Program Manager, Crisis Respite

Job Description

Program Manager, Crisis Respite

The Program Manager provides the vision and operational oversight for our Crisis Respite Program, also called The Living Room, ensuring it remains an alternative to unnecessary hospitalizations or law enforcement involvement. This role is responsible for upholding the values and ethics of Heritage Behavioral Health Center while cultivating a culture of belonging, hospitality, and peer-led recovery.

Schedule: Full-Time, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and every other Friday paid off (wellness day) Position is responsible for the oversight and management of a program that operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and requires flexibility based on program needs

Salary: Range based on education, experience, and licensure or certification

Master’s degree without licensure: $67,000

Master’s degree + CADC: $71,000

Master's degree + LSW or LPC: $71,000

Master’s degree + LCSW or LCPC: $75,000

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Culture

Maintain a “home-like", non-clinical atmosphere that prioritizes guest comfort and hospitality.

Ensure the program operates as a voluntary, safe and supportive crisis respite space

Serve as the primary champion for staff with lived experience

Model and uphold the core values and ethical standards of Heritage Behavioral Health Center in all professional interactions.

Clinical & Supervisory Oversight

Conduct weekly1-on-1 supervision

Facilitate mandatory monthly all-staff meetings to discuss policy, celebrate service, and gather feedback.

Offer high-level direction on complex cases, ensuring interventions remain the “least restrictive” possible.

Complete training and orientation of Recovery Support and Living Room Specialists.

Promote quality care, hospitality, and recovery-oriented practices.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Establish and maintain active partnerships with local law enforcement, EMS, and community stakeholders to facilitate referrals and emergency room diversion.

Promote the Living Room as a safe community resource and maintain updated knowledge of local resources for guest referrals.

Coordinate with Access to Care leadership to brainstorm complex hand-offs and cross-training opportunities.

Operations & Compliance

Monitor program performance metrics and documentation to ensure alignment with grant standards.

Oversee the 24/7 staffing roster, serving as a secondary backup for emergency call-offs or staffing shortages.

Implement guest satisfaction surveys and feedback loops to drive continuous service improvement.

Oversee supply ordering (e.g. snack packs) and general facility needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong leadership and communication skills in a behavioral health setting

Ability to respond calmly in dynamic or high-acuity situations

Trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centered approach

Organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams

Education & Experience

Ideal candidate will meet the requirements to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional under Illinois Rule 132. This can be achieved through the following pathways:

Full licensure as a Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA), such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).

Possession of a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or a related field and has

Successfully completed1,000 hours of practicum and/or internship under clinical and educational supervision; or

One year of documented clinical experience under the supervision of a QMHP.

Lived experience is encouraged

Supervisory or lead experience strongly encouraged

What Heritage Offers

Wellness Days (every other Friday paid off)

Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and personal leave

Paid holidays

Health club/fitness reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Continuing education opportunities

Tuition assistance program

Agency-provided life insurance and short-term disability

Retirement plan (401k)

Optional health, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance

Health insurance

Direct deposit

Opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and clinical supervision

Full-time