Program Manager

About the Arkansas Crisis Center

The Arkansas Crisis Center (ACC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring hope, empowering people, and saving lives. As the primary provider of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline services for the state, we are on the frontlines of mental health support. We are now expanding our mission upstream with the launch of AR Teen Connect, a new initiative funded by the Blue & You Foundation.

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Program Manager to own, operate, and launch AR Teen Connect, a new peer-to-peer "warm line" designed to support Arkansas youth before they reach a point of crisis.

Unlike the 988 crisis line, AR Teen Connect focuses on connection, resilience, and friendship. In this role, you will build and lead a team of youth volunteers (teens helping teens) who provide empathetic listening and support to their peers. You will be responsible for the program's operational success, ensuring it serves as a critical bridge between loneliness and the 988 crisis system.

Key Responsibilities

● Program Launch & Operations: Lead the strategic launch of AR Teen Connect, transitioning the program from concept to a fully operational in-person/satellite model.

● Youth Recruitment & Training: Recruit, screen, and train high school-aged youth volunteers to serve as peer supporters. Implement evidence-based training curricula on active listening, boundaries, and resilience.

● Clinical Oversight: Provide ongoing supervision and mentorship to youth volunteers, ensuring safe interactions and immediate "warm transfers" to 988 crisis specialists when high-risk situations arise.

● Partnership Development: Work closely with local school districts, UAMS, and community stakeholders to establish satellite locations or in-school chapters for the program.

● Data & Reporting: Track program metrics (call volume, volunteer retention, outcomes) to report to the Blue & You Foundation and the ACC Board of Directors.

● Culture Building: Foster a supportive, engaging, and resilient culture for the youth volunteers, recognizing the emotional nature of the work.

Qualifications

● Licensure (Strongly Preferred): Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC/LAC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LMSW).

● Experience:

○ Deep understanding of youth culture, mental health challenges, and social dynamics affecting teenagers today.

○ Proven experience working directly with youth-aged students (educational, clinical, or mentorship settings).

○ Experience in program management, volunteer coordination, or team leadership is a plus.

● Skills:

○ Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.

○ Ability to build rapport and trust with teenagers.

○ Excellent organizational and public speaking skills.

Benefits

● Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance stipend.

● Cell Phone Stipend: Monthly stipend to support connectivity requirements.

● Impact: The opportunity to build a legacy program from the ground up that will save lives and foster resilience in Arkansas youth.

Schedule & Travel

● Location: This position is heavily based in Northwest Arkansas. The successful candidate must reside in or be willing to relocate to the NWA region to oversee daily operations and youth volunteers.

● Travel: This role requires travel approximately 30% of the time to school districts and community partners across the state of Arkansas to build partnerships and expand the program's reach.

● Flexibility: Must be willing to work flexible hours to accommodate the after-school schedules of student volunteers and attend community engagement events.

To Apply: Please submit your resume detailing your experience working with youth and your vision for peer-to-peer support. Email:

Pay: $53,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person