional and technical writing.

Experience working with diverse populations, families, and community-based providers.

Ability to balance administrative leadership with clinical presence and ethical practice.

Capacity to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.

Willingness and ability to travel within New Mexico as required.

This position is a hybrid position, working mostly in-office and clinics, and remotely at times.