Deputy Director Of Crisis Services (deputy Director 5) - PN: 20039238

Deputy Director of Crisis Services (Deputy Director 5)

At the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), we strive to exemplify The Heart of Hope for individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders.

We proudly employ over 2,800 dedicated employees across our six inpatient behavioral health hospitals, Ohio Pharmacy Services, Ohio's prison systems, and the central office located in the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus, OH.

DBH Values:

• Service-Oriented (Person Centered, Solution Oriented, Customer Service Focused)
• Collaborative (Approachable, Reasonable, Transparent)
• Value Driven
• Innovative (Yes Before No)
• Strong Sense of Urgency

Our team of highly qualified professionals advances a critical system of behavioral healthcare in Ohio that helps people be well, get well, and stay well. Join our collaborative, service-oriented environment, where you will be respected and valued.

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is proud to be an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace, committed to supporting the health and well-being of all employees, including those in recovery. We foster an inclusive, stigma-free environment where individuals impacted by mental health and substance use challenges are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our workplace culture promotes wellness, second-chance hiring, and recovery-informed policies that reflect our mission to serve Ohioans with compassion and respect, both in the community and within our own team.

Please note: Effective October 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has transitioned to its new name—the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. This change reflects our continued commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs for Ohioans. All positions and services now fall under the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health as we move forward in serving individuals, families, and communities across the state.

What you'll do at DBH:

Are you passionate about transforming mental health and crisis care systems? Do you thrive in leadership roles where collaboration and innovation drive impact? The Deputy Director of Crisis Services is a pivotal position within our agency, shaping the future of Ohio's statewide crisis response network, including 988, Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), and comprehensive community crisis systems.

As Deputy Director, you will lead strategic initiatives, oversee statewide programs, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. You'll work closely with system partners, policymakers, and agency leadership to expand capacity, enhance service delivery, and foster collaboration across Ohio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Define goals and objectives for Ohio's crisis services system; develop and implement statewide strategies to improve care.
• Program Oversight: Direct and monitor programs such as MRSS, 988, and community crisis systems; ensure integration into Ohio's system of care.
• Policy Development & Compliance: Formulate policies, procedures, and administrative rules; ensure compliance with federal and state laws through ongoing evaluation.
• Funding & Resource Management: Make funding recommendations in collaboration with financial leadership; oversee resource allocation to support system growth.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with local, state, and federal agencies; represent the agency on boards, committees, and commissions.
• Legislative & Regulatory Leadership: Review and analyze legislation; develop administrative rules; prepare executive briefings and policy papers.
• Collaboration & Outreach: Foster engagement with the Center of Excellence and system partners; drive initiatives to enhance service delivery and expand capacity.
• Public Representation: Serve as a representative for the agency at conferences, meetings, and public forums; supports agency's response to inquiries and media requests.
• Senior Leadership Contribution: Participate in agency leadership team; identify policy trends and collaborate on major planning activities.

This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of 45 on the E2 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (Flexible Schedule). Unclassified pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 124.11(A)(9).

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Position Qualifications:

There are no minimum qualifications for this position; however, preferred experience and knowledge includes:

• Experience serving in a Deputy Director, Assistant Director, Division Director, or equivalent leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience directly supervising senior leaders, managers, or multiple programmatic teams, including performance management and staff development.
• Background in behavioral health, public health, human services, fiscal management, or criminal justice systems.
• Experience working within state or local government or publicly funded systems.
• Demonstrated success in policy development, legislative analysis, or regulatory implementation.
• Demonstrated success in developing metrics and articulating regularly reported outcomes.

Primary Job Skill: Executive Leadership

Technical Skills: Business, Budgeting, Planning & Development, Policy Direction, Program Management, Organizational Development

Professional Skills: Building Consensus, Building Trust, Consultation, Leading Others, Organizing and Planning, Visionary Thinking

Required Educational Transcripts

Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicants must submit an official transcript before receiving a formal employment offer. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) business days of the request will result in disqualification from further consideration. Transcripts printed from the institution's website will not be accepted. DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.