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 a true, low-barrier 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 programoperatesas a voluntary, “low-barrier” space in strict alignment with 510 RTLR grant requirements.
• Serve as the primary champion for staff with lived experience, ensuring Recovery Support Specialists (RSS) are respected asequalmultidisciplinary team members.
• Model and uphold the core values and ethical standards of Heritage Behavioral Health Center in all professional interactions.

Clinical & Supervisory Oversight

• Conductweekly1-on-1supervisionto Shift Leads.
• 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 510 RTLR 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 hoursof 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