Implementation Specialist, Illinois CCBHC-T

Position Summary

The Implementation Specialist, Illinois CCBHC-T will play a crucial role in supporting state-level efforts in Illinois to advance the transformation of care through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. This position will serve as a contracted staff member of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, supporting transformation efforts to further the state's CCBHC program. This position requires a highly skilled individual with a proven record of advancing state behavioral health systems, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and delivering high-quality results.

Illinois is one of three states selected to participate in a three-year, multistate pilot program that will provide critical technical assistance support to states and clinics to advance the vision and impact of the CCBHC model. CCBHCs provide mental health and substance use services to anyone who walks through the door, regardless of a person's ability to pay. Through their documented ability to improve access to mental health care, lifesaving substance use treatment, recovery supports, crisis services, integrated care and other services, CCBHCs are eliminating barriers to care for people in hundreds of communities. This role will serve as a core member of the program implementation team and lead priority initiatives of the state roadmap and implementation plan.

This position is contingent upon continued project funding. This is a limited-term, full-time, benefits-eligible position with employment expected through July 2028.

This is a hybrid remote position with residence in Illinois required. You will primarily work remotely but may also occasionally travel throughout the state as needed. Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. This is an individual contributor role without any direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor supporting the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Transformation (CCBHC-T) project.
• Initiate, build, and facilitate relationships with key state stakeholders and partners to support advancing the project's vision and strategy.
• Partner with the CCBHC-T state team leaders to support alignment of project strategy with overarching project vision with the National Council and key partners.
• Lead and drive efforts to support the implementation of the CCBHC model to fidelity across the state.

Training and Technical Assistance

• Provide subject matter expertise and guidance regarding the state's technical assistance strategy and work planning to support CCBHCs.
• Deliver training and technical assistance support to state agency staff, CCBHCs, prospective CCBHCs and other stakeholders.
• Partner with the state's certification team to ensure the technical assistance strategy and activities align with CCBHC certification requirements, and the team's strategic priorities.
• Develop, present, and communicate materials and resources for technical assistance activities as it relates to areas of expertise, such as the CCBHC model, implementation, certification criteria, quality of care, and sustainability considerations.
• Communicate with and support CCBHCs and technical assistance audiences directly in understanding and implementing the CCBHC model, tailored to specific audiences as needed.
• Gather input and feedback from CCBHCs and technical assistance audiences regarding content needed to support their implementation and scaling efforts.

Technical Expertise

• Develop and build technical skills and knowledge in the CCBHC model, implementation, certification criteria, quality of care, and sustainability considerations.
• Stay current on state behavioral health needs, understanding the policy landscape and key stakeholders influencing the state's health care environment.
• Leverage technical skills and knowledge to address complex project challenges.
• Support the development and delivery of high-quality deliverables, including reports, presentations, and training materials.

State Behavioral Health Systems Strategy

• Proactively identify potential risks that could compromise the impact of the project and advise on solutions.
• Support relationship building with key stakeholders and engage additional stakeholders as needed to drive strategic vision, specifically the state's CCBHC certification team.
• Serve as a liaison, as needed, to ensure clear and consistent communication is shared with key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, human services, public health, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience + a minimum of 3 years of progressive subject matter expertise in managing and implementing behavioral health programs.
• Illinois state residency.
• Knowledge of state and clinic-level CCBHC implementation, including but not limited to state operational, financial and administrative needs to support CCBHC adoption, state certification processes, CCBHC data and quality measures, state guidelines and oversight, and support to clinics in CCBHC adoption.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders to drive impact at a systems level, such as various state agencies, national, state, provider and consumer associations, behavioral health organizations, technical assistance providers and consultants.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in mental health, substance use prevention, treatment, or recovery
• Dynamic presentation, public speaking and technical writing skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Ability to travel up to 30% across the state to visit provider organizations and support their CCBHC implementation efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical licensure in social work, counseling, psychology, nursing, or related field.
• Experience working as a clinician within a CCBHC, or other integrated health or community mental health setting, specifically in Illinois strongly preferred.
• Experience and knowledge in rural health care settings, specifically CCBHC settings strongly preferred.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $112,552 - $130,000. Salary decisions within the range are based on experience, education and internal equity.

The National Council offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes (but is not limited to):

• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions after 1 year of service
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal, floating holiday, bereavement and observed federal holidays
• Two weeks paid parental leave
• Free unlimited Relias professional development courses
• Annual professional development
• Calm Premium access

About Us

The vision of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is to make mental wellbeing, including recovery from substance use challenges, a reality for everyone. Despite overwhelming need, nearly 30 million people across the U.S. do not have access to comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment.

Founded in 1969, the National Council is a 501(c)(3) membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of more than 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 15 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure equitable access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, we have trained more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

The National Council is growing to meet this moment. We've more than doubled our dedicated team to 240+ employees since 2020. Although we have office space in Washington, D.C., we operate as a remote-first organization, with employees working from their various locations across the United States.

The National Council is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We embrace individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives, welcoming people of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and ages, as well as veterans, people with disabilities, and those with lived experiences in mental health and substance use challenges to apply. We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment and recruitment process for everyone. If you require accommodation during the application process, please contact us at Recruiter@thenationalcouncil.org.