Lead Clinical Program Supervisor/Mental Health Professional - Crisis Stabilization (Kalispell, MT)

Description

AWARE is stabilizing Crisis Stabilization services and seeking a Lead Clinical Program Supervisor/Mental Health Professional Person to oversee operations and clinical programming at a Crisis Stabilization Facility. This position also functions as a Mental Health Professional Person (MHPP) in accordance with Montana DPHHS Mental Health Center ARMs.  In this leadership role, you will guide a multidisciplinary team providing short-term, intensive, recovery-oriented services to adults, children, and families experiencing a mental health crisis. Your work will ensure that services are clinically sound, trauma-informed, person-centered, and compliant with state regulatory requirements.  We offer a collaborative, supportive environment that values clinical excellence, integrity, and unconditional care. If you are a licensed mental health professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for crisis services, we encourage you to apply. 

Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Provide overall clinical and program leadership for the Crisis Stabilization Facility in alignment with Montana DPHHS Mental Health Center ARMs.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, recovery-oriented Crisis Stabilization services in the least restrictive environment.
• Develop, implement, and monitor program policies, procedures, and workflows to support safety, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including staffing patterns, scheduling, and coordination of services.

Clinical Supervision & MHPP Functions

• Serve as the designated Mental Health Professional Person (MHPP) for the Crisis Stabilization program, fulfilling all functions required under applicable ARMs.
• Provide clinical supervision, consultation, and direction to Crisis Stabilization Support Professionals and other direct care staff.
• Review and sign off on assessments, Individual Treatment Plans, safety plans, and discharge/transition plans as required.
• Support staff in using evidence-informed interventions, trauma-informed care, and effective de-escalation strategies.
• Facilitate regular clinical team meetings, case reviews, and critical incident debriefings.

Assessment, Treatment Planning & Service Delivery

• Conduct or oversee comprehensive mental health assessments, risk assessments, and crisis evaluations.
• Develop, review, and update person-centered, strengths-based treatment and crisis stabilization plans in collaboration with individuals, families, and the team.
• Ensure timely, appropriate admissions, continued stay reviews, and discharges/step-downs consistent with medical necessity and ARMs criteria.
• Provide direct clinical services as appropriate to licensure (e.g., brief therapy, crisis intervention, family consultation).

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure program adherence to Montana DPHHS Mental Health Center ARMs and all applicable licensing, credentialing, and payer requirements.
• Monitor documentation quality, timeliness, and clinical integrity within the electronic health record.
• Track key performance indicators (e.g., length of stay, readmission rates, incident trends) and implement quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in audits, reviews, and corrective action planning as needed.

Training, Staff Development & Culture

• Lead onboarding, training, and ongoing competency development for Crisis Stabilization staff (clinical and direct care).
• Promote a culture of unconditional care, safety, respect, and accountability.
• Coach and mentor staff in trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive practices.
• Ensure all staff maintain required certifications (e.g., CPR/First Aid, crisis intervention, H.E.L.P. strategies).

Collaboration & Community Relations

• Coordinate with hospitals, law enforcement, mobile crisis teams, outpatient providers, schools, and other community partners to support appropriate referrals and transitions.
• Represent the Crisis Stabilization Facility in internal and external meetings, workgroups, and community collaborations.
• Support integration of crisis services within AWARE’s broader continuum of care.

Risk Management & Safety

• Oversee implementation of safety protocols, emergency procedures, and behavioral crisis response practices.
• Review and respond to incident reports, ensuring follow-up, documentation, and preventive actions.
• Promote an environment that prioritizes the physical and emotional safety of individuals served and staff.

Requirements

Required Education & Licensure (MHPP)

• Master’s degree in a mental health–related field (e.g., Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychiatric Nursing, or related).
• Current Montana licensure (or license-eligible) as one of the following, consistent with MHPP requirements: LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, Psychologist, APRN-Psych, or other qualifying mental health license per ARMs.
• Must meet all criteria to function as a Mental Health Professional Person (MHPP) under Montana DPHHS Mental Health Center ARMs.

Experience

• Minimum [3–5] years of post-graduate clinical experience in mental health, with at least [1–2] years in crisis services, acute care, or a similar high-acuity setting strongly preferred.
• Prior supervisory or program leadership experience preferred.
• Experience working with individuals across the lifespan and with co-occurring disorders is highly valued.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of crisis intervention, risk assessment, de-escalation, and stabilization practices.
• Working knowledge of Montana DPHHS Mental Health Center ARMs and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective clinical supervision and leadership to multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent skills in assessment, treatment planning, documentation, and clinical decision-making.
• Ability to remain calm, decisive, and compassionate in high-stress situations.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, culturally responsive care.

Additional Requirements

• Must have, or be willing to obtain, a valid Montana Driver’s License and meet acceptable driving record standards.
• Must successfully pass required criminal and protective services background checks.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire); agency training provided as needed.

Benefits:

AWARE proudly offers an excellent benefits package, uniquely designed to support you and your family in staying well, professional growth, and achieving financial security.

AWARE’s benefits include:

• Quarterly Financial Bonus Program
• Tuition Advancement Program
• Health Insurance
• Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Life Insurance
• Wellness programs
• Generous paid time off

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.