Program Manager

About this position

Join McAlister Institute, a 49-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.

McAlister Institute is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Program Manager to lead and oversee our East County Regional Recovery Center
. Reporting directly to the Director of Outpatient Services, this leadership role is responsible for program operations, contract compliance, staff supervision, quality assurance, community outreach, and the delivery of high-quality substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health services.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader with experience managing behavioral health programs, supervising clinical staff, ensuring contract compliance, and fostering a client-centered, trauma-informed treatment environment.

Benefits for YOU
:

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership consistent with McAlister Institute's mission, values, and goals.
• Manage program operations and ensure compliance with County contracts, Statements of Work, budgets, and performance objectives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to monitor program budgets and fiscal performance.
• Participate in contract monitoring, site visits, audits, and quality assurance reviews.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans when program goals or contract requirements are not being met.
• Ensure all licenses, certifications, reports, and required documentation remain current and compliant.
• Conduct community outreach and presentations representing both the program and McAlister Institute.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee daily program operations and ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Monitor client documentation and ensure compliance with County, State, DHCS, and agency standards.
• Develop and maintain service schedules, educational workshops, process groups, and behavioral health programming.
• Ensure timely incident reporting and follow-up.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment for clients and staff.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the program, corporate offices, community agencies, and referral partners.
• Supervise counselors, senior staff, childcare staff, and other program personnel.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Conduct regular supervision meetings and annual performance evaluations.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications, trainings, and professional development plans.
• Promote a culture of accountability, wellness, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staff compliance with documentation, reporting, and funding requirements.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with referral sources, community partners, and County stakeholders.
• Participate in grant-related activities, tours, presentations, and fundraising initiatives.
• Represent the organization professionally within the behavioral health community.

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
  or Licensed Therapist/License-Eligible Clinician in compliance with DHCS requirements.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in an alcohol and drug treatment program and/or co-occurring mental health setting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in program management, staff supervision, and contract administration.
• Knowledge of:
  • DHCS regulations and standards
  • Title 22 and 42 CFR requirements
  • SAMHSA TAP 21 Counselor Competencies
  • Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs)
  • AOD Program Certification Standards
  • Clinical documentation and quality assurance processes
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to pass a drug screening, background clearance, and TB clearance.
• Free of probation or parole for at least one year.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and at least two years of driving experience.
• This position requires regular travel between Company work sites, client locations, and other business-related destinations. Employees must be able to travel independently and reliably to perform the essential functions of the role.
• Compliance with all agency and contract-related training, certification, and reporting requirements.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred.
• Experience managing behavioral health contracts and grant-funded programs preferred.
• Experience working…