Assistant Director of Human Rights

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is accepting applications for the Assistant Director of Human Rights.  This is a senior leadership position that advances the Commonwealth’s commitment to safeguarding the human and civil rights of children, youth, and young adults receiving behavioral health services. In close collaboration with the Director of Human Rights, this role ensures that statewide policies, procedures, and practices across inpatient and community-based programs align with regulatory standards and support culturally responsive, person-centered, and recovery-oriented care. The position holds significant influence in shaping system-wide approaches, providing strategic guidance, policy interpretation, and oversight to ensure that human rights principles are fully integrated into all aspects of service delivery.

This position is well-suited for an experienced professional with a strong foundation in behavioral health, regulatory compliance, and organizational leadership. The Assistant Director will engage regularly with executive leadership, legal counsel, clinical teams, and external partners to address complex and sensitive issues, strengthen accountability, and promote continuous quality improvement. Success in this role requires exceptional analytical and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate competing priorities while maintaining a steadfast commitment to equity, ethical practice, and the protection of vulnerable populations across a large and dynamic public service system.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

·       Provide statewide oversight to ensure integration and compliance with human rights statutes, regulations, and policies across all Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) inpatient and community-based programs.

·       Collaborate with senior leadership, including CYF Directors, Chief Operating Officers, and clinical leaders, to align policies and practices with the Department’s mission and regulatory requirements.

·       Supervise and support Human Rights Officers, including performance management, training, and ongoing technical guidance on complex human rights issues and complaints.

·       Lead recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of Human Rights interns, including development of structured learning experiences and project oversight.

·       Establish and monitor key performance indicators by analyzing complaint, restraint, and seclusion data to identify trends and drive system-wide improvements.

·       Design, develop, and deliver comprehensive human rights training programs and educational materials for staff, providers, and stakeholders statewide.

·       Facilitate regular meetings and educational sessions with youth, providers, and Human Rights staff to promote awareness, compliance, and best practices.

·       Partner with internal stakeholders, including Legal and Investigations, to address regulatory concerns, review complaints, and develop corrective action strategies.

·       Participate in advisory committees, workgroups, and strategic initiatives to inform policy development, enhance oversight, and support continuous quality improvement.

·       Assist in the overall management and strategic direction of the Office of Human Rights, including project management, policy implementation, and operational oversight of daily activities.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Advanced degree in social work, psychology, public health, public administration, law, or a closely related field.

·       Extensive experience in behavioral health systems, including inpatient and community-based services for children and adolescents.

·       Demonstrated knowledge of human rights regulations, legal frameworks, and advocacy practice