SUD Program Director

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center; Los Angeles, California (CA, MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent health facility based in California seeks an experienced SUD Program Director to lead and direct initiatives in substance use disorder programs. This role requires overseeing program management, ensuring compliance with standards while delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based services to adolescents, and adults. Candidates must possess strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of regulatory compliance. Responsibilities also include fiscal management and overseeing partnerships with community providers. This full-time position offers significant career growth in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years managing or supervising SUD treatment programs, focusing on adolescents, TAY, and adults.
• In-depth knowledge of DHCS youth treatment standards.
• Experience with CARF accreditation processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct management, organization, and strategy of SUD programs.
• Ensure trauma-informed, evidence-based service delivery.
• Develop and manage the program’s budget and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical supervision

Community collaboration

Culturally competent care

Program management

Education

MA, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, MFT in psychology, social work, or related field

Two years of California post-licensure as LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC

Job description

Overview

Title of Position: 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 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 ideal for a motivated and qualified individual who can contribute to program development delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based services to adolescents, transitional-aged youth (TAY), and adults.

Summary

Summary of Position: The SUD Program Director leads and directs the management, organization, and strategy of Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs. The role focuses on adolescents, TAY, and adults, ensuring delivery of trauma-informed, evidence-based services, with leadership, clinical supervision, and program oversight to integrate treatment, educational services, and family support. Responsible for compliance with regulations, fiscal management, and 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 agencies such 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.
• Attends required staff training per agency and state licensing requirements and develops counselor skills through seminars, workshops, or other forms of training.
• Performs additional tasks as directed.

Staff Supervision and Training

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise clinical and support staff with 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 CARF standards.
• Collaborate with Gateways’ QI Department to conduct regular audits and implement quality improvement measures to meet regulatory and contractual performance standards.
• Oversee adherence to the DHCS Adolescent SUD Best Practices Guide 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 budget expectations.
• Provide fiscal oversight to ensure 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 development and implementation of individualized treatment plans aligned with ASAM Levels of Care and evidence-based practices.
• Ensure culturally competent care, prioritizing underserved and at-risk populations.
• Promote a recovery-oriented system of care with 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.
• Perform additional tasks as directed.

Education & Certificates

• MA, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, MFT in psychology, social work, or related field.
• Two years of California post-licensure as LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC.
• Desired: Doctoral degree in a behavioral health field; 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 AOD Certification, Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) Certification, and DHCS Licensing standards.
• Extensive knowledge of Title 9 regulations related to SUD programs.
• Experience with CARF accreditation processes.

Desired Experience:

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

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Hospitals and Health Care