Director of Alternative Response (NCS) - Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety

Baltimore City•Cocoa, FL

6d•$117,119 - $193,172

About The Position

The City of Baltimore is seeking a Division Director of Alternative Response within the Department of Neighborhood Safety. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director provides daily operational leadership for the Alternative Response Division, overseeing the development, implementation, coordination, and continuous improvement of non-law-enforcement crisis response services that connect residents to appropriate health, behavioral health, and community services. The role has direct operational oversight of the Division’s core service components. The Director leads efforts to expand and strengthen evidence-based, trauma-informed alternative response programs that improve community safety and resident well-being while reducing unnecessary law enforcement involvement in appropriate calls for service. The position translates departmental vision into operational execution by managing programs, staff, budgets, partnerships, and performance outcomes, while ensuring alignment with Paragraph 97 of the City’s Consent Decree, the Violence Prevention Strategy, and the Overdose Response Strategic Plan. The successful candidate is a collaborative, results-oriented leader experienced in managing complex public-sector or community-based initiatives, building cross-sector partnerships, and using data-informed decision-making to drive continuous improvement. The position requires an advanced degree and at least five years of progressively responsible management experience in a relevant field. It also requires expertise in areas such as alternative response systems, crisis intervention, behavioral health, trauma-informed care, program implementation, or cross-sector collaboration. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to random drug and alcohol testing. The employee may need to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may work under potentially abusive, hazardous, or emergency conditions. The position operates City vehicles as required and requires a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. A one-year probationary period, background screening, and financial disclosure are required.

Requirements

Advanced degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Work, Criminology, Emergency Management, Behavioral Health, or a closely related field.
At least five years of progressively responsible management experience in public health, behavioral health, emergency response, human services, public policy, criminal justice, or related governmental or community-based programs.
Experience supervising professional staff, managing complex programs, and overseeing programmatic and fiscal resources.
Demonstrated expertise in alternative response systems, crisis intervention, behavioral health, trauma-informed care, program implementation, or cross-sector collaboration.
Experience developing operational policies, managing contracts and partnerships, using performance data to improve outcomes, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
Strong operational and management skills.
Excellent relationship-building skills and experience collaborating across agencies, community organizations, public safety partners, and diverse stakeholders.
Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills, including the ability to influence, build consensus, and navigate sensitive issues.
Results-oriented approach and demonstrated ability to implement programs.
Knowledge of alternative response, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making.
Knowledge of data-sharing and privacy frameworks, such as HIPAA, governing cross-agency behavioral health and public safety data.
Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.
Ability and willingness to work under potentially abusive, hazardous, or emergency conditions.
Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with City policy.
Successful completion of required criminal background and/or fingerprint screening, including CJIS/FBI security background screening, for candidates under final consideration.
Completion of the mandatory one-year probationary period.
Completion of required financial disclosure within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in local, state, and/or federal government is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead the daily operations of the Alternative Response Division to ensure effective, timely, and equitable crisis response services.
Develop annual operational plans and program procedures.
Supervise multidisciplinary staff, including managers, and promote accountability, collaboration, innovation, and professional development.
Manage service delivery, staffing, scheduling, operational workflows, and program expansion.
Oversee staff workforce training and certification, including de-escalation, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and naloxone training.
Coordinate development of legal risk and liability frameworks for field-based response with the City Law Department.
Administer Alternative Response programs, contracts, grants, and assigned financial resources.
Manage the Division’s operating budget and ensure compliance with departmental policies, funding requirements, and operational standards.
Recommend and oversee operational improvements to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and service quality.
Provide strategic leadership for data management, governance, and data-use agreements to support data integrity, compliance, and effective organizational data sharing.
Develop and monitor operational performance indicators, including response times, service utilization, referral outcomes, and client satisfaction.
Oversee operational data analysis to improve service delivery and resource utilization, and prepare performance reports.
Implement quality assurance and continuous improvement procedures.
Oversee staff onboarding, training, and professional development to support role readiness and adherence to department standards.
Coordinate daily operations with EMS, behavioral health providers, hospitals, community organizations, law enforcement partners, and other service providers.
Develop operational agreements and referral processes that improve coordination of services.
Engage community stakeholders in the design and implementation of alternative response programs.
Work with the 911 Call Center on calls, data, and risk management.
Partner with the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services and housing providers to strengthen housing navigation pathways for people served by the Division.
Provide operational expertise for department-wide planning initiatives.
Recommend operational policies, protocols, and procedures to improve alternative response services.
Identify emerging operational needs, service gaps, and resource requirements for the Executive Director.
Operate City vehicles as required and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.