Description
Position Announcement
Director of Clinical and Transformative Services | Alaska Family Services | Palmer, Alaska
The Opportunity
Alaska Family Services (AFS) seeks a collaborative, mission-driven, and systems-minded leader to serve as its next Director of Clinical and Transformative Services. This newly restructured role blends clinical expertise, program development, and cross- department leadership to shape how AFS supports families and communities throughout the Mat-Su Valley. This position is for someone who wants to make a real, tangible community impact, and who finds joy in strengthening programs that help people during their hardest moments.
The Director serves on the Senior Leadership Team and is a key organizational thought partner, helping AFS deliver ethical, trauma-informed, culturally responsive services across both clinical and non-clinical programs. The ideal candidate is energized by the chance to help integrate services, strengthen teams, and build systems that elevate compassionate, high-quality care.
About The Organization
AFS is an organization engaged in industry-first innovative work. They are focused on leading with empathy, autonomy, and psychological safety; integrating services holistically to streamline access for families and individuals; and continually improving programs in ways that center humanity, dignity, and ethical practice. Leaders have the freedom to build and improve systems, not just maintain them. The culture is one where wins are celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and staff feel trusted, respected, and safe.
Founded in 1979 as a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter, Alaska Family Services has grown into one of the largest social services providers in the state. With staff of more than 80, ten major grants, and more than twenty service lines, AFS supports over 12,000 individuals each year.
AFS’s Mission:
“In service to Alaskans, families, and communities to collectively create a better tomorrow.”
AFS believes in holistic, strengths-based support, meeting people without judgement, and helping families thrive by addressing immediate safety needs and long-term stability.
Salary and Benefits
This is a full-time position. The annual salary range starts between $100,000-$110,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. AFS provides a competitive benefits package including medical/dental, PTO, 401K, and other benefits.
Application Process
To read the full position profile and application instructions, visit: https://www.forakergroup.org/site/index.cfm/cboard-view/11116. For questions, contact Adorable Harper, lead recruiter, at AFSDirector@ForakerGroup.org. Communications will be treated in confidence. Deadline for application submission is January 20, 2026. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Resume reviews begin immediately. The search process will include a multi-step interview process.
AFS follows the spirit and intent of all federal, state and local employment law and is committed to equal employment opportunity. AFS is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law.
Requirements
Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate
While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
Education
Master’s degree in a behavioral health field (e.g., sociology, counseling, psychology, psychiatric nursing, addiction studies, human services, or social work) with current Alaska licensure (LCSW preferred or LPC) and current National Provider Identifier (NPI) number or ability to obtain one.
Skills and Expertise
At least five years of clinical leadership and/or program management experience; nonprofit-specific experience is preferred.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with a wide variety of audiences.
At least five years of experience leading, managing, and developing high-functioning clinical and/or cross-disciplinary teams, including recruiting and retaining staff.
At least two years of mental health/substance abuse clinical experience with children, youth, and adults.
At least two years of experience with Medicaid billing, Alaska Medicaid preferred.
Experience working with 24/7 emergency programs, working in the field of victim services, and/or training in a similar field is a plus.
A robust knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR part 2.
Proven ability to monitor and work within budgets while maximizing operational resources; experience with Municipal, State, and Federal grants and managing complex revenues a plus.
Attributes
Passion for AFS’s mission and excitement to make a meaningful impact in support thereof.
A collaborative and approachable leadership style consistent with building and maintaining an authentic, transparent, and respectful work culture.
Demonstrated commitment to ethical client practices and an ability to support others in ethical decision making.
Excited to create and support a culture of ethical and trauma-informed client care.
Demonstrated ability to respond calmly and creatively to unexpected and difficult challenges and opportunities.
Ability to think strategically and systematically, and to integrate available resources to efficiently and effectively meet mission.
Strong attention to detail and highly organized while able to operate in ambiguity.
Self-starter who stays curious about how to make continual improvements.
