Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
Current clinical licensure in Michigan (LMSW, LPC, LP, or equivalent).
5+ years of experience in behavioral health or crisis services.
3+ years of supervisory or management experience overseeing leaders.
Certified Crisis Specialist or ability to obtain certification within 1 year.
Resident of the State of Michigan.
Responsibilities
Provide clinical leadership for MiCAL operations, ensuring alignment with best practices.
Develop and maintain clinical protocols for crisis responses.
Ensure high-quality decision-making is consistent across all service lines.
Supervise Crisis Managers and oversee Crisis Supervisors in a 24/7 framework.
Implement robust structures for clinical coaching and performance evaluation.
Collaborate with teams to align staffing and training with clinical expectations.
Support systems integration with community mental health providers and emergency services.
Benefits
Hybrid work environment with flexibility for onsite and remote work.
Regular on-site presence encouraged to support staff.
Opportunity for growth in leadership within a large-scale statewide program.
Full Job Description
STATEMENT OF THE JOB
The MiCAL Director provides clinical and operational leadership for the Michigan Crisis Access Line (MiCAL), a statewide 24/7 crisis response system supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
This role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, and clinically sound crisis intervention services that meet contractual, regulatory, and accreditation standards. The Director oversees program managers and shift leadership, ensures staff are supported in delivering effective care, and maintains accountability for service quality, clinical practices, and system performance. Working closely with organizational leadership and state partners, the MiCAL Director plays a key role in shaping clinical protocols, supporting staff readiness, and ensuring the crisis line operates as an effective and responsive entry point to Michigan's behavioral health system.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Leadership & Oversight
Provide clinical leadership for all MiCAL operations, ensuring services reflect best practices in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and trauma-informed care.
Develop, implement, and maintain clinical protocols, guidelines, and standards for crisis response.
Ensure consistent, high-quality clinical decision-making across all shifts and service lines.
Serve as a clinical resource for complex or high-risk situations.
Supervision & Team Leadership
Directly supervise Crisis Managers and oversee Crisis Supervisors across a 24/7 operation.
Ensure strong clinical supervision structures are in place, including coaching, consultation, and escalation pathways.
Support leadership development for managers and shift leads to ensure consistent staff support and accountability.
Partner with leadership to ensure appropriate staffing models and clinical coverage across all shifts.
Clinical Quality & Staff Support
Ensure structures are in place for ongoing clinical coaching, case review, and skill development for crisis staff.
Oversee processes for evaluating staff performance related to clinical practice and service delivery.
Partner with Training and Quality teams to ensure alignment between clinical expectations, training content, and performance outcomes.
Collaboration & System Integration
Collaborate with internal teams (Training, Quality Improvement, Workforce, and Operations) to ensure alignment across staffing, training, and performance systems.
Partner with community mental health providers, crisis response systems, and emergency services to strengthen coordination of care.
Support integration of MiCAL within Michigan's broader behavioral health crisis continuum.
Accreditation & Best Practices
Support accreditation and certification processes (AAS, COA, and related standards).
Ensure clinical practices align with national standards for crisis lines, including 988 expectations.
Stay current on emerging practices in crisis intervention and behavioral health response systems.
Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required:
Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
Current clinical licensure (LMSW, LPC, LP, or equivalent) in the State of Michigan.
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in behavioral health or crisis services.
Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience, including oversight of leaders.
Certified Crisis Specialist (or ability to be certified within 1 year of hire)
Must be a resident of the State of Michigan
Preferred:
Experience in crisis line services, 988, or contact center environments.
Experience managing large-scale or statewide programs.
Familiarity with Michigan's behavioral health system and crisis response network.
Experience with accreditation standards (AAS, COA).
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES
Advanced clinical expertise in crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, and de-escalation
Strong leadership and supervisory skills in a 24/7 environment
Ability to support high-stakes decision-making and complex case consultation
Strong understanding of behavioral health systems, referrals, and continuum of care
Excellent communication and partnership skills with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to balance clinical quality with operational demands
Proficiency in crisis documentation systems and data-informed decision-making
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position operates in a hybrid environment with flexibility for on-site and remote work. Regular on-site presence is encouraged to support staff accessibility. Some evening or off-shift availability may be required to support a 24/7 workforce.
