Senior Program Supervisor

SSG Project 180; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health service provider in Palmdale is seeking a Senior Program Supervisor to lead a team focused on high-quality service delivery in a courthouse setting. The role involves managing clinical staff, ensuring performance standards, and overseen by a dynamic leadership team. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in social work or a related field, with 1-2 years of supervisory experience in mental health programs. This position offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of supervising mental health or case management programs in a relevant context.
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
• Valid CA driver’s license and proof of insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of clinical and supervisory staff.
• Hire, onboard, and train new staff.
• Supervise direct reports to meet performance expectations.
• Collaborate with the RDP Program Manager regularly.

Skills

Strong leadership and supervision skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Proactive and solution-oriented

Adaptable and flexible

Highly organized and detail-oriented

Comfortable with difficult conversations

Data-driven and tech-savvy

Culturally competent and trauma-informed

Client-centered and equity-focused

Education

Master’s degree in social work or mental health field

Job description

Senior Program Supervisor – Rapid Diversion Program (RDP) – SSG Project 180 – Lancaster/Palmdale

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 10‑15 site‑based clinical, case‑management, and supervisory staff to deliver high‑quality service outcomes at one courthouse.
• Hire, onboard, and train new staff, working with the RDP Clinical Services Manager and Program Manager as appropriate.
• Supervise direct reports to meet performance expectations, provide regular coaching and feedback, conduct annual performance reviews, implement disciplinary actions as needed, and perform administrative managerial duties.
• Coach supervisors on the team to build strong management skills and achieve expected performance outcomes with their direct reports.
• Help staff troubleshoot challenging client‑service situations through weekly supervision, ad‑hoc coaching, and direct intervention as needed.
• Cultivate a strong team culture and staff retention.
• Apply a racial equity lens to all elements of hiring and supervision.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with attorneys, court staff, and DMH workers.
• Identify and resolve operational issues that prevent effective and efficient service delivery.
• Provide coverage for in‑court staff and/or other supervisors during vacancies and leaves of absence.
• Align with the Program Manager on site performance goals, using data and reporting tools to track progress, spot trends, identify and address issues, and refine strategy.
• Oversee data quality and ensure staff compliance with data‑management expectations.
• Collaborate regularly with the RDP Program Manager to elevate issues and provide input into program policy decisions.
• Understand and ensure faithful implementation of all program policies, norms, and requirements.
• Identify and coach staff to build the skills needed to become strong supervisors, cultivating current and prospective supervisor talent within the team and across the organization.
• Perform other duties as needed and provide coverage for other staff as needed.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and supervision skills: Effectively manages teams, provides constructive feedback, and fosters a supportive, high‑performance culture.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Builds strong working relationships with staff, court partners, and external stakeholders; comfortable navigating high‑stakes, multi‑disciplinary environments.
• Proactive and solution‑oriented: Anticipates challenges and takes initiative to address problems before they evolve.
• Adaptable and flexible: Maintains composure and effectiveness in a fast‑paced, dynamic setting with shifting priorities and demands.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented: Manages multiple responsibilities while maintaining accuracy, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring compliance with program expectations.
• Comfortable with difficult conversations: Navigates staff performance, client crises, and stakeholder concerns with professionalism and emotional intelligence.
• Data‑driven and tech‑savvy: Uses data to monitor performance and outcomes, and is proficient with electronic documentation and management systems.
• Culturally competent and trauma‑informed: Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and upholds best practices in trauma‑informed, recovery‑oriented care.
• Client‑centered and equity‑focused: Advocates for clients’ needs and works to reduce barriers to care and justice.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or mental health field from an accredited college or university, and valid license (LCSW, LMFT, LPCC) or registration (ASW/ACSW, AMFT, APCC) with licensing body (i.e. the BBS).
• 1‑2 years of supervising mental health or case management programs in a relevant context (forensic/court‑based, county‑operated mental health, or similar program).
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
• Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance and own vehicle required.
• Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check.
• Preferred
  • Lived experience with mental health and substance use recovery, homelessness or the criminal legal system.
  • Experience working with the forensic and/or dual‑diagnosed populations.
  • Experience working on an interdisciplinary team in mental health.
  • Knowledge of and experience with providing trauma‑informed services.
  • Spanish‑speaking.

Supervisory Requirements

Senior Supervisor will directly manage a team of approximately 4‑6 therapists and resource navigators and 1‑2 supervisors. Senior Supervisor will be responsible for clinical supervision only if eligible based on BBS requirements.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

Supervisor will be based in a courthouse and will need to perform job duties throughout the building (courtroom, public areas, team office) as well as in the Project 180 office and in field settings.

Physical Requirements

The employee is expected to move about the courthouse throughout the day, which may involve walking, standing, and climbing stairs, or using a mobility device, or similar. The employee is expected to drive, carry a maximum of 20 lbs, listen, and speak in order to complete job requirements.

Mental Requirements

The employee must be able to do any/all of the following: perform complex and varied tasks such as synthesizing information and making decisions without immediate supervision; handle routine distractions, interruptions, noise, and uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; interact professionally and diplomatically in high‑stress situations; create and follow plans; and meet deadlines.

EEO Statement: SSG Project 180 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.