Job Title | Director of Children’s Initiatives |
Department | Children’s Initiatives |
Reporting Structure | Vice President of Clinical Services |
Pay Grade/Salary | 11 |
Exempt/Non-Exempt | Exempt | Bargaining Unit: | n/a |
Work Location | Varies | Employment Status (FTE) | Full-Time | 1.0 |
Job Summary |
Under the general supervision of the Vice President of Clinical Services, the Director of Children’s Initiatives provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for all activities within the Children’s Initiatives Unit. The Director manages the implementation and ongoing transformation of services for children ages 0–21 with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) and their families and serves as DWIHN’s primary advocate and representative for statewide and regional children’s mental health efforts. |
Essential Duties & Responsibilities |
Administration & Support - Provide oversight, management, and coordination for all activities within the Children’s Initiatives Unit.
- Responsible for the overall design and implementation of system transformation efforts for children with SED and their families.
- Oversee the development, implementation, and ongoing review of new and existing Children’s Initiatives based on identified service gaps.
- Review funding needs in support of children’s services and make recommendations for Board actions in collaboration with Finance Department.
- Create clear and articulate presentations for state and national meetings related to services for children with SED and their families.
- Provide oversight for System of Care Block Grant deliverables related to children with SED and their families.
- Ensure fiscal responsibility for Children’s Initiatives by adhering to budgetary requirements and regulations.
- Collaborate with Community Engagement to support implementation of events related to Children’s Initiatives as clinical and subject matter expert.
- Provide leadership and oversight for all Children’s Initiatives, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) programs, ensuring coordination between the Autism Administrator and analysts.
- Develop and monitor ASD service transformation efforts alongside SED initiatives to ensure equitable access, quality, and compliance.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement - Serve as DWIHN’s Child and Family Advocate, acting as the primary liaison with persons served and key stakeholders.
- Field inquiries from Provider Network CEOs/Executive Directors on matters related to children’s services.
- Actively participate in statewide and regional collaborations, including:
- Wayne County Children & Youth Collaborative Council
- Wayne County Human Services Collaborative Body
- Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards’ Children’s Issues Committee (CIC)
- Children’s Administrative Forum (MDHHS-supported)
- Statewide Wraparound Steering Committee
- Represent DWIHN at additional assigned forums.
Project & Program Management - Work collaboratively with Directors across DWIHN to meet organizational goals and objectives.
- Coordinate activities with Wayne County Department of Children and Family Services and Department of Human Services.
- Oversee consultation, training, technical assistance, supervision, and general oversight for all Children’s Initiatives.
- Lead the development and implementation of training modules for Children’s Initiatives.
- Convene executive-level collaborative workgroups to resolve implementation issues or barriers.
- Oversee productivity and efficiency standards for all Children’s Initiatives.
- Ensure and monitor clinical outcomes to support continuous quality improvement across all Children’s Initiatives.
Technical / Professional Skills - Serve as DWIHN’s liaison to MDHHS Children’s Program Division.
- Represent Children’s Initiatives on the Virtual Center for Excellence Steering Committee to maintain training needs for staff working with minors and their families.
- Analyze service delivery systems for children/adolescents and families and recommend needed improvements.
- Review and engage in research and evaluation activities with university partners.
- Seek grant opportunities in partnership with system partners and develop applications including SAMHSA and foundation grants.
Industry-Specific Duties - Provide leadership for implementation of best, promising, and evidence-based practices for children and families in Wayne County.
- Participate in statewide committees for implementation of models such as PMTO.
- Actively engage Michigan’s Association of Children’s Mental Health to increase youth and family voice in DWIHN operations.
- Supervise program managers and support staff assigned to Children’s Initiatives.
Miscellaneous - Perform additional duties as assigned.
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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA’S): |
- Knowledge of systems serving minors ages 0–21 (community mental health, juvenile justice, child welfare).
- Ability to establish relationships and collaborate across systems that support children and families.
- Dynamic leadership skills; ability to create, maintain, and sustain projects.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with DWIHN and its Provider Networks.
- Working knowledge of the Wraparound Model.
- Commitment to meaningful adult and youth involvement in program development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of computer applications (Word, PowerPoint, spreadsheets).
- Highly organized and able to set priorities.
- Ability to hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop staff.
- Knowledge of Professional Code of Ethics and Michigan Mental Health Code.
- Communication skills
- Decision-making skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills
- Organizational skills
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Required Education & Experience: |
Education - Minimum of five (5) years post‑master’s experience in mental health services for children with SED. Experience in juvenile justice or child welfare preferred. Must include clinical and supervisory experience for master’s and bachelor’s level clinicians.
- Experience in staff development required.
- Current licensure: LMSW, LPC, LLP.
- Experience working in community‑based programs serving children/youth ages 0–21; experience with transitional‑age youth (18–21) preferred.
- Program manager or program director experience for SED services preferred.
Experience - Evidence of increasing responsibility within clinical and administrative roles related to children’s mental health.
- Experience overseeing or implementing autism spectrum disorder services, and supervising clinical, administrative, and analytic staff supporting ASD programs preferred.
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Required License(s)/Certifications - Valid State of Michigan clinical licensure: LMSW, LPC, LLP.
- A Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record
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WORKING CONDITIONS: |
- Work is generally performed in an office environment. Remote work opportunities are available with prior approval.
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- This description is intended to provide a general overview of essential job functions and responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list. Management reserves the right to modify the position at any time.
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EEOC Statement |
DWIHN is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to fair, consistent, and merit-based hiring practices. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, local law. Employment decisions are based solely on job-related qualifications, demonstrated competencies, and organizational needs. DWIHN maintains policies and procedures designed to ensure that recruitment, selection, promotion and all other employment actions are conducted in a manner that is objective, equitable and non-discriminatory. |
