Program Manager

Socket.dev; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Janus of Santa Cruz seeks an experienced Residential Program Manager to lead the daily operations of a residential treatment program. You will recruit, develop, supervise, and retain high-performing staff while ensuring exceptional client care and operational excellence.

You will provide oversight for program operations, quality assurance, staffing, compliance, budgeting, and service delivery, ensuring trauma-informed, culturally responsive, evidence-based services compliant with regulatory and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
• CADC certification or registered intern/licensed therapist through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
• Minimum three (3) years of counseling experience, preferably within substance use disorder treatment.
• Previous supervisory, management, or program leadership experience in behavioral health or healthcare settings.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record.
• Experience working with Medi‑Cal-funded services.
• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and addiction treatment best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of a residential substance use disorder treatment program.
• Develop and implement program goals, policies, procedures, and service improvements.
• Ensure adherence to CARF, DHCS, SAMHSA, Medi-Cal, and other applicable standards and regulations.
• Develop and manage staff schedules, client schedules, treatment groups, and educational programming.
• Monitor program performance, client outcomes, utilization, and quality indicators.
• Conduct regular chart audits and oversee documentation compliance.
• Ensure program readiness for licensing, certification, and accreditation reviews.
• Collaborate with internal departments including Admissions, Quality Management, Human Resources, Billing, Payroll, IT, and Operations.

Skills

Staff leadership

Coaching

Staff development

Budgeting

Project management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Quality improvement

Cultural competence

Trauma-informed care

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field

CADC certification or licensed therapist (BBS)

Job description

Janus of Santa Cruz has been transforming lives through substance use disorder treatment and behavioral health services for nearly 50 years. Our mission is to provide effective, compassionate, and culturally responsive services that support recovery, resilience, and healthier communities.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Residential Program Manager to lead the daily operations of our residential treatment program. This leadership role is ideal for a professional who excels at staff development, clinical oversight, program administration, quality improvement, and building strong partnerships that support positive client outcomes.

Position Summary

The Residential Program Manager works within the vision, mission, and philosophy of Janus of Santa Cruz to recruit, develop, supervise, and retain high-performing staff while ensuring exceptional client care and operational excellence.

This position provides oversight for program operations, quality assurance, staffing, compliance, budgeting, and service delivery.

The Residential Program Manager serves as a clinical and administrative leader, ensuring that services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, evidence-based, and compliant with all regulatory, licensing, accreditation, and funding requirements.

The position requires collaboration with clients, families, staff, community providers, funders, and internal departments to ensure quality care, financial sustainability, and positive treatment outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Lead the daily operations of a residential substance use disorder treatment program.
• Support and communicate the mission, vision, and values of Janus of Santa Cruz.
• Develop and implement program goals, policies, procedures, and service improvements.
• Ensure adherence to CARF, DHCS, SAMHSA, Medi-Cal, and other applicable standards and regulations.
• Develop and manage staff schedules, client schedules, treatment groups, and educational programming.
• Monitor program performance, client outcomes, utilization, and quality indicators.
• Conduct regular chart audits and oversee documentation compliance.
• Ensure program readiness for licensing, certification, and accreditation reviews.
• Collaborate with internal departments including Admissions, Quality Management, Human Resources, Billing, Payroll, IT, and Operations.

Staff Management & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate program staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, inclusion, and professional growth.
• Provide regular clinical and administrative supervision.
• Conduct performance evaluations and implement corrective action when necessary.
• Ensure staff compliance with training, licensure, certification, and organizational requirements.
• Promote staff retention, engagement, and professional development.

Clinical Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for clinical services and treatment planning.
• Support multidisciplinary treatment teams in implementing evidence-based practices.
• Ensure treatment services meet client needs and align with ASAM criteria.
• Monitor client progress, family engagement, discharge planning, and continuity of care.
• Carry a limited caseload and provide direct services as needed.
• Ensure clinical documentation is accurate, timely, and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

Fiscal & Administrative Management

• Develop and manage program budgets.
• Monitor program revenue, expenditures, productivity, and resource utilization.
• Support financial sustainability while maintaining high-quality care.
• Complete required reports, contract deliverables, payroll approvals, and other administrative responsibilities accurately and on time.

Community Relations & Advocacy

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with referral partners, funding agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
• Represent Janus at community meetings, outreach events, and professional forums.
• Advocate for clients and support system improvements that enhance access to care and recovery services.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and facility requirements.
• Oversee fire safety protocols, drills, and site readiness.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for clients and staff.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
• Current Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification (CADC) or registered intern/licensed therapist through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
• Minimum three (3) years of counseling experience, preferably within substance use disorder treatment.
• Previous supervisory, management, or program leadership experience in behavioral health or healthcare settings.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record.
• Experience working with Medi‑Cal-funded services.
• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and addiction treatment best practices.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a behavioral health or related field.
• Experience managing residential treatment programs.
• Bilingual Spanish/English proficiency.
• Experience with CARF accreditation processes.
• Knowledge of DHCS, SAMHSA, and California licensing and certification requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, coaching, and staff development skills.
• Ability to manage complex clinical and operational systems.
• Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment, recovery principles, and evidence-based practices.
• Strong budgeting, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Ability to analyze outcomes data and implement quality improvement initiatives.
• Commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed care.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and high-demand environment.

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Ability to safely perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to use computers and electronic health record systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff, families, and community partners.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond appropriately in high-stress situations.
• Ability to attend meetings, trainings, outreach events, and perform occasional client transportation duties as needed.

Required Training

• CPR and First Aid certification (maintained throughout employment)
• Sexual Harassment Prevention
• Cultural Competency
• Confidentiality and HIPAA
• Infection Control
• Emergency Procedures
• All other agency-required training

Why Join Janus of Santa Cruz?

• Opportunity to lead a mission-driven residential treatment program.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership team.
• Meaningful work that improves lives and strengthens communities.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Janus of Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.