Crisis Stabilization Unit & Detox Director

Heartland Counseling Services•South Sioux City, NE

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Develop strong working relationships with: Law enforcement Emergency departments Regional behavioral health partners Community providers
Represent the CSU in community planning and collaboration efforts.
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.