Crisis Program Manager – Youth Residential Stabilization
About The Position
BrightPath is opening a new short-term crisis stabilization home in the Twin Cities metro and is hiring the Program Manager to run it. This is a build role where the Program Manager will help stand up the program, train the founding team, take the first referral, and set the standard for how the site operates. BrightPath was selected to operate short-term residential crisis stabilization services for the seven-county metro region, with referrals coming through the Metro Crisis Coordination Program (MCCP). The program serves youth on DD or CADI waivers in a two-bed, 245D-licensed residential crisis stabilization home. It is short-term by design, with a county length-of-stay target of 90 days and transition planning beginning at intake. Referrals originate from MCCP, with BrightPath making the final admission decision. Staffing is acuity-based, ranging from 1:1 to 3:1, with 24/7 awake coverage. The environment is purpose-built with a fenced yard, separate common living areas, and environmental modifications matched to individual support plans. The home is located in Anoka or Ramsey County. The young people served are in genuine crisis, often experiencing aggression, self-harm, elopement, property destruction, and difficulties in school and relationships. Many have trauma histories and co-occurring diagnoses. The role involves making them feel safe physically, emotionally, and relationally, and then transitioning them to a long-term setting.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or a related field
- 3–5 years in behavioral health, crisis services, or high-acuity residential settings
- Experience supporting minors with complex behavioral needs
- Demonstrated experience managing interfering behaviors such as aggression, self-injury, and elopement
- Minimum 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience in 245D-licensed services or comparable behavioral health residential programs
- Ability to translate clinical assessment into clear, actionable direction for direct care staff
- Sound decision-making in fast-moving, high-risk situations
- Valid driver's license and reliable, insured transportation
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in a related field
- Licensure or certification — LICSW, LPCC, LMFT, or BCBA
- Experience conducting Functional Behavior Assessments and authoring behavior support plans
- Familiarity with MCCP, county crisis systems, DD/CADI case management, and positive support services
- Experience opening or standing up a new residential program
- Working knowledge of the Positive Support Rule and Minnesota Rule 9544 (EUMR)
Responsibilities
- Intake and admission decisions: Review referrals within 24–48 hours, assess clinical risk and program fit, and make accept/deny recommendations in partnership with Operations. Coordinate intake logistics and readiness.
- Behavior support and clinical programming: Develop initial behavior support plans at intake and update them at least every two weeks based on data. Track and analyze interfering behaviors. Train staff to implement plans with fidelity.
- Crisis response leadership: Direct staff response during escalation. Hold the line on consistent, least-restrictive de-escalation. Review incidents within 24 hours and adjust programming accordingly.
- Data and outcomes: Build and maintain behavior tracking systems. Read the trends and adjust interventions in real time. Report outcomes to internal leadership and county partners.
- Transition planning: Start at intake. Coordinate with case managers, families, guardians, and receiving providers. Participate in recurring interdisciplinary team meetings. Drive timely, durable discharges — including shadowing, training, and warm handoffs to the next provider.
- Team leadership: Train, coach, and develop the Behavior Technicians and Program Coordinators assigned to the site. Maintain consistency in service delivery even when staffing shifts.
- Compliance and documentation: Ensure documentation meets 245D, Positive Support Rule, and organizational standards. Maintain 24-hour communication expectations. Keep the site audit-ready.
Benefits
- Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) for healthcare; some ICHRA-compatible plans allow HSA and/or FSA contributions
- Dental and vision insurance through Mutual of Omaha
- 401(k) with 3.5% company match
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Ongoing professional development, including CPI certification pathways
- Employee recognition programs and team-building events
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
