Crisis Program Manager – Youth Residential Stabilization

BrightPath • Burnsville, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

BrightPath is establishing a new short-term crisis stabilization home for youth in the Twin Cities metro area and is seeking a Program Manager to lead its operations. This is a "build" role, meaning the successful candidate will be instrumental in setting up the program from the ground up, including training the initial team, managing the first referrals, and defining the operational standards. The home is slated to open in September 2026 and will operate under a 245D license. Referrals will be managed through the Metro Crisis Coordination Program (MCCP). The program is designed for short-term stays, with a county target of 90 days, and emphasizes immediate transition planning. Staffing will be acuity-based, ranging from 1:1 to 3:1, with 24/7 awake coverage. The facility is purpose-built with features like a fenced yard and separate common living areas to accommodate individual needs. The role is located in either Anoka or Ramsey County.

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

• Make intake and admission decisions by reviewing referrals within 24–48 hours, assessing clinical risk and program fit, and recommending acceptance or denial in partnership with Operations.
• Coordinate intake logistics and readiness.
• Develop initial behavior support plans at intake and update them at least every two weeks based on data, tracking and analyzing interfering behaviors, and training staff to implement plans with fidelity.
• Provide crisis response leadership, including direct staff response during escalations, ensuring consistent and least-restrictive de-escalation, and reviewing incidents within 24 hours to adjust programming.
• Build and maintain behavior tracking systems, analyze trends, adjust interventions in real time, and report outcomes to internal leadership and county partners.
• Initiate transition planning at intake, coordinating with case managers, families, guardians, and receiving providers, participating in interdisciplinary team meetings, and driving timely, durable discharges.
• Train, coach, and develop Behavior Technicians and Program Coordinators, maintaining consistency in service delivery across staffing shifts.
• Ensure documentation meets 245D, Positive Support Rule, and organizational standards, maintain 24-hour communication expectations, and keep the site audit-ready.

Benefits

• Salary: $85,000-$95,000
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager