David Kensler
Yardley,PA
Summary
Talented behavioral health care leader dedicated to providing effective and recovery oriented, client-centered, integrated care. High-energy manager successful in building and motivating dynamic teams. Results-focused management professional offering 20 plus years of progressive leadership experience.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief of Staff
NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
09.2023 - Current
- Serves as an executive leader of the NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
- Oversees the Compliance Unit, Quality Management Unit, Substance Use Disorder Contract Monitoring Unit and Office of Treatment and Recovery Supports (Peer Services, Workforce Development, Acute Care, Women & Children Services, Housing, Intoxicated Driver Program, and Justice Involved Services).
- Oversees DMHAS procurement activities and works closely with fiscal, legal and program staff.
- Coordinates human resources and facility activities for the Division.
- Assists the Assistant Commissioner in executing strategic direction and creating and implementing process improvements.
Chief Executive Officer
Ann Klein Forensic Center Department of Health
11.2017 - 09.2023
- Executive leader of 200 bed forensic hospital.
- Oversee 480 bed Special Treatment Unit for sexually violent predators.
- Manage over 800 staff, and ensure effective patient programming, patient safety, and continuous Joint Commission Accreditation.
- Demonstrated significant reduction in use of seclusion and restraint through implementation of trauma informed care initiatives.
- Oversee quality improvement, human resources, business and support services, and all clinical services.
- Directly supervise Medical Director, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy CEO, Clinical Director, Director of Quality, Director of Nursing and Employee Relations Coordinator.
- Engage with union leaders to ensure collaborative working relationship that promotes patient and staff safety.
- Manage New Jersey's County Jail/Community Based Competency Evaluation Team.
- Monitor and manage spending plan and resources.
- Work directly with hospital Board of Trustees.
- Oversee implementation and adherence with all hospital policies and procedures, and ensure consistency with state regulations and Joint Commission standards.
- Collaborate with other State Hospital Leaders to improve systematization of care.
- Participate in Interagency Oversight Board (IOB) with Department of Corrections partners to ensure effective clinical and operational management of Special Treatment Unit.
- Manage COVID-19 pandemic response plan, development/ implementation of infection prevention protocols/procedures, vaccination program and compliance with all Governor Executive Orders.
LCSW Therapist
Newtown Psychotherapy Center
06.2017 - 12.2023
- Provide individual, family and couples therapy.
- Work with adolescents, children and adults.
- Document in progress notes, treatment plans and discharge summaries.
Senior Program Director Pathways to Recovery Partial Hospitalization Program
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC)
07.2016 - 11.2017
- Oversee implementation of new 50 person dual diagnosis partial hospitalization program.
- Manage 2.2 million dollar budget and start-up funds with PHMC Finance Department.
- Hire all clinical and administrative staff for program.
- Supervise Clinical Director, Medical Director, Peer Recovery Outreach Team, Admissions Coordinator, Nurse and Administrative Assistant and oversee all therapists and case managers
- Develop policies and procedures related to program.
- Work with TQM, IS, R&D, Facility Management Departments and with CBH to implement program.
- Develop MOU's and referral agreements and oversee marketing efforts of program.
- Manage facility by working with project consultant, PHMC Facilities and property owner
- Maximize census and daily attendance to meet revenue targets
- Approve all billing activity and ensure compliance with documentation standards
- Oversee pre-authorization and utilization review process
- Develop and implement process and outcomes improvement plan in order to meet stated goals of contract
- Work with Treatment Research Institute to implement Medication Assisted Treatment protocol, contingency management and other evidence based treatment approaches
- Obtain DDAP license and ensure adherence to DEA standards for Suboxone and buprenorphine storage and management.
- Lead CQI team and implement quality improvement measures and changes.
- Work with other providers and within PHMC to ensure integration of services, including primary care.
Director
Oaks Integrated Care (formerly Greater Trenton Behavioral Healthcare)
09.2011 - 06.2016
- Provide clinical and administrative oversight and management of Intensive Outpatient Program, Intensive Family Support Services, Adolescent Day Services, Outpatient Co-Occurring Services, Senior Well Being, Outpatient Services and Adoption Support Programs.
- Oversee program planning and development. Assists in developing and writing grant proposals and expansion opportunities.
- Manage 3.5 million dollar budget.
- Act as liaison to key programs, agencies and systems; Serves as program/agency representative on planning committees, task forces and other committees as assigned.
- Conducts marketing of programs
- Implemented Open Access Intake System, Just In-Time Prescribing and No Show Management Strategies through Rapid Improvement Process to ensure ease of access and high staff productivity. Eliminated waiting list for outpatient services.
- Manages Program Coordinators/Supervisors, Psychiatric Consultants, Advance Practice Nurses, Support Staff, Therapists, Case Managers and Counselors.
- Participate in strategic planning with CEO.
- Implement Quality Improvement Plan
- Oversee implementation of evidenced based practices, including trauma recovery groups, DBT and Seeking Safety.
Therapist
InterChange
05.2015 - 05.2016
- Provide individual, couples and family therapy with adults and adolescents.
- Complete all necessary documentation.
Intensive In-Community Therapist
Maxim Healthcare
11.2007 - 10.2011
- Provided individual and family therapy for children/adolescents and their families.
- Conducted community needs assessments of children and families for Division of Child Behavioral Health Services.
- Supervised implementation of behavioral management plans within client's home.
- Completed psychosocial intake forms, treatment plans, monthly reports, progress notes and other required paperwork.
- Maintained contact with other agencies working with child/family
Section Chief
Trenton Psychiatric Hospital
10.2005 - 09.2011
- Managed admissions, extended stay and transitional sections of hospital.
- Oversaw over 340 staff and care of over 185 patients
- Supervised and ensured proper management of personnel within complex and oversaw employee evaluations and recommended promoting, demoting and/or disciplinary action of employees.
- Presented cases in disciplinary hearings and consulted with Employee Relations Officer.
- Served as Hearing Officer in employee disciplinary hearings.
- Coordinated and implemented staff training and ensured that best-practices were utilized in treatment of patient population.
- Served as hospital liaison to consulting agencies (UMDNJ). Implemented Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) groups throughout hospital.
- Led and participated in development/implementation of hospital's strategic plan.
- Established procedures and supervised personnel to bring about maximum efficiency in providing required administrative operations.
- Conducted and led hospital performance improvement activities and reported measures of success to CEO and Board of Trustees.
- Ensured adherence to JCAHO, CMS and other regulatory requirements.
- Monitored commitment process of all new admissions and ensured support for commitment hearings. Ensured that reports were submitted to court and reviewed by clinical leadership for patients on Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST) and Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) status.
- Implement Quality Improvement Plans and service on Quality Improvement Council.
Outpatient Therapist
Penndel Mental Health
05.2004 - 09.2006
- Provided individual therapy services to adults and adolescents suffering from major mental health disorders.
- Provided group therapy to men who suffer from major mental health disorders.
- Completed treatment plans, progress notes and other treatment oriented paperwork.
Program Coordinator
Trenton Psychiatric Hospital Mental Health
05.2002 - 10.2005
- Managed and coordinated patient programs based on treatment plan for assigned unit.
- Functioned as treatment team leader of interdisciplinary treatment team.
- Ensured efficient operation and observation of all policies, directives, rules and regulations and informed staff.
- Managed team of 20 professionals.
- Organized active treatment schedule (therapy groups, activities, individual therapy, testing, assessments etc...) for Discharge Oriented Program.
- Led implementation and development of Discharge Oriented Program according to program design.
Assistant Social Work Supervisor/Social Worker
Trenton Psychiatric Hospital
06.2001 - 05.2002
- Provided case management and discharge planning for patients on inpatient admissions unit.
- Completed psychosocial assessments on newly admitted patients.
- Provided family support and psycho education regarding mental illness.
- Served as member of interdisciplinary treatment team and provided team leader coverage.
- Conducted individual and group therapies for individuals suffering from severe and persistent mental illness.
Education
Masters - Health Services Administration
Strayer University
Washington DC12.2009
Masters of Social Work - Social Work-Direct Service Track
Temple University, School of Social Adm
Philadelphia, PA05.2002
Bachelors of Science - Social Work
Richard Stockton College of NJ
Pomona, NJ05.2000
Certification
- NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- PA Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Certified Social Work Supervisor
- Certified Public Manager
- Certified Public Supervisor
- National Council for Behavioral Health "Addressing Healthcare Disparities Leadership"
Accomplishments
- 2007 New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association "Wellness and Recovery Transformational Leadership Award"
Affiliations
- National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) Forensic Division
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- 2011-2012 New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (NJPRA) Board Member
Publications
Bartholomew, T., Kensler, D. (April, 2010). Illness Management and Recovery in State Psychiatric Hospitals." American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 13: 105-125
Timeline
Chief of Staff
NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
09.2023 - Current
Chief Executive Officer
Ann Klein Forensic Center Department of Health
11.2017 - 09.2023
LCSW Therapist
Newtown Psychotherapy Center
06.2017 - 12.2023
Senior Program Director Pathways to Recovery Partial Hospitalization Program
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC)
07.2016 - 11.2017
Therapist
InterChange
05.2015 - 05.2016
Director
Oaks Integrated Care (formerly Greater Trenton Behavioral Healthcare)
09.2011 - 06.2016
Intensive In-Community Therapist
Maxim Healthcare
11.2007 - 10.2011
Section Chief
Trenton Psychiatric Hospital
10.2005 - 09.2011
Outpatient Therapist
Penndel Mental Health
05.2004 - 09.2006
Program Coordinator
Trenton Psychiatric Hospital Mental Health
05.2002 - 10.2005
Assistant Social Work Supervisor/Social Worker
Trenton Psychiatric Hospital
06.2001 - 05.2002
Masters - Health Services Administration
Strayer University
Masters of Social Work - Social Work-Direct Service Track
Temple University, School of Social Adm
Bachelors of Science - Social Work
Richard Stockton College of NJ
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