Assistant Program Director BHS

Arc of Anchorage•Anchorage, AK

27d

About The Position

The Assistant Program Director supports the oversight and leadership of The Arc of Anchorage's Behavioral Health Services, including Adult Mental Health Residential (AMHR) programs and Outpatient Behavioral Health Treatment Services. The Assistant Program Director serves as the primary point of contact for day-to-day program operations and ensures consistent communication, service continuity, and responsiveness across all behavioral health programs. The Assistant Program Director directly supervises all Team Leads and provides operational guidance, support, and accountability to ensure program stability and service integrity. The Assistant Program Director also works closely with the Program Director to ensure all Behavioral Health programs operate in alignment with The Arc's Mission and Core Values; adhere to municipal, state, and federal regulations; and maintain compliance with Alaska Assisted Living Home regulations, AMHR licensing requirements, the 1115 Behavioral Health Waiver, Alaska State Plan services, DBH provider certification, and CARF accreditation standards. The Assistant Program Director assists the Program Director in overseeing program operations, staffing, clinical coordination, regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and service delivery across all program areas.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree required in a related field such as behavioral sciences, social work, human services, special education, psychology, or another applicable discipline.
Master's Degree preferred, with an emphasis on behavioral sciences, social work, human services, special education, or a closely related field.
Relevant work experience in the behavioral health field may be considered in lieu of formal educational requirements, depending on the depth and applicability of experience.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with individuals experiencing severe emotional disturbance (SED), serious mental illness (SMI), or co-occurring disorders.
At least two (2) years must be in a supervisory or leadership role within a behavioral health or social services setting.
Basic computer use and experience with Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of serious mental illness and symptom management techniques, evidence-based person-centered service planning, inclusion, team dynamics, training, behavior supports, least restrictive environments, core competencies, and wrap-around services, chemical dependency recovery, and relapse prevention.
Knowledge in assessing support needs for individuals in both residential and community environments.
Background checks as defined by licensing agencies
Current TB test/clearance
Valid driver's license and proof of insurance
Clean driving record
Required agency and state-mandated trainings
Personal Vehicle
Routine use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and other office-related devices.
Required to drive in the community with individuals served
Required to perform duties in the community
Ability to meet physical demands associated with residential program oversight.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred, with an emphasis on behavioral sciences, social work, human services, special education, or a closely related field.
Relevant work experience in the behavioral health field may be considered in lieu of formal educational requirements, depending on the depth and applicability of experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for all day-to-day operations of the Behavioral Health Services department, ensuring effective communication, continuity of services, and timely problem resolution. This includes maintaining compliance with CARF accreditation standards, state behavioral health regulations, assisted living facility licensing requirements, and other applicable federal and local laws.
Directly supervise all Team Leads, providing coaching, performance oversight, scheduling support, and operational leadership.
Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic plans, policies, procedures, and program initiatives aligned with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Ensures compliance with all Alaska DOH Requirements, including documentation standards, service delivery standards, quality measures, and performance improvement requirements.
Assists in developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic plans, policies, procedures, and program initiatives aligned with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Ensures CARF readiness through continuous quality improvement, documentation audits, policy alignment, and staff training.
Collaborates with the PD, CEO, CFO, and leadership team to prepare budgets, monitor expenditures, and manage resources across residential and outpatient program areas.
Supports the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans utilizing evidence-based and person-centered approaches.
Conducts program-wide case staffing and supervision meetings at the direction of the Program director.
Ensures therapeutic residential environments that support mental health stabilization, psychosocial development, relapse prevention, and independent living.
Oversees outpatient behavioral health services, including therapy, rehabilitation, and Medication Management
Ensures timely and accurate clinical documentation, billing, service notes, and EHR compliance.
Participate in the selection, mentoring, coaching, and supervision processes for program staff; support onboarding and ensure completion of mandatory trainings.
Serves as liaison with state agencies, hospitals, CARF surveyors, community partners, and referral sources.
Ensure smooth transitions across levels of care and effective collaboration with service providers.
Assist with implementing quality assurance systems, including internal audits, corrective actions, incident review, safety follow-up, and outcome data tracking.
Identifies service gaps and leads program innovation and expansion.
Ensure compliance with reporting requirements for critical incidents, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-harm.
Participate in on-call rotation.
Ensures emergency preparedness, crisis response protocols, and staff readiness.
May provide direct care as needed.
Other duties as assigned.