Debra Gray
Maple Grove,MN
Summary
Problem-solving Clinical Director qualified to manage health regulations, perform patient care and further motivate talented staff. Enthusiastic professional with background affecting positive patient outcomes, finding creative solutions to administrative issues and interacting with diverse personalities.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
National Clinical Director – Western Division
Behavioral Health Group
MN, IA, AR, KS, MO, CO, AZ, NV, ID
07.2023 - Current
- Supports Chief Medical Officer, Vice President of Clinical Services, and Regional Vice President in performance evaluation, performance monitoring, accountability measures, and reporting of clinical services in their designated region.
- Serves as a clinical authority for 9 states, regularly monitoring clinical requirements in contracts, regulations, and payor requirements.
- Provides clinical support and partnership with Regional Vice President in overseeing designated regions.
- Accountable for monitoring and reporting program’s adherence to clinical KPIs, and primary owner for clinical Strategic Response Plans, Performance Improvement Plans, and Corrective Action Plans documented for programs underperforming on clinical KPIs.
- Stays up to date on state regulations, payor contracts/grants, and requirements for designated region.
- Monitors regional chart auditing system and reports to Regional Vice President underperforming programs.
- Regularly monitors and reports on clinical documentation risk.
- Regularly monitors and reports on clinical service opportunities.
- Leads quarterly review meetings and feedback from regional leaders on chart audit system, and quality review protocols.
- Shares annual review of BHG clinical service policies and procedures.
- Responsible for creating and maintaining clear communication channels on clinical performance standards and expectations.
- Owns clinical dashboards that improve visibility of clinical services, documentation, and reporting functions.
- Established clinical and quality improvement initiatives of organization, including service expansion, with planning, organizing, tracking, and coordinating these initiatives to ensure standardization of best practices for BHG.
Regional Clinical Director
Behavioral Health Group
Minnesota, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, & N. Missouri
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Supports the Chief Medical Officer, Director of Clinical Affairs and Regional Directors in the evaluation, expansion, and implementation of clinical and medical services in Minnesota, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, & North Missouri.
- Supports Operations and Clinical Affairs in overseeing retrospective, concurrent or prospective clinical and medical chart audits.
- Supports company’s monthly chart and claims audit activities related to third party follow-up development and administration, action planning, training and follow up to ensure resolution of identified documentation and service delivery deficiencies.
- Lead implementation of state regulated and or companywide initiatives.
- Provide clinical training regularly and or as needed.
- Supports clinical, medical, and quality improvement initiatives of organization, including service expansion, with planning, organizing, and coordinating these initiatives to ensure the standardization of best practices for Behavioral Health Group's clinical and medical operations.
- Testified in Minnesota house and senate committee to lobby and help pass bill changing regulations for service deliver of substance use treatment.
- Develops partnerships with outside organizations to enhance holistic system of care to patients.
- Trains and develops regional leaders by helping them to assess strengths and stressors of their specific programming using macro eco map model.
- Supports patient outcomes by ensuring assessment and provision of necessary resources and services are completed.
Chief Clinical Officer
Restoration Counseling & Community Services
Minneapolis, MN
03.2020 - 01.2022
- Served as member of executive strategic team to anticipate and plan future of business.
- Implemented and created program policies and acted as resource to all staff.
- Managed three intensive outpatient substance use program with mental health and criminal justice focus.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, formulate plans for improvement and implement strategies to accomplish continued improvement.
- Coordinated, maintained, and evaluated effectiveness of treatment planning.
- Monitor treatment records for appropriate documentation of care and effectiveness of treatment plans.
- Provided leadership and direction to clinical and support staff in accordance with program goals and objectives.
- Developed education programs to improve patient outcomes and quality of care.
- Identified problematic systems and process issues, developed plans to improve and monitored outcomes.
- Served on management team and advised CEO in matters related to management, funding, and budget.
Associate Chief Clinical Officer
Restoration Counseling & Community Services
Minneapolis, MN
02.2020 - 03.2020
- Assisted Chief Clinical Officer in implementing and creating program policies.
- Provide clinical supervision to addiction counselors and mental health professionals.
Therapist
Allina Health Addiction Services – Mercy/ Unity Campus
Fridley, MN
12.2018 - 02.2020
- Provided clinical services for participants, maintaining psycho-educational environment, and act as member of the clinical team
- Provided mental health services, including individual and group counseling and diagnostic assessments
- Completed chemical health (Rule 25 and Comprehensive) assessments and treatment plans utilizing ASAM criteria
- Maintained a case load for intensive outpatient substance use treatment with mental health focus
- Designated floater for all counselor positions in outpatient and inpatient substance use treatment programming.
- Assessed clients' mental health needs, developed treatment plans and monitored progress.
- Documented patient information, treatment plans, and patient responses.
Vice President of Clinical Operations
CKF Addiction Treatment
Salina, KS
05.2018 - 07.2018
- Provided leadership, oversight, and direction to program directors in the agency.
- Developed and empowered directors to create a long term and short-term plan for each program to strive to meet client’s needs more effectively.
- Initiated a more effective system of documentation with referral sources.
- Coordinated a team of directors to manage census of each program area to help maintain consistent funding.
- Served as agency liaison to patients, county, community leaders, and contracted agencies regarding contracts and program services.
- Oversaw transition of new leadership in agency by covering responsibilities for vacant positions while communicating with staff and referral sources of changes occurring.
- Oversaw implementation of telehealth to conduct chemical health assessments and provide peer mentoring remotely on recovery app.
- Recruited, hired and trained two directors while still supervising clinical staff.
- Accepted as one of 16 agencies in 4-state area to be in 12-month Family Center Collaborative. The program is designed to train and assist treatment programs to implement better strategies for women and families.
Director of Clinical Services
CKF Addiction Treatment
Salina, KS
01.2018 - 05.2018
- Managed, directed, and supervised all clinical staff in the agency.
- Provided clinical supervision to over 10 licensed addiction counselors.
- Implemented medication management via telehealth for residential patients.
- Implementing a clinical training program to give support and instruction to clinical staff.
- Reviewed and approved clinical documentation.
South Central Areal Clinical Director/ Director Newton Residential
Mirror Inc.
Newton, KS
07.2016 - 12.2017
- Oversaw and administered all program aspects of a 48-patient residential inpatient substance use treatment program in Newton.
- Oversaw and administered all program aspects of five outpatient substance use treatment programs.
- Provided supervision to clinical supervisor and staff.
- Recruited, recommended for hired and evaluated all staff in involved in program.
- Approved all residential admissions and discharges in residential program.
- Oversaw internal utilization and review process for all clients and cases involved in designated programs
- Monitored census and flow of clients.
- Maintained positive relationships with referrals and stakeholders to programs.
- Ensured conformity in documentation and clinical care to meet approval of funding sources and standards set by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services.
- Promoted and provided information to agency leadership on potential funding opportunities and ideas for new programs; Researched submitted grant applications for Opioid Epidemic response, rural health and drug free communities.
- Monitored, analyzed, and corrected staff performance and worked with nurse manager to raise standards of practice.
Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker
Prairie View Inc.
Newton, KS
01.2012 - 06.2016
- Provided individual and family therapy in areas of substance use disorders, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, and personality disorders, anger management, severe and persistent mentally ill, depression and spiritual issues.
- Facilitated and led outpatient substance use therapy groups.
- Led specialized group focused on dual diagnosis/ co-occurring disorders.
- Maintained schedule of 27 clinical hours per week.
- Managed cases by reviewing treatment plans, assessing for higher levels of care, accesses needed funding, and coordinating services with court services and child welfare agencies.
- Worked with community partners to access grants and funding to start prevention program for at risk teenagers in schools.
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
Kansas Intensive Permanency Project Clinician & Outpatient Therapist
St. Francis Community Services
Newton, KS
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Provided face to face intensive in-home services to assigned parents, child and families selected into program.
- Provided intensive outpatient therapy and family services.
- Participated actively in 72 hours of Parent Management Training Oregon model training.
- Provided services in home with parents and during parent child visits 5-8 hours per week for 4-6 months.
- Provided services to families in conjunction with social workers and other community service providers.
- Developed treatment plans cooperatively with social worker assigned to the child in out of home placement.
- Responsible for video-taping all parent, child, and family sessions.
- Actively participates in PMTO group and individual coaching and incorporates coaching feedback in session work.
- Supported resource families to maintain placements and help children work toward permanency.
- Established appropriate course of treatment and implemented interventions.
Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility Therapist & Social Worker
Prairie View Inc.
Newton, KS
08.2009 - 05.2011
- Provided individual, family and group therapy for adolescent residents.
- Facilitated monthly case plan reviews.
- Completed admission intakes.
- Led weekly psycho-educational groups on chemical dependency.
- Completed substance use evaluations.
- Supervised & facilitated BSW student field experience
- Helped as a backup social worker for inpatient hospital social worker for adults.
- Delivered brief interventions to help clients develop healthy coping skills.
Program Director & Assistant Professor of Social Welfare
Tabor College
Hillsboro, KS
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Wrote & developed curriculum for new program.
- Received permission from the Behavioral Science Regulatory Board from KS for students to sit for the licensure exam.
- Taught all social work courses offered in the program as well as sociology general education courses.
- Coordinated and supervised all field education and practicum of social welfare students.
- Member of Enrollment Management Committee, Community Life Committee, & was the chair of the Vice President of Enrollment Management search committee in the fall of 2008.
- Advisor to students in creating graduation plans and course schedules.
- Developed, trained, and supervised a case management student intern program for the college's student success program.
Children Social Service Worker V
Riverside County Department of Social Services
Riverside, CA
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Investigated incidents of child abuse as worker of juvenile court.
- Assessed safety and risk of children within their family system.
- Developed contracts for permanency planning with families.
- Reported and made recommendations regularly to juvenile court.
Elementary School Teacher
Chino Hills Christian School
Chino Hills, CA
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Taught and implemented California 4th grade standards.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
Short Term Missionary/ Assistant Professor
Baptist Theological College: Baptist General Conference World Mission
Cebu City, Philippines
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Taught courses in counseling and Christian education.
- Built relationships with local and international mission organizations for successful partnerships.
Family Therapist/ Child Welfare Worker
Catholic Charities
Lombard, IL
01.1992 - 01.1994
- Worked to preserve or reunify families by providing therapy and case management services in homes to families ordered by court system.
- Provided crisis intervention to reduce risk of harm.
- Created treatment plans for families to reunify and stabilize.
- Conducted intake and needs assessments to set therapeutic goals and establish professional relationships with clients.
Case Manager II
United Charities
Chicago, IL
01.1989 - 01.1991
- Led social skills groups in Chicago schools for children.
- Tutored children with emotional or learning problems.
- Led parenting groups and provided intake services in community center.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals
Education
MBA - Healthcare Management
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT05.2025
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK -
Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL05.1992
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK -
Bethel University
St. Paul, MN05.1989
Skills
- Change Management
- Outcome Measurement
- Clinical Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Team Building
- Strategic Planning
- Process Improvement
- Policy and Program Development
- Clinical Staff Management
- Organizational Goal Development
- Clinical Quality Program Standards
Certification
- LICSW, Minnesota Board of Social Work, Supervisor Status (LPC & LPCC supervisor status with the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy).
- LADC, Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy, Supervisor Status
- LSCSW, Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board
- LCAC, Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board
Presentations
- National Association for Addiction Professionals Annual Conference 2023, 2023-01-01, Denver, CO, Recovery-Orientated Transformational Leadership: A Holistic Model
- Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery & Chemical Health Annual Conference 2023, 2023-01-01, St. Paul, MN, Incorporating Peer Recovery Services in Medication Assisted Treatment Recovery.
- Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery & Chemical Health Annual Conference 2023, 2023-01-01, St. Paul, MN, Growing Programs in the Substance Use Treatment Field: A Holistic Approach to Developing a Student Internship Program.
- Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery & Chemical Health Spring Conference 2023, 2023-01-01, Breezy Point, MN, Recovery-Orientated Transformational Leadership: A Holistic Model
- Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery & Chemical Health Annual Fall Conference 2022, 2022-01-01, St. Paul, MN, Medication Assisted Recovery: A Conversation about Harm Reduction and the Integrated Dynamic Care Model
- Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery & Chemical Health Annual Fall Conference 2021, 2021-01-01, St. Paul, MN, A True Integration of Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment
- Prairie View Inc. Education Symposium 2015, 2015-01-01, Newton, KS, The Liturgy of Group Therapy.
Professional Overview
A leader with a diverse clinical background that is experienced in implementing sustained changes needed in large systems of behavioral healthcare. Tested record of using a collaborative and strategic model of leadership that creates a positive work environment and cultivates a culture of innovation. Skilled in assessing the strengths and the needs of programs and systems to develop strategic actions plans that are successful. Experienced in understanding clinical and regulatory requirements for clinical programming in numerous states. A background working in different levels of care and setting. Clinically trained and committed to working in a multi-disciplinary setting. Skilled at developing partnerships in communities to ensure quality continuity of care for all. Driven to provide needed services for those who desperately need help.
Publications
Review of the book: Caring for Sexually Abused Children, R. Timothy Kearney, Direction Journal, 36/2, 284-85, Fall 2007
Volunteer Experience
Friends for a Non-Violent World, Board Member, 02/01/19, present
References
- Susan Rohr, 316-288-0000
- Barb Walker, 316-284-6400
- Dr. Kirk Weaver, 316-789-5491
Timeline
National Clinical Director – Western Division
Behavioral Health Group
07.2023 - Current
Regional Clinical Director
Behavioral Health Group
01.2022 - 07.2023
Chief Clinical Officer
Restoration Counseling & Community Services
03.2020 - 01.2022
Associate Chief Clinical Officer
Restoration Counseling & Community Services
02.2020 - 03.2020
Therapist
Allina Health Addiction Services – Mercy/ Unity Campus
12.2018 - 02.2020
Vice President of Clinical Operations
CKF Addiction Treatment
05.2018 - 07.2018
Director of Clinical Services
CKF Addiction Treatment
01.2018 - 05.2018
South Central Areal Clinical Director/ Director Newton Residential
Mirror Inc.
07.2016 - 12.2017
Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker
Prairie View Inc.
01.2012 - 06.2016
Kansas Intensive Permanency Project Clinician & Outpatient Therapist
St. Francis Community Services
01.2011 - 01.2012
Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility Therapist & Social Worker
Prairie View Inc.
08.2009 - 05.2011
Program Director & Assistant Professor of Social Welfare
Tabor College
01.2006 - 01.2009
Children Social Service Worker V
Riverside County Department of Social Services
01.2005 - 01.2006
Elementary School Teacher
Chino Hills Christian School
01.2002 - 01.2005
Short Term Missionary/ Assistant Professor
Baptist Theological College: Baptist General Conference World Mission
01.1994 - 01.1996
Family Therapist/ Child Welfare Worker
Catholic Charities
01.1992 - 01.1994
Case Manager II
United Charities
01.1989 - 01.1991
MBA - Healthcare Management
Southern Utah University
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK -
Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois At Chicago
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK -
Bethel University