Behavioral Health Associate Program Manager

Akua Behavioral Health • Costa Mesa, CA

1d

About The Position

Akua Behavioral Health is hiring a full-time, exempt Behavioral Health Associate Program Manager. The Associate Manager is second-in-command to the Program Director and provides leadership and operational support across the program, with primary responsibility for evening and weekend coverage. The role maintains leadership presence and operational continuity outside standard daytime hours, with an evening shift of 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and two rest days scheduled during the weekdays.

The Associate Manager monitors and supports staff performance through ongoing training, accountability, and oversight of daily responsibilities. The role ensures adequate staffing and coverage on every shift, oversees timekeeping, supports compliance with organizational policies and applicable regulatory and licensing requirements, and participates in hiring and employee discipline in coordination with the Program Director. The Associate Manager also responds to client issues and crises, participates in the on-call rotation, and serves as the primary point of contact when the Program Director is unavailable. The role monitors program performance and costs in support of the Program Director’s goals.

Akua Behavioral Health describes itself as a California mental health and substance abuse treatment center offering individualized care from Master’s- and Doctorate-level clinicians at licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. Its approach combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions, and its stated mission is to provide high-quality behavioral healthcare and support strong client outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 2 years of behavioral health experience.
• At least 1 year of lead experience.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Current health screen/physical and TB test clearance.
• Current CPR/First Aid certificate.
• Ability to pass Live Scan.

Nice To Haves

• RADT/CADC/SUDCC credential or functional equivalent preferred.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or Psychology.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational support across the program as second-in-command to the Program Director.
• Provide primary coverage during the evening shift and on weekends, ensuring leadership presence and operational continuity outside standard daytime hours.
• Monitor staff to ensure they carry out daily functions and responsibilities; provide ongoing training and accountability.
• Ensure the program operates within its Staffing Guidelines and maintains adequate coverage on every shift, including timekeeping.
• Ensure adherence to Akua’s policies, regulatory standards, and licensing requirements, supporting the program’s licensing, credentialing, accreditation, and good standing.
• Participate in hiring and interview candidates within staffing guidelines.
• Oversee disciplinary actions and terminations in coordination with the Program Director and in compliance with HR policies.
• Promptly communicate and resolve client issues and crises, participate in the on-call rotation, and act as the primary point of contact when the Program Director is unavailable.
• Monitor program metrics to drive performance improvements.
• Control costs by following budget guidelines for staffing, scheduling, and operational expenses in support of the Program Director’s goals.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time.
• Equity shares.
• Company car.
• Compensation up to $81,000 per year, including base salary and performance bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager