Lead Behavioral Health Initiatives: Clinical Director Opportunity at IHS

Are you a licensed clinician looking to transition into a high-impact leadership role? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently recruiting for a Supervisory Mental Health Specialist to serve as the Clinical Director at the Great Plains Youth Regional Treatment Center in Wakpala, South Dakota. This role offers the chance to lead a dedicated team in providing life-changing behavioral health services to youth.

Job Responsibilities

As the Clinical Director, you will perform a variety of supervisory and clinical duties:

Supervision: Manage substance abuse therapists and mental health specialists.
Clinical Leadership: Oversee diagnostic assessments, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy sessions.
Policy & Compliance: Ensure all services align with Federal law and agency regulations.
Crisis Management: Coordinate interventions for severe behavioral health emergencies.

Requirements

Applicants must possess a current clinical independent license in social work (LCSW) and a dual license in substance use disorders (e.g., LADC, CADC). You must also pass a federal background check.

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	Behavioral or Social Science degree
Experience	1 year of specialized equivalent experience
License	LCSW + SUD certification required

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 annually, commensurate with experience and federal pay scales.

Benefits

IHS employees enjoy robust federal benefits, including:

Student loan repayment opportunities.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Federal health insurance and retirement plans.
Potential for recruitment/relocation bonuses.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is concise—experts only review the first two pages. Clearly define your clinical experience, including hours worked per week and relevant therapeutic modalities.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned clinician to drive positive outcomes for youth in need. If you meet the qualifications, apply through USAJOBS before August 28, 2026.

Why This Supervisory Mental Health Specialist Job Matters

Lead a mission-driven team at the Great Plains Youth Regional Treatment Center and make a lasting impact on the behavioral health of American Indian and Alaska Native youth.

Supervisory Mental Health Specialist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Clinical Director to serve as a Supervisory Mental Health Specialist in Wakpala, South Dakota. This leadership position is vital to the operations of the Great Plains Youth Regional Treatment Center. The incumbent will oversee a multidisciplinary team, coordinate comprehensive substance abuse and mental health services, and ensure the delivery of high-quality care to youth navigating complex behavioral health challenges.

Requirements for Supervisory Mental Health Specialist

U.S. Citizenship
Current clinical independent license to practice social work (LCSW)
Dually licensed as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) provider (LADC, LAC, CADC, IAADC, or equivalent)
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
Successful completion of a federal background investigation
Compliance with Public Law 101-630 regarding work with children
Financial responsibility and good standing with creditors
Registration with Selective Service for males born after 1959

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Mental Health Specialist

Demonstrated expertise in clinical supervision and personnel management
Experience in coordinating crisis intervention for high-risk behaviors
Strong proficiency in federal regulations pertaining to mental health services
Exceptional written and oral communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with defined annual increments
✓Opportunities for student loan repayment programs
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
✓Comprehensive federal leave policies based on service years
✓Federal health, life, and retirement insurance options

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Mental Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Mental Health Specialist Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account and profile.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it highlights specialized experience over the last two pages.
Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and licensure proof.
Complete the online application, including the eligibility questionnaire.
Submit your package before the deadline on August 28, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Focus your resume on the first two pages, as experts will only review this portion.
Be specific about hours worked per week and detailed duties for every position listed.
Ensure your licensure information is clearly visible, including expiration dates.
Submit all required forms, such as BIA-4432 for Indian Preference, immediately.
Prioritize the background investigation forms if you are contacted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance available?

Relocation incentives may be authorized at the agency's discretion; a service agreement would be required.

What is the focus of the SME resume review?

The Subject Matter Expert panel assesses whether your resume demonstrates specific experience in mental health testing, crisis intervention, and regulatory compliance.

Is there an education requirement?

Yes, candidates must hold a degree in a behavioral or social science field or a combination of education and experience.

How are applications assessed?

IHS uses a multi-hurdle process starting with a minimum qualifications review, followed by a technical assessment by subject matter experts.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a premier federal health care provider dedicated to elevating the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Joining the IHS means becoming part of a community-oriented, adventurous, and professional team committed to clinical excellence and culturally sensitive care.