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Day Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Director

Oroville, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Program Director Department: Rehabilitation Job Status: Full-Time Shift: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Days ... Oversee day-to-day program operations, ensuring compliance with policies, regulations, and ...

Program Director

San Andreas, CA · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

Program Director Department: Rehabilitation Job Status: Full-Time Shift: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Days ... Oversee day-to-day program operations, ensuring compliance with policies, regulations, and ...

Program Director

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Program Director Department: Rehabilitation Job Status: Full-Time Shift: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Days ... Oversee day-to-day program operations, ensuring compliance with policies, regulations, and ...

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Program Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The Program Director will support strong daily operations, guide teacher development, strengthen ... Ability to sit, stand, walk, squat, and reach throughout the day. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

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Showing results 1-20

Day Program Director information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$77.2K

$135.2K

How much do day program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for day program director in California is $77,172.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $91,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Day Program Director vs Day Program Coordinator?

AspectDay Program DirectorDay Program Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees program operations, staff management, and strategic planningAssists with daily activities, coordinates schedules, and supports program staff
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree and management experienceOften requires a bachelor's degree or related experience
Work EnvironmentLeads a team in a community or healthcare settingSupports daily program activities in similar settings

The Day Program Director focuses on overall program management and leadership, while the Day Program Coordinator handles daily operations and supports staff. Both roles require relevant credentials and work in similar environments, but the director has broader responsibilities for strategic planning and staff oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Director jobs in California? The most popular types of Program Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Day Program Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Day Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Day Program Director job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,172 per year, or $37.1 per hour.
Program Director for Adult Day Program

Program Director for Adult Day Program

Dungarvin

Rohnert Park, CA • On-site

$75K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Dungarvin rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 236 rated social care providers


Job description

Company Description
At Dungarvin, we are more than a provider of support services-we're a mission-driven team rooted in respect, inclusion, and person-centered care. Since 1976, we've been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health, behavioral, or complex medical needs.
About the Role:
We're currently hiring a Program Director for our Rohnert Park Day Program, a unique community-based service site that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This is an operational leadership role, not an administrative or clinical-only position. This is not a desk job. It is a visible, lead-from-the-front, hands-on leadership role that requires strong presence, resilience, and real experience supporting individuals with complex behaviors.
You will be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of a high-behavior program, including being physically present on the floor, supporting staff during escalations, and modeling expectations in real time. The individuals served may exhibit behaviors such as physical aggression, self-injurious behavior, elopement, and property destruction.
This role requires a leader who can step into challenging situations, maintain composure, and guide their team through them. Your staff will look to you for direction, accountability, and support. Success in this role comes from leading by example, building trust through action, and creating a structured, consistent environment for both staff and the individuals we serve.
Wage & Benefits
  • Starting Salary: $75,000
  • Full Wage Scale: $75,000 to $83,596.59 (Future increases within the posted range are based on tenure and performance per Dungarvin's compensation guidelines.)
  • This role offers strong growth potential within Dungarvin for leaders who demonstrate the ability to stabilize and lead complex programs.
  • Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance for eligible employees
  • Supplemental Insurance
  • Flex Spending and HSA Accounts for eligible employees
  • Pet Insurance
  • Life Insurance for eligible employees
  • 401 K plan with up to 3% employer match for eligible employees
  • PAID TIME OFF (PTO) for eligible employees
  • Growth and Development Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • National Brand Discounts
  • Tapcheck - early pay access
  • PAID training and orientation

Job Description
What You'll Do
As a Program Director, you'll be responsible for the full operation of the program, including:
  • Lead daily operations, staffing, scheduling, payroll, budget oversight, and service delivery for a high-needs adult day program
  • Provide hands-on leadership by being present on the floor, coaching staff, and stepping in during high-behavior situations
  • Train, develop, and hold staff accountable to performance expectations
  • Develop engaging, workshop-style activities that promote independence and life skills
  • Implement person-centered service plans and behavior support strategies
  • Support behavioral interventions and model best practices in real time
  • Ensure compliance with Title 17, Title 22, Community Care Licensing standards, internal policies, and all regulatory guidelines
  • Maintain accurate documentation and oversee audits and quality assurance efforts
  • Partner with Regional Center, Community Care Licensing, families, residential providers, and other community partners
  • Manage program performance, staffing stability, and overall environment
  • Oversee budget expectations, payroll, and program expenses
  • Build and maintain a culture of accountability, engagement, and consistency

Skills & Competencies
  • Experience leading teams in licensed programs such as Adult Day Programs, Residential programs, EBHS, Level 4 homes, or similar high-behavior settings
  • Strong understanding of behavioral intervention, trauma-informed care, and person-centered planning
  • Working knowledge of compliance, audits, and regulatory expectations
  • Ability to manage operations, staffing, and documentation simultaneously
  • Comfortable addressing performance concerns and holding staff accountable
  • Leads by example and is willing to be physically present and engaged in the program

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a human services OR equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a human services delivery system
  • Minimum of 1 year of supervisory or leadership experience, with direct oversight of staff (experience managing larger teams of 10+ employees is strongly preferred)
  • At least 2 years of experience or training in one of the following:
    • Care and supervision of individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities in a adult day program OR residential facility/home.
  • Experience with high-level behaviors in settings like crisis homes, Level 4, or EBHS facilities strongly preferred
  • Experience working with Regional Centers, Community Care Licensing, and knowledge of Title 22 and Title 17 regulations
  • Experience with ISP/IPP development and behavior support plans.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
  • Must be able to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds
  • High digital literacy, proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with strong verbal and written communication skills.

What Will Set You Apart
  • Direct experience in a licensed Adult Day Program or similar environment
  • Experience leading high-behavior or crisis-based programs
  • Strong background in staff coaching, performance management, and accountability
  • Willingness and ability to work alongside staff during escalations and day-to-day operations
    Demonstrated ownership of program operations, staffing, and overall performance

Hours:
  • Full-time exempt position (40 hours per week).
  • Schedule must have flexibility to accommodate program, individual, and staff needs

Additional Information
We believe in supporting not only those we serve but also each other, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment for all. Dungarvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status per federal and/or state law.
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About Dungarvin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Mendota Heights, MN, US

Year founded

1976

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