Program Manager

McAlister Institute for Treatment & Education • Lemon Grove, CA

6d • $85,000 - $110,000

About The Position

McAlister Institute is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Program Manager to lead and oversee the Kiva Residential Recovery Center in San Diego. Reporting directly to the Chief Programs Officer, the role oversees program operations, contract compliance, staff supervision, quality assurance, community outreach, and delivery of substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health services. The Program Manager is responsible for an average of 60 clients and supervises a team of 30 counselors, senior staff, childcare staff, and other program personnel. The position requires regular travel between company work sites, client locations, and other business-related destinations.

The successful candidate will lead a client-centered, trauma-informed residential treatment environment and ensure that services and operations meet agency, County, State, DHCS, and contract requirements. The role includes managing program performance and budgets, supporting staff development, maintaining community relationships, and representing McAlister Institute to partners and stakeholders.

The stated salary range is $85,000–$110,000 per year. Benefits include 13 paid annual holidays, including the employee’s birthday; 12 paid vacation days and paid sick leave; a 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match; health insurance available the first of the month after 30 days of employment, with McAlister paying 85% of SHARP medical premiums; an EAP for the employee and household members; and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of demonstrated leadership experience in program management, staff supervision, and contract administration.
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Licensed Therapist/License-Eligible Clinician in compliance with DHCS requirements.
• At least 2 years of experience in an alcohol and drug treatment program and/or co-occurring mental health setting.
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Knowledge of DHCS regulations and standards.
• Knowledge of Title 22 and 42 CFR requirements.
• Knowledge of SAMHSA TAP 21 Counselor Competencies.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices (EBPs).
• Knowledge of AOD Program Certification Standards.
• Knowledge of clinical documentation and quality assurance processes.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to pass drug screening, background clearance, and TB clearance.
• Must be free of probation or parole for at least one year.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and at least two years of driving experience.
• Ability to travel independently and reliably to perform essential job functions.
• Compliance with agency and contract-related training, certification, and reporting requirements.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application; visa sponsorship is not provided.
• Must complete pre-employment requirements, including criminal background investigation and fingerprinting, pre-employment physical examination, drug test, and negative TB test.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual proficiency.
• Experience managing behavioral health contracts and grant-funded programs.
• Experience working with co-occurring substance use and mental health populations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily program operations and ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Monitor client documentation and ensure compliance with County, State, DHCS, and agency standards.
• Develop and maintain service schedules, educational workshops, process groups, and behavioral health programming.
• Ensure timely incident reporting and follow-up.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment for clients and staff.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the program, corporate offices, community agencies, and referral partners.
• Lead the program consistent with McAlister Institute’s mission, values, and goals.
• Manage program operations and ensure compliance with County contracts, Statements of Work, budgets, and performance objectives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to monitor program budgets and fiscal performance.
• Participate in contract monitoring, site visits, audits, and quality assurance reviews.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans when program goals or contract requirements are not being met.
• Ensure licenses, certifications, reports, and required documentation remain current and compliant.
• Conduct community outreach and presentations representing the program and McAlister Institute.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Conduct regular supervision meetings and annual performance evaluations.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications, trainings, and professional development plans.
• Promote a culture of accountability, wellness, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staff comply with documentation, reporting, and funding requirements.
• Build and maintain relationships with referral sources, community partners, and County stakeholders.
• Participate in grant-related activities, tours, presentations, and fundraising initiatives.
• Represent the organization professionally within the behavioral health community.
• Travel regularly between company work sites, client locations, and other business-related destinations.

Benefits

• 13 paid annual holidays, including the employee’s birthday.
• 12 paid vacation days and paid sick leave.
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.
• Health insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment; McAlister pays 85% of SHARP medical premiums.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the employee and members of their household.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED