Program Director

Community Alliance LLC•Norfolk, VA

About The Position

The Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership, clinical and operational oversight, and regulatory compliance of the 23-Hour Stabilization and Community Stabilization programs. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, person-centered crisis services in accordance with DBHDS regulations, Medicaid requirements, and organizational policies. The Program Director provides leadership to multidisciplinary teams, ensures safe and effective service delivery, and supports continuous quality improvement across crisis programs.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in behavioral health services, including crisis or acute care settings
Demonstrated leadership experience in program management or supervision
Strong knowledge of DBHDS crisis services regulations and Medicaid requirements
In-depth knowledge of crisis intervention models and trauma-informed care
Strong leadership, supervision, and decision-making skills
Ability to manage complex operational and clinical issues in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in electronic health records and data reporting systems
Ability to respond to emergencies and be on-call as required
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Ability to work in a crisis service environment with individuals experiencing acute distress

Nice To Haves

Previous experience overseeing 23-Hour Stabilization, crisis receiving centers, or community stabilization programs
QMHP or LMHP
Experience working with CSBs and state-funded crisis systems
Experience with quality improvement, utilization review, and program development

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day operational oversight of the 23-Hour Stabilization and Community Stabilization programs
Ensure programs operate in compliance with DBHDS licensing regulations, Medicaid requirements, and contractual obligations
Develop, implement, and enforce program policies and procedures
Ensure appropriate staffing coverage, scheduling, and supervision for 24/7 crisis services
Collaborate with executive leadership on program planning, growth, and sustainability
Ensure clinical services are delivered in accordance with evidence-based practices and crisis intervention standards
Monitor clinical documentation for timeliness, accuracy, and compliance
Support multidisciplinary team coordination, including nursing, QMHPs, LMHPs, peers, and medical providers
Ensure effective assessment, stabilization, and discharge planning processes
Address clinical escalations, grievances, and risk management issues
Recruit, onboard, train, and supervise program staff
Ensure staff maintain required credentials, competencies, and training
Conduct performance evaluations and provide corrective action as needed
Foster a trauma-informed, supportive, and accountable work culture
Maintain readiness for DBHDS licensing inspections, audits, and reviews
Ensure compliance with background check, fingerprinting, and Central Registry requirements
Monitor adherence to safety standards, emergency protocols, and incident reporting requirements
Review and respond to DBHDS citations, corrective action plans, and quality improvement initiatives
Monitor length of stay, utilization trends, and service outcomes
Collaborate with billing and utilization review teams to ensure services are properly authorized and billed
Review data related to admissions, discharges, and program outcomes
Use data to inform quality improvement and operational decisions
Serve as a liaison with Community Services Boards (CSBs), hospitals, law enforcement, EMS, and other community partners
Participate in local and regional crisis system meetings
Ensure smooth coordination of care and continuity across levels of service