Program Director - SUD

Get to know us:

For over 100 years, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has taken great pride in providing exceptional programs and services for children and families throughout LA County. VDM envisions a community where all children and families are equipped and prepared to live productive, fulfilling lives. We serve the most vulnerable in Los Angeles, many of whom have faced multi-generational inequities. Vista Del Mar is guided by core values of empowerment, equity, and excellence.

Culture:

At Vista Del Mar, our success is empowered by our staff, families, residents, and clients. We believe in the inclusion and liberation of marginalized communities, standing in unity for justice and recognizing long-standing systemic oppression. We acknowledge we are part of an unjust system and strongly advocate to change oppressive systems and the unconscious bias that affect staff, clients, and families in all communities. Vista is committed to developing a culture of healing, community care, and creating a sense of belonging. Our actions will be louder than our words.

Folks who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, of a marginalized gender, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression, and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.

Mission:

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.

Position Overview:

The SUD Program Director leads and directs the management, organization, and strategy of Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services' Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs. With a specialized focus on adolescents and transitional-aged youth (TAY), the Director ensures the delivery of trauma-informed, evidence-based services tailored to the developmental needs of youth populations. The role includes leadership, clinical supervision, and program oversight to integrate treatment, educational services, and family support. The Director is also responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, fiscal and contract management, and the development of a recovery-oriented system of care.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership and Management
  • Provide overall leadership, strategy, and oversight for all SUD program services, ensuring alignment with Vista Del Mar’s mission and values.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate services following DHCS youth treatment standards, including the Adolescent SUD Best Practices Guide.
  • Coordinate and ensure the integration of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder services.
  • Maintain culturally sensitive, family-centered, and developmentally appropriate treatment approaches for youth and TAY.
  • Interfaces with such agencies as the Department of Public Health – Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Bureau (DPH-SAPC), Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Adult/Child Protective Services, criminal justice services, and other related community agencies.
  • Exercises good judgment in the performance of duties and responsibilities.
  • Attends all required staff training sessions per agency and state licensing requirements and develops counselor skills through seminars, workshops, or other forms of training and education.
• Staff Supervision and Training
  • Recruit, hire, train, and supervise clinical and support staff, ensuring expertise in adolescent SUD treatment, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices.
  • Provide ongoing professional development, including training in ASAM criteria, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and family engagement.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, manage disciplinary actions, and foster a collaborative and growthoriented work environment
• Regulatory Compliance, Licensing, Certification, and Accreditation
  • Maintain compliance with DHCS Outpatient and Residential AOD Certification, DMC Certification, and DHCS Residential Licensing requirements.
  • Ensure adherence to Title 9, Title 22, and other relevant California regulations governing SUD programs.
  • Oversee the program’s accreditation efforts, ensuring compliance with The Joint Commission (JCAHO) and or Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards.
  • Conduct regular audits and implement quality improvement measures to meet and exceed regulatory and contractual performance standards.
  • Oversee adherence to the DHCS Adolescent SUD Best Practices Guide, ensuring that services meet established guidelines for youth treatment.
• Fiscal Oversight and Budget Management
  • Develop and manage the program’s annual operating budget in coordination with the finance team.
  • Monitor expenditures, contracts, and funding requirements to meet or exceed budget expectations.
  • Provide fiscal oversight to ensure the program’s financial sustainability through direct billing, Medi-Cal, and grant funding.
  • Collaborate with development and marketing teams to secure philanthropic support and enhance services.
• Client Care and Service Delivery
  • Oversee the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans that align with ASAM Levels of Care and evidence-based practices.
  • Ensure culturally competent care is provided, prioritizing underserved and at-risk populations.
  • Promote a recovery-oriented system of care, emphasizing family involvement and holistic support.
  • Maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other patient privacy regulations.
  • Monitor service outcomes and ensure continuity of care for clients transitioning between levels of care in the SUD system.
• Community Collaboration and Outreach
  • Establish and maintain partnerships with schools, juvenile justice systems, and other community organizations to enhance the continuum of care.
  • Represent Vista Del Mar at community forums, advocacy efforts, and collaborative initiatives focused on youth substance use prevention and treatment.
  • Coordinate with other adolescent-serving agencies to address comprehensive needs of clients.
• Documentation and Reporting
  • Oversee the documentation and maintenance of client records, ensuring compliance with DHCS and SAPC standards.
  • Submit required reports and data to SAPC and other regulatory bodies in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Ensure proper use of electronic health records (EHR) systems for billing and documentation.

What You Bring to VDM:

• Master’s degree in a behavioral health field (e.g., social work, counseling, psychology) from an accredited institution.
  • Doctoral degree in a behavioral health field (preferred)
• Minimum of five years of experience in managing or supervising SUD treatment programs, with at least three years focused on adolescents and TAY.
• In-depth knowledge of DHCS youth treatment standards, including the Adolescent SUD Best Practices Guide.
• Proficiency in DHCS Outpatient Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Certification, Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) Certification, and DHCS Residential Licensing standards.
• Extensive knowledge of Title 9 and Title 22 regulations related to SUD programs.
• Experience with accreditation processes for The Joint Commission (JCAHO) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
• Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (e.g., CADC-II, LAADC) or equivalent (preferred).
• Experience implementing performance improvement initiatives in a behavioral health setting (preferred).
• Strong understanding of integrated care models that address co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (preferred).
• Proficiency in managing programs serving vulnerable populations, including youth and transitional-aged individuals (preferred).
• Ability to implement culturally competent and community-based services that address barriers to care (preferred).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills (preferred). 
• Valid CA Drivers License
• COVID-19 Vaccination Card

Salary commensurate with experience

Salary: $118,000 - $121,000 / annually

What Can We Offer You for All Your Hard Work?

• Full benefits offered (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through The Standard
• 403(b) – 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary
• 4 Mental Health Days
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Up to 25% for Cell Phone Discounts with 3 Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)

Vista Del Mar’s Credentials:

Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.

Equal Employment Statement

Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.