Behavioral Health Program Director

AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC•Costa Mesa, CA

2d•$90,000 - $126,000

About The Position

The Program Director leads a certified residential treatment program at Akua Behavioral Health. The role ensures staff carry out their responsibilities through monitoring, training, and accountability; maintains adequate staffing coverage across shifts; and ensures the program follows company policies, regulatory standards, and licensing requirements. The director participates in hiring and employee discipline, manages client issues and crises, monitors program performance, and controls costs in accordance with budget guidelines. The position is full-time, salaried, and exempt. Compensation is up to $126,000 per year, comprising a base salary of $90,000–$100,000 and a performance bonus of up to $26,000 per year. The bonus is based on census, earned weekly, and paid monthly. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance, sick and vacation time, and equity shares.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or another major that includes at least 24 semester college units in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Behavioral Sciences, or Psychiatric Nursing, plus two years of full-time experience in a community program serving clients with mental illness, including one year supervising direct-care staff; alternatively, four years of direct-service experience in a community program serving people with mental disabilities, including one year supervising direct-care staff, and high school graduation or a GED may substitute for the degree and experience.
At least three years of mental health experience and at least one year of management experience.
Valid California driver’s license.
Current health screen/physical and TB test clearance.
Current CPR/First Aid certificate.
Ability to pass Live Scan.
Demonstrated blend of clinical expertise and business administration skills, ownership and accountability, compassion toward clients and employees, emotional stability under pressure, and strong leadership and execution capabilities.

Nice To Haves

LADC or higher, SUDCC-CS II or higher, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or functional equivalent/appropriate license or certification.
Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or Psychology.

Responsibilities

Ensure program staff carry out their daily functions and responsibilities through continuous monitoring, training, and accountability.
Ensure the program operates within staffing guidelines and maintains adequate coverage on every shift, including timekeeping.
Ensure adherence to company policies, regulatory standards, and licensing requirements, and maintain the program's licensed, credentialed, accredited, and good-standing status.
Participate in hiring and interviewing candidates within staffing guidelines, and oversee disciplinary actions and terminations in compliance with HR policies.
Promptly communicate and resolve client issues and crises.
Monitor key program metrics to drive performance improvements.
Control costs by following budgetary guidelines for staffing, scheduling, and operational expenses.