Director, Crisis Services

Overview

The Director of Crisis Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of crisis response, urgent care, co-response, crisis stabilization units, and detox services. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based services, focused on safety and client experience, while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. The Director serves as a resource to staff and community partners, coordinates crisis services initiatives, and is routinely on-call to provide guidance and support during critical incidents or emergent situations, ensuring rapid and effective resolution.

The Director also cultivates a high-performing team environment and fosters ongoing professional development among program leaders and staff.

Full-Time

• Provide day-to-day leadership, on-call, and operational management of crisis stabilization, urgent care, and detox programs, supervising managers, supervisors, and frontline staff.
• Ensure services are delivered using evidence-based and best practices, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and client experience.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate crisis response initiatives to meet emerging community needs and improve system-wide outcomes.
• Recruit, coach, and develop program leaders and staff, fostering professional growth and a supportive, high-performance team environment.
• Maintain compliance with state, federal, and local regulations; oversee audits, site visits, and certification processes; ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Establish and monitor program performance metrics, guiding quality improvement efforts and adjusting practices as needed.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, hospitals, behavioral health providers, and community partners to coordinate crisis services and promote continuity of care.
• Manage budgets and resources for crisis programs, identifying opportunities for efficiency and sustainability; participate in grant development and funding initiatives.
• Lead clinical and operational response during high-risk or emergent situations, ensuring clear protocols and staff support.
• Represent the organization on regional or statewide committees, task forces, and partnerships related to crisis response.
• Other job-related duties as directed by leadership.

• Ability to guide and support multidisciplinary teams through critical, fast-paced situations.
• Skilled in clinical and operational decision-making, with the ability to balance safety, compliance, and client-centered care.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across community systems (healthcare, law enforcement, behavioral health, etc.).
• Proficiency in data-driven decision making and quality improvement strategies.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards.
• Familiar with EHR systems, telehealth platforms, and clinical data management tools.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource stewardship.
• Regular and predictable attendance, and promptness for work.
• Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Lutheran Family Services.
• Support the organization’s objectives to be an inclusive and accessible workplace.

• Leadership
• Resilience
• Collaboration
• Critical Thinking

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, social work, psychology, counseling, psychiatry, or a related field preferred. Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Current, active, and unrestricted license (LIMHP, LICSW or LMHP) in Nebraska preferred.
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) preferred.
• 5 years’ progressive experience in behavioral health crisis services, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Expertise in crisis stabilization, urgent care, or detox programming strongly preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, and ability to travel for agency business.

• In-office work environment with frequent computer use and participation in both virtual and in-person meetings with clients, families, staff, and community partners. Occasional remote work may apply.
• Regular use of a company-issued laptop and cell phone.
• Ability to travel to agency sites and community locations for meetings and program needs.
• Able to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Able to respond to crisis situations during evenings, weekends, and on-call hours as organizational needs arise.

Lutheran Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.