JOB DETAILS

Behavioral Health Program Director

CompanyAKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC
LocationCosta Mesa
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 18, 2026
About The Company
AKUA Mind Body is more than just a treatment center or residential facility; it’s a revitalizing retreat that provides holistic therapy programs for those who are in need of mental health treatment and substance use addiction. Our integrative approach combines Eastern traditions with Western science to provide the highest quality of care combining physical, psychological, spiritual and science-based approaches in detoxification, outpatient, and residential treatment. With facilities throughout the Sacramento Region, Los Angeles & Orange County Region, and San Diego Region, we aim to provide our clients with the best mental health and addiction treatment possible. Our goal is to help patients build a solid foundation for healing so they can live happy and healthy lives in recovery.
About the Role

Description

Position: Program Director

Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: Up to $126k per year

  • Base Salary: $90k-$100k per year
  • Performance Bonus: Up to $26k per year ($500/week based on census, earned weekly, paid monthly)

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance: Medical, Vision & Dental
  • Paid Time Off: Sick & Vacation
  • Equity Shares

Program Details:

  • The Program Director oversees day-to-day operations of a 30-Bed Mental Health & Substance abuse Residential Facility. This program will treat high acuity clients with mental health disorders such as: Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, etc.
  • Due to the nature of the clients treated at this program, and the relevant governing body (DSS and DHCS) requirements, candidates with a background of treating mental health clients in a crisis setting are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Training & Accountability: The Program Director ensures that all program staff are carrying out their daily functions and responsibilities through continuous monitoring, training, and accountability.
  • Staffing & Scheduling: The Program Director is responsible for ensuring that the program operates within its Staffing Guidelines and maintains adequate coverage on every shift, at all times (incl. Timekeeping).
  • Compliance: The Program Director ensures strict adherence to Akua’s policies, regulatory standards, and licensing requirements, , ensuring their program remains fully licensed, credentialed, accredited, and in good standing.
  • Employee Management: The Program Director actively participates in hiring, interviewing candidates within staffing guidelines, and oversees disciplinary actions and terminations, ensuring compliance with HR policies.
  • Emergency Management: The Program Director is responsible for promptly communicating and resolving any client issues/crisis.
  • Performance and Cost Management: The Program Director monitors key program metrics to drive performance improvements and ensures cost control by adhering to budgetary guidelines, including staffing, scheduling, and operational expenses.

Requirements

The Program Director of a certified Residential Treatment Program shall have the following Qualifications prior to employment:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or any other major which includes at least 24 semester college units in one or more of the following subject areas: (A) Psychology, (B) Social Work, (C) Sociology, (D) Behavioral sciences (E) Psychiatric Nursing; and:
  • Two (2) years of full-time work experience in a community program that serves clients who have a mental illness. Such experience must be in the direct provision of services to clients, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff, or
  • As an alternative to the Bachelor Degree and experience, a total of four (4) years of experience in a community program providing direct services to persons with mental disabilities, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff, and graduation from high school of possession of a GED may be substituted.

Qualifications:

  • License/Credentials: LADC OR +, SUDCC-CS II OR +, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or functional equivalent / appropriate license or certification (preferred).
  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree (required) or master’s degree (preferred) in a relevant field (e.g. Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Psychology)
  • Experience: 3+ years of mental health experience and 1+ year(s) of management experience (required)
  • Additional: Valid CA Driver's License, Current Health Screen / Physical, TB Test Clearance, Current CPR/First Aid certificate, Able to Pass Live Scan (required)

Key Qualities:

  • Blend of clinical expertise and business administration skills
  • Strong sense of ownership and accountability
  • Compassion for clients and employees in all interactions
  • Emotional stability under pressure
  • Exceptional leadership skills and execution capabilities

Company Description:

Akua Behavioral Health is California’s leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide our clients with individualized, compassionate treatment from Master’s and Doctorate level clinicians across various levels of care at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. To give our clients the best chance at lasting recovery, we pioneered an integrative East-meets-West approach that combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.

Key Skills
Program ManagementClinical SupervisionCrisis InterventionStaff SchedulingRegulatory ComplianceEmployee ManagementBudgetary ControlPerformance MonitoringMental Health TreatmentSubstance Abuse TreatmentLeadershipEmergency Management
Categories
HealthcareManagement & LeadershipSocial Services
Benefits
Medical InsuranceVision InsuranceDental InsuranceSick LeaveVacation TimeEquity Shares
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Program Director oversees the daily operations of a 30-bed mental health and substance abuse residential facility. Key duties include managing staff accountability, ensuring regulatory compliance, and resolving client crises.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$90,000 - $100,000
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
201
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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