Program Director

SCADD, Inc; New London (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits

403(b) retirement plan with employer 匹

Job summary

Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (SCADD) seeks an experienced Program Director to lead assigned transitional treatment programs in New London and Norwich, CT.

You will ensure clinical quality, regulatory compliance, and strong program outcomes while guiding an interdisciplinary team. The role reports to the Chief Operating Officer, oversees budgeting, reporting, and quality initiatives, and supports staff development and client care in a fast-paced, mission-driven

Qualifications

• Master's degree in behavioral health required.
• Independent licensure in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy required; licensure in substance abuse preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising licensed clinicians, clinical managers, service coordinators, and/or support staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences including staff, partners, and funders.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented practice, and DEI values.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical quality and operational performance for assigned program.
• Lead staff development and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team and report to COO.
• Prepare accurate weekly and monthly reports.
• Interview clients, review records, and coordinate with other professionals.
• Develop quality initiatives to improve program performance and client experience.
• Monitor budgets and utilization review processes to maximize reimbursement.
• Suggest new initiatives to Executive team to meet community needs.
• Participate in internal/external meetings and provide back-up direct care as needed.
• Orient new employees and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership/management experience

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Budgeting experience

Trauma-informed care

Education

Master's degree in behavioral health

Independent licensure in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy

Job description

Program Director | New London and Norwich, CT

Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (SCADD)

Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (SCADD) is an award-winning, nationally and locally recognized leader in substance use disorder and behavioral health treatment in southeastern Connecticut. We are proud recipients of the Top Workplace award, 2023 Non-Profit of the Year and 2023 Executive Director of the Year honors from the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, and recognition as a Top Tier organization and a Recovery Friendly Workplace.

We are seeking an experienced and mission-driven Program Director to plan, develop, and coordinate the operation of all assigned transitional treatment programs — providing clinical and operational leadership that ensures quality care, regulatory compliance, and the best possible outcomes for the clients and communities we serve.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
• Multiple Medical Plans to fit your needs and budget
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 10% employer match at 1 year
• Vacation and Sick accruals
• 11 paid Holidays
• 40 hours of paid Education/Training annually
• Paid Licensure Reimbursement
• Meaningful leadership work making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals in recovery

What You'll Do:

As Program Director, you will serve as the senior leader for your assigned program, overseeing clinical quality, staff development, regulatory compliance, and operational performance. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team and report to the Chief Operating Officer, playing a key role in shaping the direction and impact of the program.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure compliance with all state and local health, safety, and fire codes, including life safety codes; maintain responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of all clients, staff, and visitors
• Coordinate with all members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure quality care that is consistent, timely, and focused on the best possible treatment outcomes
• Ensure the provision of client education, individually and in group settings, on relevant subjects including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and overdose prevention
• Prepare accurate weekly and monthly reports and ensure they are submitted as required
• Interview clients as needed, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate client conditions and needs
• Develop quality initiatives to improve program performance and the client experience; track implementation with concrete data and policy-informed processes
• Review program budgets regularly; monitor and respond to any lines that are over or under budget; ensure utilization review protocols are followed to maximize reimbursement of services
• Make recommendations to the Executive team about new initiatives and services to meet evolving community needs
• Participate in internal and external meetings as needed, including quality assurance, administrative, and meetings with state partners and/or funders
• Serve as backup to provide direct care services as necessary
• Participate in the orientation of new employees and the transfer of knowledge essential to the performance of duties

What You'll Need:

• Master's degree in the behavioral health field required
• Independent licensure in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy required; additional licensure in substance abuse preferred
• Demonstrated experience supervising licensed clinicians, clinical managers, service coordinators, and/or support staff
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information effectively to a wide range of audiences including staff, partners, and funders
• Commitment to trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented practice, and SCADD's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Why SCADD?

Since 1966, SCADD has remained at the forefront of substance use disorder treatment, continuously evolving to meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities across southeastern Connecticut. We believe in second chances and the power of recovery — and exceptional program leadership is what makes that belief a reality every day. When you join SCADD, you join a team that shows up with hope, connection, and purpose.

If you're ready to lead a program that changes lives, we want to hear from you.

SCADD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. A pre-employment drug screen, conducted by a qualified lab, is required in accordance with Connecticut law.