Assistant Program Manager — Behavioral Health Leader

Socket.dev; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays (including birthday)

12 paid vacation days

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

403(b) retirement plan with up to 6%匹

Health insurance after 30 days

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

McAlister Institute in San Diego seeks an experienced Assistant Manager to support high-quality outpatient treatment for adults with substance use disorders. This leadership role blends direct client care with program oversight, maintaining an active caseload and ensuring clinical documentation.

You will help develop treatment plans, deliver counseling, coordinate staff, and uphold DHCS standards while promoting recovery and community impact.

Qualifications

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or actively pursuing certification in compliance with DHCS requirements.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or related human services field.
• Bachelor's degree, preferred.
• Ability to meet varied treatment and recovery needs in a multi-cultural environment with evidence-based practices.
• Experience working with Probation, Child Welfare Services, Dependency Drug Court, or criminal justice system partners.
• Supervisory experience and program leadership preferred.
• Calm, competent demeanor; able to work with a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong documentation, organizational, and computer skills.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred.
• Familiarity with electronic health records.
• Pass pre-employment screenings including background checks and TB test.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
• Manage an active client caseload and maintain all required clinical documentation.
• Conduct screenings, assessments, and intakes using ASI, ASAM, PCC, and related instruments.
• Develop and update individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients.
• Provide individual counseling, crisis intervention, treatment planning, recovery support, and discharge planning.
• Facilitate educational workshops, process groups, and recovery-focused services.
• Deliver evidence-based, culturally responsive, trauma-informed care.
• Assist in overseeing daily program operations and serve as backup to the Program Manager.
• Support staff supervision, scheduling, training, and program coordination.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, case conferences, and supervision activities.
• Collaborate with criminal justice agencies, community partners, referral sources, and client support systems.
• Assist with month-end reporting and other administrative responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with DHCS AOD Program Certification Standards, Drug Medi-Cal, Title 22, and 42 CFR confidentiality.
• Complete progress notes, client records, billing activities, and data entry.
• Support quality assurance activities, peer reviews, corrective action plans, and reporting requirements.
• Support administrative functions including drug testing, billing, and program documentation.
• Travel between work sites, client locations, and other destinations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and professional treatment environment.
• Attend required meetings and trainings; maintain required certifications.
• Promote wellness, self-care, and professional conduct aligned with organizational values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

CADC certification

Behavioral health experience

Supervisory experience

Bilingual preferred

Documentation skills

Electronic health records

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

McAlister Institute in San Diego seeks an experienced Assistant Manager to support high-quality outpatient treatment for adults with substance use disorders. This leadership role blends direct client care with program oversight, maintaining an active caseload and ensuring clinical documentation.

You will help develop treatment plans, deliver counseling, coordinate staff, and uphold DHCS standards while promoting recovery and community impact.