Behavioral Health Program Director

Akua Behavioral Health • Costa Mesa, CA

4h • $90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Program Director oversees day-to-day operations of a 30-Bed Mental Health & Substance abuse Residential Facility. This program will treat high acuity clients with mental health disorders such as: Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, etc. Due to the nature of the clients treated at this program, and the relevant governing body (DSS and DHCS) requirements, candidates with a background of treating mental health clients in a crisis setting are strongly preferred.

Requirements

• The Program Director of a certified Residential Treatment Program shall have the following Qualifications prior to employment: A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or any other major which includes at least 24 semester college units in one or more of the following subject areas: (A) Psychology, (B) Social Work, (C) Sociology, (D) Behavioral sciences (E) Psychiatric Nursing; and: Two (2) years of full-time work experience in a community program that serves clients who have a mental illness. Such experience must be in the direct provision of services to clients, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff, or As an alternative to the Bachelor Degree and experience, a total of four (4) years of experience in a community program providing direct services to persons with mental disabilities, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff, and graduation from high school of possession of a GED may be substituted.
• License/Credentials: LADC OR +, SUDCC-CS II OR +, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or functional equivalent / appropriate license or certification (preferred).
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (required) or master’s degree (preferred) in a relevant field (e.g. Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Psychology)
• Experience: 3+ years of mental health experience and 1+ year(s) of management experience (required)
• Additional: Valid CA Driver's License, Current Health Screen / Physical, TB Test Clearance, Current CPR/First Aid certificate, Able to Pass Live Scan (required)
• Blend of clinical expertise and business administration skills
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Compassion for clients and employees in all interactions
• Emotional stability under pressure
• Exceptional leadership skills and execution capabilities

Responsibilities

• Training & Accountability: The Program Director ensures that all program staff are carrying out their daily functions and responsibilities through continuous monitoring, training, and accountability.
• Staffing & Scheduling: The Program Director is responsible for ensuring that the program operates within its Staffing Guidelines and maintains adequate coverage on every shift, at all times (incl. Timekeeping).
• Compliance: The Program Director ensures strict adherence to Akua’s policies, regulatory standards, and licensing requirements, , ensuring their program remains fully licensed, credentialed, accredited, and in good standing.
• Employee Management: The Program Director actively participates in hiring, interviewing candidates within staffing guidelines, and oversees disciplinary actions and terminations, ensuring compliance with HR policies.
• Emergency Management: The Program Director is responsible for promptly communicating and resolving any client issues/crisis.
• Performance and Cost Management: The Program Director monitors key program metrics to drive performance improvements and ensures cost control by adhering to budgetary guidelines, including staffing, scheduling, and operational expenses.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, Vision & Dental
• Paid Time Off: Sick & Vacation
• Equity Shares
• Performance Bonus: Up to $26k per year ($500/week based on census, earned weekly, paid monthly)

What This Job Offers

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