Residential Program Director

Seneca Family of Agencies

$120K — $134K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's or Bachelor's degree in behavioral science or related field with specific work experience in social services or programs for children
  • Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in residential or behavioral health, with at least 2 years in licensed programs
  • Proficient in interpreting licensing and clinical regulations, with strong leadership and coaching skills
  • Excellent communicator with strong organizational and analytical skills
  • Strong commitment to trauma-informed care and cultural humility
  • Valid driver's license and clear TB and background checks.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure STRTP compliance with CDSS, DHCS regulations, and relevant codes
  • Deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive services while supporting assistant directors and clinical leaders
  • Oversee recruitment, training, and retention of staff per CDSS standards
  • Cultivate a culture of accountability and collaboration among team members
  • Manage program budgets in collaboration with executive and finance teams
  • Ensure Medi-Cal billing compliance and accurate documentation completion
  • Foster effective partnerships with county offices, school districts, and community providers

Benefits

  • $10,000 sign-on bonus for new employees
  • 5 weeks of Paid Time Off plus 11 Paid Holidays
  • Comprehensive employee benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 403b Retirement Plan with additional employer contributions
  • Professional development opportunities with training stipends
  • Promotional opportunities available across the agency in California
Full Job Description
The Residential Program Director provides regulatory leadership for youth residential services, overseeing Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP). The Residential Program Director ensures that services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with evidence-based practices that promote stabilization, recovery, and permanency for youth.

Responsibilities:
  • Ensure Short Term Residential Treatment Programs (STRTP) maintain continuous compliance with California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Interim Licensing Standards (ILS), Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) regulations, and Welfare and Institutions Code requirements.
  • Ensure the delivery of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based services Supervise and support Assistant Directors, STRTP Administrators, and clinical leaders across multiple sites.
  • Oversee staff recruitment, training, and retention in alignment with CDSS personnel and training standards.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, professional growth, and collaboration.
  • Ensure adherence to safety, emergency preparedness, and incident reporting standards. Review and approve reportable incidents, internal investigations, and corrective action plans.
  • Collaborate with executive and finance teams to develop and manage program budgets that meet regulatory staffing and service requirements.
  • Oversee Medi-Cal billing compliance, ensuring documentation and authorization standards are met.
  • Ensure timely and accurate completion of required reports for CDSS, DHCS, and county Behavioral Health Departments.
  • Cultivate effective partnerships with applicable county and state offices, school districts, law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and other community providers, and facilitate effective training for partners as requested.
  • Manage applicable program facilities to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and a warm and welcoming environment of care.
  • Utilize and model crisis communication and de-escalation techniques as per Seneca's Equilibrium model training.

Qualifications

REQUIRED
  • Eligible for STRTP Administrator certification per STRTP Interim Licensing Standards by meeting one of the following education/experience qualifications:
    • Master's degree in a behavioral science from an accredited college or university + at least 2 years of employment as a social worker, as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Section 80001 (s)(4), in an agency serving children or in a residential congregate care program for children, OR
    • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university + at least 3 years administrative experience or supervisory experience over social work, direct care, and/or support staff providing direct services to children in an agency or in a community care facility with a licensed capacity of six or more.
  • Minimum of 3 years of progressive leadership experience in residential or behavioral health services, with at least 2 years overseeing licensed or Medi-Cal-certified programs.
  • Proven ability to interpret and apply licensing and clinical regulations effectively. Strong leadership, coaching, and change management skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication, analytical, and organizational abilities.
  • Commitment to trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and equity-driven leadership. At least 21 years of age.
  • TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements.
  • Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and insurability through Seneca insurance policy.

Schedule
  • Full-time, Hybrid
    • Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Back-up administrator for 24 hour on call services

Benefits
  • Starting at $120,707 - $134,707 per year
    • Actual salary is dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications for the role.
    • Additional compensation provided upon passing bilingual language proficiency exam.
  • $10,000 sign-on bonus for new Seneca employees.
  • 5 weeks of Paid Time off and 11 Paid Holidays.
  • Comprehensive employee benefits package, including:
    • Medical, dental, vision and chiropractic coverage and partially paid premiums for dependents.
    • Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance.
    • 50% paid premiums for dependents.
    • 403b Retirement Plan.
    • Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan.
    • Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.
  • Training stipend and professional development opportunities.
  • Abundant promotional opportunities across the agency in California.

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