Manager | Urgent and Emergent Behavioral Services at Sanford Health - Bemidji, MN

Are you a passionate and experienced leader looking to make a real difference in the lives of individuals experiencing behavioral health crises? Sanford Health in Bemidji, Minnesota, is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Manager to oversee our Urgent and Emergent (U/E) Behavioral Services. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead multidisciplinary teams, shape innovative crisis intervention programs, and foster a supportive and growth-oriented work environment.

Role Overview

As the Manager of Urgent and Emergent Behavioral Services, you will be responsible for the clinical and fiscal development, implementation, and ongoing management of all resources needed to support our adult and child mobile crisis teams, EmPATH units, and behavioral health residential services. You will provide strategic leadership, ensuring the continuous operation and staffing of assigned behavioral health service teams. Your primary focus will be on ensuring high-quality, client-centered care by leading multidisciplinary teams that include mental health professionals, behavioral health practitioners, rehabilitation workers, peer support specialists, and on-call staff.

While the role includes essential technical responsibilities such as policy review, statute compliance, program budgeting, quality improvement initiatives, and personnel scheduling, Sanford Health provides robust support to new leaders throughout the learning process. You will benefit from structured mentorship, training, and collaborative coaching to confidently navigate these operational areas using Sanford-informed processes.

The core of this role lies in building a psychologically safe, connected, and growth-oriented work culture. You will be expected to foster environments where staff, supervisors, clients, and residents are supported in becoming the best versions of themselves. Prioritizing authentic connection, modeling a growth mindset, and strengthening team cohesion are key expectations of this leadership position.

A Day in the Life

Your day as the Manager of Urgent and Emergent Behavioral Services will be dynamic and varied, with a focus on both strategic planning and direct team support. Here’s a glimpse of what a typical day might look like:

• Morning: Begin the day by reviewing overnight reports and addressing any urgent issues arising from the mobile crisis teams or residential services. Meet with supervisors to discuss client cases, staffing needs, and any challenges they are facing.
• Mid-day: Dedicate time to administrative tasks such as reviewing and updating policies, managing program budgets, and working on quality improvement initiatives. Collaborate with internal partners like the emergency department to streamline referral processes and ensure seamless transitions of care.
• Afternoon: Focus on team development and training. This could involve conducting performance evaluations, providing coaching and feedback to staff, or facilitating training sessions on topics such as trauma-informed care or de-escalation techniques. Participate in external partnership meetings with county officials, law enforcement, or community behavioral health organizations.
• Evening: Ensure adequate staffing coverage for overnight shifts and address any emerging issues. Review data on key performance indicators to identify trends and areas for improvement. Prepare for the next day’s activities and prioritize tasks.

Why Bemidji, Minnesota?

Bemidji, known as the “First City on the Mississippi,” offers a unique blend of small-town charm and outdoor adventure. Nestled in the heart of Minnesota’s Northwoods, Bemidji is surrounded by pristine lakes, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. The city boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and cross-country skiing.

Living in Bemidji provides a high quality of life with a low cost of living. The community is welcoming and supportive, making it a great place to raise a family or enjoy a peaceful retirement. With excellent schools, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community, Bemidji offers a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Career Path

The Manager of Urgent and Emergent Behavioral Services role at Sanford Health offers a clear path for career advancement within the organization. With proven success in this role, you could progress to positions such as:

• Director of Behavioral Health Services: Oversee multiple behavioral health programs and services across the region.
• Regional Vice President of Behavioral Health: Lead the strategic direction and operations of behavioral health services for a large geographic area.
• Executive Leadership: Contribute to the overall strategic planning and decision-making for Sanford Health.

Sanford Health is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for professional growth and development. Through ongoing training, mentorship programs, and leadership development initiatives, you will have the resources and support you need to advance your career.

Salary and Benefits

Sanford Health offers a competitive salary and benefits package that is commensurate with experience and qualifications. While the exact salary for this position is not publicly disclosed, a reasonable estimate for the Bemidji, MN area is between $75,000 and $110,000 per year. This estimate is based on market research and industry standards for similar roles.

In addition to a competitive salary, Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan (401k or similar)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee wellness programs
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Mentorship programs
• Collaborative coaching
• Access to a dedicated Employee Wellness Clinician in the Bemidji region
• Debriefing processes for high-stress situations

Sanford Health Culture

Sanford Health is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for all employees. We value teamwork, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in patient care. Our mission is to improve the human condition through health, healing, and discovery.

We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. We offer a variety of programs and initiatives to promote employee well-being, including:

• Employee wellness programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Debriefing processes for high-stress situations
• Access to a dedicated Employee Wellness Clinician
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement

How to Apply

If you are a passionate and experienced leader who is committed to making a difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply for the Manager of Urgent and Emergent Behavioral Services position at Sanford Health in Bemidji, Minnesota. To apply, please visit our website at [Sanford Health Careers Website] and submit your resume and cover letter.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Manager of Urgent and Emergent Behavioral Services? The Manager is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for adult and child mobile crisis teams, EmPATH units, and behavioral health residential services. This includes ensuring high-quality, client-centered care, leading multidisciplinary teams, managing program budgets, and fostering a psychologically safe work environment.
2. What qualifications are required for this position? Required qualifications include experience in crisis work (patient-facing and staff-facing), knowledge of the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) framework, strong leadership skills, and experience in policy review and program budgeting.
3. What is the work schedule for this position? The schedule includes a mix of flexible and traditional options, with most leadership hours occurring Monday to Friday. Because U/E services operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, some flexibility is required.
4. What opportunities for professional development are available at Sanford Health? Sanford Health offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including ongoing training, mentorship programs, and leadership development initiatives.
5. What is the culture like at Sanford Health? Sanford Health is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for all employees. We value teamwork, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in patient care.
6. What is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential resource that provides employees with access to counseling, support, and resources to help them manage personal and work-related challenges.
7. What is the Employee Wellness Clinician? The Employee Wellness Clinician provides quick, free, confidential, trauma-informed support to help staff manage work-related stress without it carrying into their personal lives.
8. What is the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) framework? The Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) framework is a therapeutic approach to suicide risk assessment and management that emphasizes collaboration between the clinician and the patient.
9. What is an EmPATH unit? An EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) unit is a specialized unit within a hospital emergency department designed to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
10. What is the process for applying for this position? To apply, please visit the Sanford Health Careers website and submit your resume and cover letter.