Assistant Director of Crisis Services in Lawrence, Kansas at HEADQUARTERS KANSAS INC

Position Title: Assistant Director of Crisis Services

Location: Lawrence, KS- hybrid work possibilities

Applications will be accepted until: Open until September 21st, 2026

Compensation and Benefits

• Full time, Exempt, Salaried
• $65,000 - $75,000 per year, based on experience
• Employer shared plan for Long Term Disability, Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability, employer paid
• Paid time off
• Voluntary: Life Insurance, FSA Health, FSA Dependent Care, Accident coverage
• 401k with 5% match by employer
• Professional development opportunities
• EAP Program
• Media stipend

Position Summary: The Assistant Director of Crisis Services is a full-time, exempt, 40-hour week average position with primary work hours being Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm. This position may have occasional evening and weekend hours due to being part of the on-call rotation. Position will be required to travel to and attend local, state, or national lifeline meetings and conferences. This position will work in collaboration with the Clinical Consultant and will report directly to the Executive Director. This position will also lead the organization as a member of the Headquarters Kansas Leadership Team.

Job Duties: The primary responsibilities for this position include overseeing the crisis department and key technical operations within the Crisis Center. The Crisis Center operates 24/7, 365 and includes the call center, and chat/text team. You will build current and future program infrastructure and shape crisis care operations that promote quality and accessible crisis services. You will guide strategy, provide clinical and operational leadership, drive implementation, and partner closely with other agency leaders to develop sustainable, trauma-informed systems of care. This position will ensure programs operate efficiently and cost-effectively and remain fully compliant with organization policies and procedures, accreditations, contracts, and grant deliverables. This position will also act as the liaison to community partners and stakeholders which includes the crisis continuum of care.

Position Expectations:

• Completion of in-house Crisis Counselor Training within 3 months of hire date;
• Completion of other related training courses such as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST);
• Understand and communicate the mission, vision, and values of HeadQuarters Kansas; 
• Maintain positive and collaborative relationships internally and externally as a representative of Headquarters Kansas;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to work harmoniously with organizational leadership, program teams, and other development staff toward the accomplishment of organization’s goals and deliverables;
• Reliable transportation;
• Must be able to pass State and Federal criminal background checks.

Responsibilities include:

Program Leadership

• Defines and implements the strategic vision, goals, and objectives of the Crisis Center which includes Crisis Call Center, Crisis Chat and Text Center, Quality Assurance Program, Crisis Training Program, Data Analytics, and any future clinical programs. Closely partners with other agency leaders to develop sustainable, trauma-informed systems of care.
• Co-develops and oversees implementation of established best practices, policies and procedures related to crisis line technology, crisis intervention, reflective listening skills, de-escalation, assessment of risk (i.e., suicide, homicide, substance use, sexual violence, and abuse/neglect), safety planning, follow-up, care linkage, and referral to resources in coordination with the Clinical Consultant.
• Builds and grows these services so they are effective clinically, operationally, and fiscally.
• Develops strong partnerships with community partners, agencies, and key stakeholders that could serve as referral sources and experts to grow the program;
• Provides strong, mission-driven leadership to program staff ensuring high-quality client care and consistent achievement of performance goals outlines by grants, contracts, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Builds a collaborative, effective team to achieve both immediate programmatic needs and long-term departmental growth.
• Promotes a philosophy of active engagement of callers and least restrictive environment, while promoting effective use of emergency services and dispatching the Mobile Response Teams, EMS, Co-responders, and law enforcement in accordance with agency and NSPL guidelines;
• Monitor for emerging research-based crisis intervention practices;
• Engages in on-going training activities within the organization or facilitated by Vibrant, intended to promote professional development and reduce burnout;
• Demonstrates effective strategies for managing compassion fatigue and symptoms of burnout, along with a willingness to seek supervision and support from the organization;

Management Duties

• Collaborates on recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluation, and professional development for program staff across the Crisis Center in collaboration with department leaders and human resources;
• Provides clinical and administrative supervision and consultation for coordinators and counselors in the Crisis Center. Identifies training needs and ensures the development, delivery, and evaluation of relevant trainings in collaboration with the training staff. Facilitates or co-leads training as needed to support program quality and staff growth.
• Ensures staff have clear work plans, defined responsibilities, and appropriate support to succeed in their roles; fosters a culture accountability, collaboration, belonging, and clinical excellence.
• Supervises assigned staff to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed care.
• Provides immediate supervision and consultation in the midst of crises.
  Ensures timely and accurate completion of all clinical and program documentation, including assessments, help-seeker profiles, data and grant reports,
• Facilitates and participates in team meetings and other department gatherings to support coordination, learning, and team cohesion.
• Represents the organization in community settings with external partners; ensures strong, collaboration relationships that support continuity of care.
• Develops and strengthens referral relationships and ensures effective procedures are in place for referrals and care coordination across all department programs.

Program Quality, Compliance, and Reporting

• Establishes clear, measurable objectives that align with organization’s priorities, program goals, funding requirements and needs, regularly monitors progress and metrics o ensure operation and fiscal effectiveness.
• Works closely with Quality Improvement team to develop, revise, and expand program-specific policies and procedures to support effective growth, clinical quality, and regulatory alignment across all Crisis programs.
• Lead project for accreditation by the International Council of Helplines

Financial Duties

• Collaborates with departmental leaders and financial officer to regularly examine metrics that drive business operations and make changes to optimize program efficiency and growth;
• Helps ensure long-term financial sustainability by participating in planning efforts related to new funding opportunities, grant applications, and service expansion in collaboration with departmental leaders and financial officer.
• Assists in development of departmental budget and ensures expenditures comply with approved budget and grant requirements; monitors and evaluates budget issues and recommends corrective actions.

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in human service-related field (e.g. social work, psychology, applied behavioral science, sociology, etc.)
• Current Kansas license through Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board as a LMSW or equivalent;
• Two (2) years supervisory experience;
• Crisis work experience;
• Experience in providing directions necessary to implement the objectives of an agency, program, or organization;
• Proficient in Microsoft suite programs and Google Docs;
• Effective organization and time management skills;
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral;
• Showcase ability to provide attention to detail;

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Familiarity with policy and procedure development for accreditation centers;
• Project Management experience;
• Experience with developing and monitoring departmental budgets;
• Experience working with a nonprofit organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

It is HeadQuaters Kansas intention to create and maintain a supportive culture for all employees.  We are an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants will receive employment consideration that aligns with EEOC guidelines and regulations.   

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process.  A request for accommodation will not affect your opportunities for employment with HeadQuarters.  If you wish to request an ADA accommodation, please contact the hiring manager.  

HEADQUARTERS KANSAS IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER