Program Director--Substance Use Disorder Services

Aviva Family and Children's Services Mission Statement

Creating safe, supportive spaces where children, youth and families can heal, build resilience, and experience belonging.

Job Summary

The Program Director is responsible for the day-to-day clinical and administrative operations of an assigned Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program. The Program Director ensures that the treatment provided is consistent with Aviva's philosophy and meets the current standards for quality of care, medical necessity, and outcome measurements as defined by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Department of Public Health Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC), and other applicable regulatory and accrediting bodies.

The Program Director provides direct supervision to Clinical Supervisor(s), Therapists, Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors, Supervisors, and other program staff as assigned, and is accountable for quality improvement, staff development, contract compliance, and the fiscal viability of the program. The Program Director coordinates and collaborates with other Aviva programs, community organizations, and regulatory agencies to promote and strengthen the SUD program.

The Program Director is an energetic self-starter who can function comfortably in a team environment or independently and relates well to co-workers and County representatives. This position requires flexibility and the ability to manage time and multiple tasks with little supervision. The individual in this position must be able to assume a wide range of responsibilities, provide timely responses to requests and deadlines, and work well under pressure.

Essential Functions

• Directly supervises clinical supervisors, therapists, alcohol and other drug counselors, and other assigned program staff

• Provides day-to-day oversight and leadership of the assigned SUD program, ensuring adherence to Los Angeles County, State and Federal government requirements

• Conducts ongoing evaluation of overall program effectiveness and develops and implements needed revisions to programs and procedures

• Ensures that services are delivered in compliance with contract requirements and best-practice standards, including but not limited to Department of Mental Health Service Exhibits, Medi-Cal standards, Department of Public Health Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC), Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) standards, and accrediting body standards

• Responsible for the content, quality, and measurable impact of services provided by the program, including:

o Monitoring service levels of staff

o Fidelity to Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) as applicable

o Managing risk

o Evaluating staff in the program

• Participates in developing and monitoring the annual operating plan and budget for the program in coordination with finance; monitors expenditures and reviews actual income and expenditures against budget to maintain financial viability

• Maintains staffing levels needed to ensure appropriate service delivery and to maximize contract utilization

• Directs the hiring, onboarding, training, and retention of program staff; conducts performance appraisals, manages performance, and takes disciplinary action as needed

• Ensures that supervisors provide appropriate supervision and training to their supervisees, including completing performance appraisals and other required documentation

• Ensures that systems for documentation of clinical services achieve a high degree of accuracy and timeliness

• Facilitates or participates in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings as needed and ensures CFT meetings are documented accurately, timely, and in accordance with DMH and contract requirements

• Oversees all audits and corrective action plans for the assigned program

• Participates in developing quality improvement systems for tracking client satisfaction and outcomes, monitoring quality improvement efforts, and evaluating risk management activities

• Interfaces with contracting agencies, community partners, and advocacy organizations; represents Aviva at Department of Mental Health Provider meetings, SAPC, and other community meetings as appropriate

• Collaborates with other Aviva departments and participates in agency committees or project teams in support of the agency mission and strategic plan

• Fields internal and external complaints

• Sensitive and responsive to the cultural differences among the agency's client population

• Actively participates in quality improvement projects

• Provides crisis support and on-call coverage for program staff as needed

• Works to promote and support justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at all levels in the organization.

• Works to promote a trauma-informed work environment.

The Program Director will take on special projects or additional duties as assigned by MHS AVP.

Competency Requirements

1. Integrity

a. Ability to apply sound judgment in complex decision-making

b. Must demonstrate critical thinking skills

c. Knowledgeable in the regulations governing substance use disorder and mental health agencies

d. Ability to speak, read, write and understand English

2. Collaboration

a. Ability to work effectively as a member of various teams

b. Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people including executive level staff, managers, line staff and client populations

c. Builds rapport at all levels of the organization and develops a network of professional contacts

3. Transformation

a. Ability to effectively adapt and respond to change

b. Must demonstrate leadership skills in creating and managing diverse teams of professionals

c. Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and tasks and possess strong organizational skills

d. Understands financial targets and budget goals and incorporates financial analysis into program decisions

4. Compassion

a. Must demonstrate superior oral and written communication skills

b. Encourages open communication

c. Displays empathy and tolerates diverse viewpoints

Education and Experience

• A master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling or a related mental health/human services field required

• LCSW, LMFT, LPCC or comparable licensure required; must be licensed for a minimum of two (2) years prior to starting the position

• Minimum of 3-5 years of supervisory or administrative experience in a substance use disorder or behavioral health program serving children, adolescents, adults and/or families

• Experience working with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health or Department of Public Health (SAPC), or a similar agency, strongly preferred

• Demonstrated skills in leading and managing employees through other supervisors and managers

• Experience developing strategic and fiscally sound programs in response to regulatory agency inquiries and audits preferred

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid CA driver's license

Additional Requirements

• Annual Tuberculosis clearance

• Department of Justice/Fingerprint clearance

• Satisfactory completion of health screening

• Proof of legal eligibility to work in the United States

• Satisfactory driving record

Delegates Authority To

Clinical Supervisor(s), Clinical Manager(s), or other designated program supervisory staff

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of Program Director, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and use their fingers to manipulate a keyboard or writing instrument. The employee is occasionally required to walk, bend and lift objects heavier than ten pounds. The employee is occasionally required to drive.

Work Environment
The work environment is primarily indoors. The noise level varies from quiet to moderate.

This Job Description has been developed to identify some of the duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to limit or encompass all duties and responsibilities of the position.

Aviva Family and Children's Services, at its sole and absolute discretion, expressly reserves the right to modify, supplement, delete or augment the duties and responsibilities specified in this and all job descriptions.