Program Director

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Program Director – 23-Hour Stabilization & Community Stabilization

Programs: Crisis Receiving Center (23-Hour Stabilization) and Community-Based Crisis Stabilization
Department: Crisis Services
Reports To: Director of Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

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

Clinical Oversight & Quality of Care

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

Staff Supervision & Development

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

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

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

Utilization Management & Data Oversight

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

Community & System Collaboration

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

Qualifications

Required

• 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

Preferred

• 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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

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