Senior Director of Crisis Services
Under the general direction of the Vice President of Crisis Services at the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), the Senior Director of Crisis Services will play a key leadership role in supporting the development, coordination, and oversight of CMHSP clinical programming, ensuring quality standards and regulatory compliance. The Senior Director will collaborate closely with the Vice President to design and implement future DWIHN programming serving Wayne County and the City of Detroit. This position will also assist in managing operational processes related to new business development, acquisitions, and program transitions, including start-up and administrative functions.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supports the development, planning, and coordination of DWIHN Crisis Services and programmatic functions in alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
- Assists in strategic visioning and program planning in collaboration with the Vice President and other senior leaders.
- Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with internal teams, community partners, and stakeholders to advance crisis service initiatives.
- Monitors key performance indicators and program data to assess efficiency and effectiveness, providing recommendations for improvement.
- Ensures compliance with licensing requirements and accreditation standards through regular review and coordination with quality teams.
- Contributes to efforts aimed at closing gaps in emergency crisis services by supporting innovative solutions and service enhancements.
- Assists in budget development and monitoring for departmental operations.
- Reviews and recommends updates to policies and procedures to maintain effective department operations.
- Provides oversight and support for crisis stabilization services, client evaluations, referrals, and suicide prevention initiatives.
- Works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement, hospitals, and behavioral health professionals.
- Prepares and analyzes program benchmarks, identifying potential issues and recommending solutions.
- Directly manages and provides leadership to director-level staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering professional development.
- Supports staff development and training initiatives, including caseload reviews and service level assessments.
- Represents DWIHN at community meetings and events to promote crisis services and partnerships.
- Participates in quality improvement activities and compliance reviews.
- Assists with recruitment, retention, and coaching of staff, fostering a positive and high-performing team culture.
- Contributes to the development of short- and long-term departmental goals in alignment with organizational strategy.
- Supports advocacy efforts on behalf of DWIHN constituents at executive and legislative levels.
- Assists with grant writing and proposal development, including contracts and interagency agreements.
- Maintains on-call availability during weekends and holidays to provide leadership support for crisis operations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned to advance the mission of DWIHN Crisis Services.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s)
- Knowledge of Crisis Care Center and Crisis Service development and management.
- Knowledge of crisis training and experience in de-escalation, i.e., suicide prevention, development of crisis plans, trauma informed care, etc.
- Knowledge of the practices and principles of psychological, emotional, and sociological assessment and diagnosis.
- Ability to effectively lead a team and to share responsibilities and duties.
- Ability to resolve interpersonal conflict in a straightforward and timely manner.
- Ability to design and implement clinical pathways and protocols for treatment of various behavioral conditions including; mental health, intellectual-developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions.
- Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions, and to handle difficult or confrontational situations in a calm, consistent and equitable manner.
- Ability to effectively represent DWIHN interests in the community and maintain effective working relationships among coworkers, public, private and professional groups.
- Knowledge of behavioral medicine and evidence-based treatments for medical and behavioral health conditions.
- Knowledge of the workings of the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), and academic institutions, in order to access funds for research and programming.
- Openness to the emerging workforce in community mental health, including people with lived experience, their family members, and allies.
- Knowledge of and work experience with providing services and support to individuals with behavioral health issues.
- Knowledge of current national and state best practices, initiatives, and policy in the behavioral health field required.
- Must have excellent communication skills, including written and verbal performance.
Required Education:
A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the Human Services, the Social Services, Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, Public Health, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, Health Management, or a related field.
Required Experience:
- Five (5) years of professional clinical experience in behavioral healthcare or mental health setting.
- Three (3) years of leadership experience in a behavioral or mental health setting.
- Three (3) years of professional clinical experience working in crisis services.
Required License(s):
A Valid State of Michigan clinical licensure: RN, LMSW, LMHC, LPC, LLP or PhD.
Working Conditions:
Physical Demands:
May include work close to the eyes and substantial motions of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, handling, finger dexterity; eye-hand-foot coordination, use of corrected vision; color vision; use of auditory senses. May be required to lift up to twenty (20) pounds.
Work Environment
May work in an office environment or behavioral health facility. May have contact with individuals who are agitated and/or confused. Work may include travel throughout the geographic region.
This description is not intended to be a complete statement of job content, rather to act as the essential functions performed. Management retains the discretion to add or change the position at any time.
Please Note: DWIHN requires proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions that may be required by law, will be approved when properly supported. Further information will be provided during the recruitment process.
The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer
