Program Director

The Ridge RTC • Milton, NH

4d • $85,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Ridge Program Director is a compassionate, detail-oriented leader responsible for client care and the administrative and operational functions of a residential treatment facility. Working closely with the Clinical, Medical, and Operations directors, the Program Director supervises direct care staff and educational coordinators to maintain a structured, supportive environment aligned with therapeutic goals. The position oversees residential, educational, recreational, and daily programming for adolescents with mental health challenges, as well as staff management, crisis response, family and community engagement, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a residential or therapeutic setting.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Leadership skills that foster a culture of inclusivity and excellence.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to go up and down stairs to monitor clients on multiple floors and physical capacity to assist people with mobility impairments as needed.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, healthcare administration, or a related field (preferred).
• CPR, First Aid, and crisis prevention/intervention certification.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.
• Experience in program development, team training, and facilities management.

Responsibilities

• Ensure programming supports the clinical team’s therapeutic goals and is tailored to adolescents with mental health challenges.
• Develop engaging activities with the Program Manager and direct care staff to foster social skills, emotional regulation, and physical well-being.
• Maintain a structured daily schedule balancing therapy, recreation, education, and downtime.
• Supervise Program Managers and direct care staff to ensure the residential environment is safe, structured, and nurturing.
• Supervise the Education Manager and educational coordinators to align academic programming with individual treatment goals and program structure.
• Maintain consistent daily routines across pods and programs, including schedules, transitions, meals, school, groups, recreation, and evening routines.
• Develop dorm routines and programming focused on life skills, peer relationships, and conflict resolution.
• Support direct care staff in behavior management and maintaining a structured environment.
• Conduct regular supervision, performance evaluations, and professional development for supervised staff.
• Address staffing needs, scheduling, training, and conflict resolution with Human Resources and Program Managers.
• Oversee hiring and onboarding of Clinical Assistants and ensure training on Ridge’s therapeutic model, safety procedures, and program structure.
• Ensure staff are trained in trauma-informed care, behavior management, and crisis intervention.
• Act as tier 3 support for escalated situations and client crises, using de-escalation techniques and coordinating with clinical and emergency services as needed.
• Provide crisis management training and support to staff.
• Document incidents and ensure they are reviewed and addressed according to policy.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Director to ensure programming supports clients’ therapeutic goals.
• Work with the Director of Nursing to accommodate clients’ medical needs and restrictions in programming.
• Coordinate with the Operations Director to ensure facilities, materials, and resources for programming are available and maintained.
• Ensure educational staff have resources to support students with varying academic achievement and emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Supervise experiential and recreational staff in designing and delivering therapeutic activities, including outdoor excursions, art programs, sports, and team-building exercises.
• Collaborate with Admissions and Intake/Discharge Coordinators to facilitate client entry and exit.
• Prepare programming, residential life, and educational teams to support each new client’s transition.
• Participate in intake and discharge meetings, providing information on program expectations, dorm assignments, and initial support strategies.
• Serve as a family contact for non-clinical programming, including education, recreation, and residential life.
• Maintain relationships with community partners and external agencies to support program initiatives and client needs.
• Ensure programming, staff operations, and residential services comply with state and federal regulations for adolescent residential treatment facilities.
• Maintain knowledge of licensing requirements and accreditation standards and ensure programming meets or exceeds expectations.
• Conduct regular audits of program operations and documentation, maintaining compliance and proactively addressing deficiencies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with 4% match.
• Paid time off programs, including vacation, holidays, and illness.
• Chef-made meals onsite.
• Professional trainings for development.
• Continuing education assistance for clinicians.
• Supportive clinical supervision and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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