Senior Director of Outpatient Services

Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority•Detroit, MI

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Director of Outpatient Services provides executive leadership, operational oversight, and clinical direction for all outpatient behavioral health programs. The role oversees direct service delivery across mental health, co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) services, and other new expansions such as the organization’s strategic development toward Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) readiness. The Senior Director is responsible for high‑quality, trauma‑informed, person‑centered outpatient care; evidence‑based practice implementation; workflow optimization; staff development; quality improvement; and ensuring compliance with state, federal, PIHP, and accreditation (Joint Commission) requirements. This position works collaboratively with internal leadership, providers, population health teams, and community partners to improve access, coordination, and whole‑person integrated care.

Requirements

Knowledge of outpatient behavioral health operations and direct service delivery systems.
Knowledge of evidence‑based practices for MH, SUD, and co‑occurring disorders and integration workflows, and integrated behavioral health in medical settings.
Knowledge of behavioral health screening tools, diagnostic criteria (DSM‑5), and clinical assessment models.
Knowledge of LOCUS, and ASAM criteria for level‑of‑care determinations.
Knowledge of crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and trauma‑informed care practices.
Knowledge of Joint Commission accreditation standards and continuous readiness.
Knowledge of Michigan Mental Health Code, MDHHS requirements, Medicaid regulations, and PIHP guidelines.
Knowledge of documentation standards and confidentiality laws, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
Strong leadership, supervision, and team management skills.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal abilities.
Ability to lead change, support staff development, and build high‑functioning teams.
Strong problem‑solving, critical thinking, and decision‑making skills.
Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
Ability to work with individuals and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
A Master’s Degree from a recognized college or university in the Human Services, the Social Services, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Healthcare Administration , Public Health or a related field.
Five (5) years of professional clinical experience in a behavioral healthcare or mental health setting.
At least two (2) years of experience as an executive, manager, administrator or supervisor in a behavioral healthcare or mental health setting.
A valid State of Michigan Driver’s License with a safe and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and administrative oversight for all outpatient behavioral health programs and direct service delivery operations.
Lead strategic development and implementation of outpatient programs, co‑occurring services, after hour calls and crisis workflows, and integrated behavioral health initiatives.
Guide the organization toward CCBHC readiness, including required services, staffing, access standards, documentation practices, and quality measurement.
Ensure outpatient services are delivered with cultural humility, clinical excellence, and alignment with mission and community needs.
Support capacity building, infrastructure development, and system improvements to strengthen clinic operations and program sustainability.
Oversee the day‑to-day clinical operations of outpatient care including therapy, case management, operational side of psychiatric services, and any SUD treatments necessary for the population served.
Implement standard closed loop referral process and coordination protocols augmented with standards and metrics that track transitions in care such as to higher and lower level of care, coordination with primary care as well as referral and coordination with other providers.
Implement and monitor evidence‑based screening and assessment tools (PHQ‑9, GAD‑7, C‑SSRS, AUDIT/DAST, LOCUS, ASAM).
Ensure easy access and seamless workflows for co-occurring disorder services across the clinic.
Ensure evidence‑based interventions are consistently implemented, monitored, and supported through training and supervision.
Oversee risk assessment procedures, crisis intervention protocols, and safety planning.
Ensure coordinated care across disciplines, including warm handoffs, team huddles, and integrated care pathways.
Develop, revise, and implement policies and procedures aligned with PIHP, State of Michigan, federal requirements, Michigan Mental Health Code, and 42 CFR Part 2.
Lead ongoing readiness for Joint Commission accreditation, including standards interpretation, survey preparation, tracer activities, compliance monitoring, and continuous quality improvement.
Ensure adherence to documentation standards, confidentiality laws, and clinical record requirements.
Develop and maintain clinical quality metrics, dashboards, and continuous improvement processes that support high‑quality service delivery and CCBHC requirements.
Monitor program performance, access, timeliness, clinical outcomes, and patient experience.
Track HEDIS measures and implement improvement projects where necessary. Assure the clinic meets all KPIs required by PIHP and MDHHS
Complete weekly/monthly statistical reports including screenings, referrals, counseling volume, engagement, care coordination and all other KPIs and quality outcomes.
Evaluate programs regularly and lead improvements based on data, service needs, and operational feedback.
Support standardization of practices across programs and ensure corrective action plans are implemented when needed.
Provide direct supervision to clinical leads and licensed clinicians, ensuring strong clinical practice and adherence to evidence‑based standards.
Oversee staff recruitment, onboarding, coaching, training, performance evaluation, and professional development.
Collaborate with the Outpatient Clinic Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer to develop and deliver trainings related to behavioral health, chronic disease integration, population management, and best practices in clinical care.
Set staff performance goals and create systems to objectively measure and support growth.
Collaborate with internal leadership and multidisciplinary teams (clinical directors, providers, case managers, CHWs) to support integrated care delivery.
Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, primary care providers, hospitals, health systems, and social service agencies.
Participate in external collaborations, coalitions, webinars, and community stakeholder meetings to advance behavioral health access and integration.
Provide technical and subject-matter support in behavioral health program design, implementation, and improvement.
Document all encounters, contacts, and clinical work using required forms and EHR documentation standards.
Submit weekly progress summaries, required reports, and all programmatic documentation in a timely manner.
Participate in and facilitate multidisciplinary staffing, clinical team meetings, and case review processes.
Oversee proper assignment of individuals served to appropriate programs based on clinical assessments and level‑of‑care needs.
Assist with grant development and reporting as needed.
Support new service development aligned with community needs and organizational strategy.
Perform other duties as assigned.