Crisis Program Manager – Youth Residential Stabilization

BrightPath is opening a new short-term crisis stabilization home in the Twin Cities metro, and we're hiring the Program Manager who will run it. This is a build role. The home opens in September 2026. You will help stand up the program, train the founding team, take the first referral, and set the standard for how this site operates — rather than inheriting someone else's systems. BrightPath was selected to operate short-term residential crisis stabilization services for the seven-county metro region. Referrals come through the Metro Crisis Coordination Program (MCCP). If you already know that system, you know exactly what this work is and how much it matters. About The Program Two-bed, 245D-licensed residential crisis stabilization home serving youth on DD or CADI waiversShort-term by design — the county length-of-stay target is 90 days, and transition planning begins at intake, not at dischargeReferrals originate from MCCP; BrightPath makes the final admission decisionAcuity-based staffing from 1:1 to 3:1, adjusted as needs change, with 24/7 awake coveragePurpose-built environment: fenced yard, separate common living areas so people can be together or apart, and environmental modifications matched to individual support plansLocated in Anoka or Ramsey County (site being finalized) Who You'll Serve The young people referred to this program are in genuine crisis — losing a placement, boarding in a hospital, or at risk of commitment. Presentations commonly include physical and verbal aggression, self-harm and suicide risk, elopement, property destruction, and significant difficulty in school and relationships. Many carry trauma histories, and many arrive with co-occurring diagnoses. They are also kids. The job is to make them feel safe again — physically, emotionally, and relationally — and then hand them off to a long-term setting that can hold what you built. What You'll Own 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. The Support Structure Behind You This is a high-acuity program and we do not expect you to absorb it alone. Residential Operations Director — your operational supervisor, weekly 1:1s, and primary escalation pathDirector of Training and Compliance — audit prep, corrective action, and workforce developmentIn-house CPI-certified instructors — staff receive an 11-hour CPI course plus DBT-informed skills, trauma-informed practice, and motivational interviewing, well beyond 245D minimumsInternal nursing — individualized health and medication training plans, plus ongoing consultationCentralized recruiting and scheduling — we intentionally over-hire so acuity spikes don't become staffing emergenciesCompliance and quality assurance team — incident review, data audits, and site evaluations What Success Looks Like Referral decisions within 48 hoursIntake scheduled within 4 days of acceptanceBehavior support plans updated biweekly and driven by dataDocumentation compliance at or above 95%Measurable reduction in interfering behaviors over the course of a stayEmergency services and psychiatric hospitalization used only as a genuine last resortTimely, well-prepared transitions to long-term placement Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or a related field3–5 years in behavioral health, crisis services, or high-acuity residential settingsExperience supporting minors with complex behavioral needsDemonstrated experience managing interfering behaviors such as aggression, self-injury, and elopementMinimum 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience in 245D-licensed services or comparable behavioral health residential programsAbility to translate clinical assessment into clear, actionable direction for direct care staffSound decision-making in fast-moving, high-risk situationsValid driver's license and reliable, insured transportation Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in a related fieldLicensure or certification — LICSW, LPCC, LMFT, or BCBAExperience conducting Functional Behavior Assessments and authoring behavior support plansFamiliarity with MCCP, county crisis systems, DD/CADI case management, and positive support servicesExperience opening or standing up a new residential programWorking knowledge of the Positive Support Rule and Minnesota Rule 9544 (EUMR) Working Conditions On-site leadership presence at a high-acuity youth crisis stabilization homeFull-time, exempt; occasional off-hours availability for escalations and participation in a shared on-call rotationFast-paced environment requiring flexibility and rapid responseDriving for team meetings, appointments, school transportation coverage, and visits to the BrightPath corporate office in New HopeAbility to sit or stand for extended periods, with occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, and to physically support individuals during behavioral interventions where required Compensation And Benefits Salary: $85,000-$95,000 Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) for healthcare; some ICHRA-compatible plans allow HSA and/or FSA contributionsDental and vision insurance through Mutual of Omaha401(k) with 3.5% company matchPaid time off and paid holidaysEmployee Assistance ProgramOngoing professional development, including CPI certification pathwaysEmployee recognition programs and team-building events About BrightPath BrightPath was established to enable the freedom to pursue joy by providing quality residential services for individuals with disabilities. We emphasize the benefit of self-determination so that each person has maximum opportunities to exercise choices that guide them on the path to maximum independence — embracing, supporting, and honoring each person's individuality in a setting integrated in the community. We operate licensed adult CRS programs, children's foster care residential sites for rate-exception youth, and crisis respite services. Few providers in Minnesota work across all three, which is exactly why we can stabilize someone quickly and move them into the right long-term placement instead of holding them indefinitely. Apply Today If you've been waiting for a chance to build a crisis program the way it should be built — with clinical infrastructure, real staffing depth, and a leadership team that solves problems together — we want to meet you. Help us light the path to a brighter future. BrightPath LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. BrightPath is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We provide a positive and supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Join us and be part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Powered by JazzHR 2cA1VoJtT2