Program Manager, Crisis Respite

Program Manager, Crisis Respite

The Program Manager provides operational oversight for our Crisis Respite Center, also called The Living Room, designed to break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. The program provides a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere where individuals can calmly process the crisis event, as well as learn and apply wellness strategies which may prevent future crises. This role is responsible for supervising the team of Peer Recovery Support Specialists with lived experience.

Schedule: Full-Time, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Monday - Friday

Every other Friday paid off (Wellness Day)

Salary

• Master's degree without licensure: $67,000
• Master's degree + CADC: $71,000
• Master's degree + LSW or LPC: $71,000
• Master's degree + LCSW or LCPC: $75,000
• Salary range based on education, experience, and licensure or certification.

Core Responsibilities

Program Oversight and Compliance

• Ensure the programoperatesin full compliance with agency and grant policies, procedures, and reporting expectations.
• Monitor operations to ensure the programremainsa safe, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed crisis alternative.
• Oversee implementation of program policies, procedures, and workflow standards.
• Monitor service documentation to ensuretimely,accurate, and compliant clinical records.
• Review data related to programutilization, diversion rates, outcomes, and service engagement.
• Identifytrends and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure fidelity to the Living Room model andevidence-based crisis practices.

Staff Supervision and Team Leadership

• Provide clinical and administrative supervision to program staff including clinicians, peer support specialists, and mental health professionals.
• Facilitate regular team meetings, case consultations, and debriefings following crisis events.
• Support staff development through coaching, performance evaluations, and training opportunities.
• Ensure adequate staffing coverage for extended or 24/7 Living Room hours, including scheduling oversight.
• Reinforce a recovery-oriented and peer-integrated culture within the team.

Crisis Services Coordination

• Oversee delivery of walk-in crisis stabilization services provided through the Living Room model.
• Ensure staff conductappropriate crisisassessments, safety planning, and stabilization interventions.
• Coordinate with mobile crisis teams, hospitals, and emergency departments when higher levels of care arerequired.
• Establish clear protocols for risk management, safety concerns, and emergencyresponse.
• Facilitate strong referral pathways to outpatient treatment, case management, recovery support, and community resources.
• Participate in community crisis system meetings and planning efforts.

Client Care and Service Integration

• Ensure individuals accessing the Living Room receive person-centered, trauma-informed crisis support.
• Oversee the development of safety plans and linkage to ongoing behavioral health services.
• Support integration with other agency services such as outpatient treatment, community support, recovery services, and housingsupports.
• Assiststaff with complex crisis situations or clinical decision-making when needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of crisis intervention, stabilization strategies, and behavioral health conditions, including mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informedcareand the peer support model.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to support, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to effectively manage crisis situations,utilizede-escalation techniques, and support staff responding to behavioral health crises.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to oversee program operations, documentation, and grant/regulatory compliance.

Education & Experience

Ideal candidate will meet the requirements to credential as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) under Illinois Rule 132. This may be achieved through the following pathways:

• Full licensure as a Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA), such as LCSW or LCPC.
• Master's or doctoral degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field AND completion of1,000 hoursof supervised practicum/internship.
• One year of documented clinical experience under the supervision of a QMHP.
• Lived experience preferred.
• Supervisory or lead experience strongly encouraged.

Benefits

• NEW - Wellness Days: Every other Friday off, paid (26 daysper year)
• Generous vacation (5 days), sick (12 days), and personal leave (4 days)
• Paid holidays - 9
• Health Club/Fitness Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Agency-provided life insurance and short-term disability
• Retirement plan (403(b))
• Optional insurance benefits including health, dental, vision, andadditionallife insurance
• Health insurance with substantial agency contribution
• Direct deposit of payroll check