Chief Executive Officer

VARP, Inc. Treatment Services; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

VARP, Inc. Treatment Services seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization from its Administrative Office, directing marketing, accounting, and operations while overseeing residential and outpatient treatment programs.

The role requires strong governance, regulatory compliance, and financial stewardship with a focus on Medi-Cal and public funding. Collaboration with boards, agencies, and partners is essential to sustain high-quality behavioral health services.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive management in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, healthcare, nonprofit, or related field.
• Demonstrate knowledge of SUD treatment, behavioral health systems, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans that support growth and sustainability.
• Experience coordinating multiple organizational functions: operations, clinical, HR, finance, QA, compliance.
• Experience with Medi-Cal, government contracts, and public funding.
• Ability to work with a Board of Directors and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills for accountability.
• Ability to make timely, sound decisions using data and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Board on trends, laws, and actions affecting treatment programs at local, state, and federal levels.
• Provide clear strategic direction and organizational vision.
• Maintain relationships with County Behavioral Health Departments and community partners.
• Oversee contracts, grants, and county funding; ensure stewardship of public funds.
• Ensure compliance with DHCS requirements and licensing standards.
• Monitor program outcomes and client satisfaction; promote evidence-based practices.
• Lead workforce development and succession planning; address shortages.
• Represent VARP, Inc. to county agencies, courts, and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Change management

Budget oversight

Team development

Education

Business Administration or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Budgeting software

MS Excel

Contract management software

Job description

SUMMARY:

Located in the general Administrative Office, under the guidelines set forth by the Board of Directors. The CEO is responsible for the planning and directing of all of the functional activities of the company, including but not limited to marketing, accounting, materials management, technical support and general administration; including oversight of all residential and outpatient treatment programs. The CEO will perform duties and responsibilities outlined below, as well as other duties assigned by the Board of Directors.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITES:

• Will advise the Board of current trends, laws, and actions that affect treatment programs at the local, state and federal levels. In doing so, the incumbent will plan, schedule, and attend all meetings that are pertinent to the VARP program.
• Provide clear strategic direction and organizational vision.
• Maintain strong relationships with County Behavioral Health Departments.
• Work effectively with Boards of Directors, community partners, and public agencies.
• Ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.
• Ensure compliance with California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) requirements.
• Maintain licensing, certifications, and accreditation standards.
• Oversee quality assurance, audits, and performance improvement activities.
• Ensure adherence to Medi-Cal and behavioral health regulations.
• Manage organizational budgets responsibly.
• Maintain financial stability and sustainability.
• Oversee contracts, grants, and county funding.
• Ensure proper stewardship of public funds.
• Support delivery of high-quality behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services.
• Monitor program outcomes and client satisfaction.
• Promote evidence-based practices.
• Ensure consumers receive safe, effective, and culturally responsive care.
• Foster a positive organizational culture.
• Support leadership development and staff training.
• Address workforce shortages and succession planning.
• Represent the organization with county agencies, courts, law enforcement, and community stakeholders.
• Participate in local behavioral health initiatives.
• Advocate for recovery-oriented systems of care.
• Build partnerships that improve access to services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive management or supervisory experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, healthcare, nonprofit, or a related field.
• Demonstrate knowledge of substance use disorders, treatment and recovery services, behavioral health systems, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Demonstrate ability to develop and implement strategic plans that support organizational growth, sustainability, quality services, and long-term success.
• Demonstrate ability to oversee and effectively coordinate multiple organizational functions, including operations, clinical services, human resources, finance, quality assurance, compliance, and administration.
• Demonstrate experience with financial oversight, budgeting, resource allocation, grants, contracts, and organizational sustainability related to Medi-Cal and other public funds.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors and maintain strong relationships with employees, community partners, government agencies, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire trust, promote teamwork, and maintain accountability throughout the organization.
• Ability to make timely, sound decisions using available information, organizational priorities, data, and sound professional judgment.
• Experience leading organizational changes, manage competing priorities, and remain calm, professional, and solutions-focused during challenging or stressful situations.
• Demonstrate commitment to employee development, leadership development, continuous quality improvement, and a culture of accountability and respect.
• Ability to clearly communicate organizational goals, expectations, progress, challenges, and strategic priorities in both verbal and written formats.
• Must be self-directed, organized, adaptable, and capable of managing complex responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Must maintain professional and ethical standards and comply with all applicable VARP, Inc. policies, licensing requirements, contractual obligations, and regulatory standards.
• Must possess the computer, technology, presentation, and organizational skills necessary to effectively perform executive-level responsibilities.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that meets the organization’s insurance requirements.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Associates/bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting, Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse or related field, or relevant certification credentials. (Required)
• Master’s degree (preferred).
• Experience in leu of education will be considered.
• Experience managing behavioral health or SUD treatment programs.
• Strong knowledge of county and state behavioral health systems.
• Strong knowledge of county and state behavioral health systems.
• Experience with Medi-Cal, government contracts, and public funding.
• Strong compliance, licensing, and accreditation background.
• Proven success improving outcomes, expanding services, and supporting organizational growth.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have reasonable mental and physical ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The duties, responsibilities and qualifications listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds of paper and/or office supplies. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.