Assistant Program Director
About The Position
The Assistant Program Director provides daily leadership and operational oversight for residential life and staff teams. Ensuring safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate programming for adolescents in a high‑acuity residential treatment setting. This role is responsible for the quality and consistency of student services related to dorm life, milieu management, recreation, and experiential activities, while supporting and developing direct care staff. As a key member of the residential leadership team, the Assistant Program Director partners closely with the Program Director and collaborates with admissions, academic, clinical, and medical departments. Maintaining seamless communication, coordinated care, and high standards of safety, compliance, and program excellence. Join us at Embark at our Short-term Residential Treatment Program in San Martin, serving teen girls and boys (gender fluid) ages 12 – 17, experiencing and struggling with school refusal, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicidal ideation and other mental health issues. Pre-teens and teens reside at our Residential Treatment Center in our comfortable family-style residence, where community and interpersonal relationships are fostered and encouraged.
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years in a leadership role.
- Experience working in behavioral health with adolescents navigating various mental health challenges
- Must maintain current First Aid/CPR/AED certificate and Safety Care Training
- Must obtain a valid State of California Driver's License
- Must be at least 21 years of age or older
- Must obtain at least a High School Diploma or equivalent GED
Responsibilities
- Treatment planning: Assist in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans for each resident, including coordinating services with external agencies and professionals as needed.
- Program development: Contribute to and initiate programmatic troubleshooting, planning, evaluating, and creation of curriculum and programmatic design for the residential department.
- Professional development: Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to stay informed about best practices in youth care and related fields.
- Staff supervision: Serve as direct supervisor for Facility Managers; aid and support the residential staff team by filling in and covering in a direct care capacity when necessary for coverage, mentorship, or training purposes.
- Program evaluation: Participate in program evaluation efforts to assess the effectiveness of services, identify areas of improvement, and contribute to the development and implementation of quality improvement initiatives.
- Hiring and onboarding: Participate in the hiring process, including interviewing, candidate assessment, and onboarding.
- Administrative operations: Perform a variety of routine and consistent administrative duties such as maintaining documentation, tracking program outcomes, and participating in meetings and reporting within the residential department.
- Family and community engagement: Facilitate communication and involvement between clients, their families, and the community, including organizing family meetings and events.
- Crisis management: Assist in the management of crises and emergencies within the facility, including de-escalation techniques and ensuring the safety and well-being of clients and staff.
Benefits
- Paid Continued Development: Access to a Mastery Program that offers professional and financial opportunities for professional growth.
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance – Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
- Paid Parental Leave – Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
- Life & Disability Coverage – Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
- 401(k) with Company Match – Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
- PTO & Holidays – Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for life’s challenges.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
