Outpatient SUD Program Director

GATEWAYS HOSPITAL & MENTAL HEALTH CENTER; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center in Los Angeles seeks an Outpatient SUD Program Director to lead the management, strategy, and delivery of our adolescent, transitional-aged youth (TAY), and adult SUD services. The role combines clinical supervision, program development, and compliance oversight to ensure trauma-informed, evidence-based care.

The Director will coordinate with regulatory bodies, oversee budgets, and foster partnerships with community providers, building a robust system

Qualifications

• Minimum education: Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work or related field.
• At least five years of experience managing or supervising SUD programs, with 3+ years for adolescents, TAY and adults.
• Knowledge of DHCS youth treatment standards and best practices.
• Experience with CARF accreditation processes.
• Ability to pass DOJ/FBI background checks and have a California driver license.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversee all SUD program services in alignment with Gateways Hospital & Mental Health Center’s mission.
• Hire, train, and supervise clinical and support staff; ensure ASAM-aligned care and trauma-informed approach.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with DHCS, licensing and accreditation standards.
• Manage program budget, contracts, and revenue streams; ensure financial sustainability.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations to establish referrals and enhance services.
• Oversee client care, develop individualized treatment plans, and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

SUD treatment

Regulatory compliance

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Social Work

CADC-II / LAADC certification

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Main Hospital - Los Angeles, CA 90026, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $135,000.00 - $150,000.00 Salary/year, Title of Position: Outpatient SUD Program Director

Location: Gateways Substance Use Disorder Programs

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Union/ Non-Union: Non-Union

Supervisor: Senior Director of Program Development - DMH

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center's Outpatient Healing and Addiction Recovery program is a newly certified program. Candidates will have the opportunity to be a part of an exciting start-up phase which will include recruiting, hiring and training program staff, supporting outreach and engagement efforts to establish a client base, and establishing collaborative partnerships with community providers that will create referrals for services. This leadership position is perfect for a highly motivated and qualified individual who can contribute to program development that will provide much needed services to a vulnerable population of clients in our community. We invite you to consider joining our team and be a part of an exciting phase of expansion and growth for Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center!

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Outpatient SUD Program Director leads and directs the management, organization, and strategy of Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs. With a specialized focus on adolescents, transitional-aged youth (TAY), and adults, the Director ensures the delivery of trauma-informed, evidence-based services tailored to the developmental needs of adolescent and adult populations. The role includes leadership, clinical supervision, and program oversight to integrate treatment, educational services, and family support. The Director is also responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, fiscal and contract management, and the development of a recovery-oriented system of care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Program Leadership and Management

• Provide overall leadership, strategy, and oversight for all SUD program services, ensuring alignment with Gateways’ mission and values.
• Design, implement, and evaluate services following DHCS youth treatment standards, including the Adolescent SUD Best Practices Guide.
• Coordinate and ensure the integration of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder services.
• Maintain culturally sensitive, family-centered, and developmentally appropriate treatment approaches for youth TAY and adults.
• Interfaces with such agencies as the Department of Public Health – Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Bureau (DPH-SAPC), Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Adult/Child Protective Services, criminal justice services, and other related community agencies.
• Exercises good judgment in the performance of duties and responsibilities.
• Attends all required staff training sessions per agency and state licensing requirements and develops counselor skills through seminars, workshops, or other forms of training and education.
• Performs other additional tasks as directed.

Staff Supervision and Training

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise clinical and support staff, ensuring expertise in adolescent and adult SUD treatment, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices.
• Provide ongoing professional development, including training in ASAM criteria, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and family engagement.
• Conduct performance evaluations, manage disciplinary actions, and foster a collaborative and growth-oriented work environment

Regulatory Compliance, Licensing, Certification, and Accreditation

• Maintain compliance with DHCS Outpatient and AOD Certification, DMC Certification, and DHCS Licensing requirements.
• Ensure adherence to Title 9 and other relevant California regulations governing SUD programs.
• Oversee the program’s accreditation efforts, ensuring compliance with Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards.
• Collaborate with Gateways’ QI Department to conduct regular audits and implement quality improvement measures to meet and exceed regulatory and contractual performance standards.
• Oversee adherence to the DHCS Adolescent SUD Best Practices Guide, ensuring that services meet established guidelines for youth treatment.

Fiscal Oversight and Budget Management

• Develop and manage the program’s annual operating budget in coordination with the finance team.
• Monitor expenditures, contracts, and funding requirements to meet or exceed budget expectations.
• Provide fiscal oversight to ensure the program’s financial sustainability through direct billing, Medi-Cal, and grant funding.
• Collaborate with development and marketing teams to secure philanthropic support and enhance services.

Client Care and Service Delivery

• Oversee developing and implementing individualized treatment plans that align with ASAM Levels of Care and evidence-based practices.
• Ensure culturally competent care is provided, prioritizing underserved and at-risk populations.
• Promote a recovery-oriented system of care, emphasizing family involvement and holistic support.
• Maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other patient privacy regulations.
• Monitor service outcomes and ensure continuity of care for clients transitioning between levels of care in the SUD system.

Community Collaboration and Outreach

• Establish and maintain partnerships with schools, juvenile justice systems, and other community organizations to enhance the continuum of care.
• Represent Gateways at community forums, advocacy efforts, and collaborative initiatives focused on youth substance use prevention and treatment.
• Coordinate with other agencies to address the comprehensive needs of clients.

Performs other additional tasks as directed.

Qualifications: EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES

Minimum Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work or related field

Desired Education:

• Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (e.g., CADC-II, LAADC) or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience Required:

• Minimum of five years of experience in managing or supervising SUD treatment programs, with at least three years focused on adolescents, TAY and adults.
• In-depth knowledge of DHCS youth treatment standards, including the Adolescent SUD Best Practices Guide.
• Proficiency in DHCS Outpatient Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Certification, Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) Certification, and DHCS Licensing standards.
• Extensive knowledge of Title 9 regulations related to SUD programs.
• Experience with accreditation processes for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Desired Experience:

• Experience implementing performance improvement initiatives in a behavioral health setting.
• Strong understanding of integrated care models that address co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Proficiency in managing programs serving vulnerable populations, including youth and transitional-aged individuals.
• Ability to implement culturally competent and community-based services that address barriers to care.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
• Valid California Driver’s license.
• TB clearance.
• Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways insurance carrier.
• Completion of mandatory training, including:
• Adolescent development and SUD treatment
• Trauma-informed care
• Cultural competence
• Crisis intervention techniques
• Motivational Interviewing
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria

Note: If indicated certifications/licenses are lacking, they must be obtained within 180 days of hire.

**Training needs to be completed within 30 days from the date of hire on a designated date provided by onboarding. Staff need to be certified at a commensurate level for their role to perform their job duties (staff will be taken off the schedule if certification is not achieved).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• To perform this job you must be able to carry out all essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move unassisted up to 25 pounds.