Program Director - Crisis Response Unit

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Provides strategic leadership, clinical oversight, and administrative management for the crisis response program operating in coordination with Boyle County EMS. The Program Director integrates behavioral health expertise with emergency medical services to deliver timely, trauma-informed, and patient-centered crisis intervention services while promoting public safety, risk reduction, and continuity of care.

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Crisis Response Unit in accordance with Boyle County policies, EMS operational standards, and KACO risk management guidelines.
• Develop, implement, and maintain written policies, procedures, and protocols in coordination with EMS leadership that meet grant conditions, liability standards, and best-practice benchmarks.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including Kentucky statutes related to behavioral health, emergency response, confidentiality (HIPAA), and mandatory reporting.
• Oversee grant-funded activities, including budget development, allowable cost monitoring, documentation, reporting, and audits as required by funding agencies.
• Maintain accurate records and program documentation to support grant compliance, risk management, and public accountability.
• Establish internal controls and administrative safeguards to reduce operational, clinical, and legal risk.

• Provide clinical supervision and guidance to crisis response staff, including licensed clinicians, peer support specialists, and other team members as applicable.
• Ensure the delivery of evidence-based, trauma-informed crisis intervention and de-escalation services.
• Lead structured debriefs after critical incidents.
• Hold regular office hours for EMS employees to participate in group work, peer support, and facilitated discussions focused on wellness and resilience.
• Participate in case reviews, critical incident debriefings, and quality assurance activities.
• Establish and maintain clinical protocols for assessment, intervention, referral, and follow-up care.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for interagency coordination, including Boyle County EMS, law enforcement, hospitals, dispatch, courts, and behavioral health providers.
• Ensure memoranda of understanding (MOUs), interlocal agreements, and referral pathways are developed and maintained as required for grant compliance and risk mitigation.
• Coordinate crisis response activities in a manner that supports responder safety, scene security, and role clarity among partner agencies.
• Represent the Crisis Response Unit in meetings, grant-related reviews, and stakeholder forums.

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff.
• Develop and oversee staff training programs related to crisis intervention, safety, ethics, cultural competency, and EMS integration.
• Foster a professional, supportive, and collaborative work environment.
• Address staff performance, disciplinary actions, and professional development needs.

• Implement continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes aligned with grant performance measures and KACO risk management recommendations.
• Monitor program outcomes, service utilization, and incident trends; prepare required reports for county leadership and funding agencies.
• Review critical incidents, complaints, and adverse events, and document accordingly.

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of professional clinical experience providing mental health or behavioral health services.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention, emergency services, or community-based behavioral health.

• Works in office, field, and emergency response environments. Exposed to various environments.
• Respond to crisis scenes, including hospitals, homes, public spaces, and other community settings.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Strong leadership, organizational, and program management skills.

Advanced clinical assessment, crisis intervention, and de-escalation abilities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Ability to make sound clinical and administrative decisions under pressure.

Proficiency in documentation, data collection, and electronic health record systems.

Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and cultural competence.

Valid driver’s license with the ability to meet Boyle County vehicle operation requirements.