JOB DETAILS

Program Director

CompanyAKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC
LocationSan Diego
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 29, 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

Program Overview

This program is a 14-bed Crisis Stabilization Mental Health Residential Facility serving high-acuity clients experiencing acute mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and other serious mental illnesses. Due to the complexity of the population served and the regulatory requirements of the California Department of Social Services (DSS) and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), candidates with experience providing care to clients in crisis stabilization or acute mental health settings are strongly preferred.


Position: Program Director

Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: Up to $130k per year

  • Base Salary: $104k 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

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.

Qualifications:

  • License/Credentials:  LAADC, MFT, PCC, CSW or functional equivalent (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
Mental Health CareCrisis StabilizationStaff ManagementRegulatory ComplianceBudgetingPerformance ManagementSchedulingLeadershipClinical SupervisionEmergency ManagementHealthcare AdministrationConflict ResolutionHiringTrainingOperational Management
Categories
HealthcareManagement & LeadershipSocial Services
Benefits
Health InsuranceMedicalVisionDentalPaid Time OffSick LeaveVacationEquity Shares
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Program Director is responsible for overseeing daily operations, staff scheduling, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards at a 14-bed mental health facility. They also manage hiring, performance metrics, and emergency response to ensure high-quality client care.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
202
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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