Crisis Stabilization Unit & Detox Director

Reports To: Executive Director

Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

Heartland Counseling Services is seeking a dynamic and experienced Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Registered Nurse (RN) to serve as the Director of our Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and Detox Program. This facility will open as a 12-bed, 24/7 crisis stabilization and detoxification unit, with planned expansion to 24 beds within the first year of operation.

The CSU & Detox Director provides executive, clinical, and operational leadership to ensure safe, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care for individuals experiencing acute mental health and substance use crises. This position is responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance, operational stability, staffing integrity, medication safety, and financial oversight.

The CSU & Detox Director will work collaboratively with medical providers, nursing staff, therapists, case managers, and community partners.

About the Program:

The Crisis Stabilization Unit provides:

• 24/7 triage and risk assessment


• Emergency mental health evaluation


• Short-term crisis stabilization (average length of stay 3–5 days)


• Detoxification services


• Medication management and withdrawal monitoring


• Individual, group, and peer support services


• Coordination with hospitals, law enforcement, and regional partners

The CSU functions as an alternative to emergency department utilization, inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, and emergency protective custody.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Operations

• Lead the launch and ongoing operations of the 12-bed CSU, with systems scalable to 24 beds.


• Ensure safe, effective 24/7 operations, to include providing coverage for unplanned staffing absences that can’t be covered otherwise.


• Maintain required staffing ratios and appropriate nurse coverage.


• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures.


• Supervise nursing, direct care, and clinical staff.


• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and trauma-informed care.

Clinical & Medical Oversight

• Ensure psychiatric evaluations occur within required timeframes.


• Ensure medical history and physical exams are completed within regulatory standards.


• Oversee detoxification protocols, including withdrawal monitoring and medication administration.


• Monitor medication safety, narcotic counts, and error reporting processes.


• Collaborate with the Medical Director and psychiatric providers regarding treatment decisions.

Triage & Admission Integrity

• Oversee risk assessments and triage processes.


• Ensure appropriate enforcement of admission and exclusion criteria.


• Maintain integrity in denial decisions and referrals to higher or lower levels of care.


• Ensure safety planning is completed for all individuals assessed.

Safety & Risk Management

• Oversee incident reporting and review processes.


• Ensure compliance with search protocols and contraband procedures.


• Respond appropriately to emergencies, including medical crises.


• Maintain compliance with all safety drills and facility safety standards.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Maintain compliance with:
  
  
  
  • Nebraska DHHS licensure standards
  
  
  • Medicaid requirements
  
  
  • CARF accreditation standards
  
  
  • CCBHC requirements
  
  
  
  


• Prepare for audits, inspections, and site visits.


• Monitor documentation quality and timeliness.

Community Collaboration

• Develop strong working relationships with:
  
  
  
  • Law enforcement
  
  
  • Emergency departments
  
  
  • Regional behavioral health partners
  
  
  • Community providers
  
  
  
  


• Represent the CSU in community planning and collaboration efforts.

Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage the CSU operating budget.


• Monitor census, length of stay, and revenue trends.


• Ensures appropriate use of service utilization that meets admission criteria while also capturing allowable revenue.


• Collaborate with Finance to ensure program sustainability.

Qualifications:

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Registered Nurse (RN) licensed in the State of Nebraska.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, crisis services, inpatient psychiatric, emergency department, or acute care settings.


• Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory or leadership experience.


• Experience with detoxification protocols and medication administration oversight.


• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, documentation standards, and risk management practices.


• Ability to manage a high-acuity, fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field.


• Experience launching or expanding a healthcare or behavioral health program.


• Knowledge of ASAM criteria and withdrawal management standards.


• Experience within a community mental health or CCBHC model.

Heartland Counseling Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is at-will.