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Outpatient Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MIRROR INC

Program Director

Newton, KS

... and outpatient treatment programs assigned to their catchment area. Mirror Area Program Directors ... shall operate in accordance with the policies determined by the Board of Directors and shall abide ...

MIRROR INC

Program Director

Newton, KS · On-site

... and outpatient treatment programs assigned to their catchment area. Mirror Area Program Directors ... shall operate in accordance with the policies determined by the Board of Directors and shall abide ...

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Outpatient Program Director information

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$43.5K

$104.1K

$252.5K

How much do outpatient program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for outpatient program director in the United States is $104,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $97,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Outpatient Program Director do?

An Outpatient Program Director oversees the administration and daily operations of outpatient treatment programs, typically in behavioral health or medical settings. They are responsible for program development, staff management, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The director also monitors patient care quality, coordinates with other healthcare professionals, and works to improve program effectiveness. Their goal is to ensure patients receive effective, accessible care while maintaining high standards and operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Outpatient Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outpatient Program Director, you need strong leadership, clinical knowledge in behavioral health or medical settings, and typically a relevant master's degree with appropriate licensure (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, LPC, RN). Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, regulatory compliance standards, and quality improvement tools is crucial. Exceptional organizational, communication, and conflict-resolution skills help build effective teams and ensure client satisfaction. These competencies ensure safe, efficient program operations and high-quality patient care in a dynamic outpatient environment.

What is the difference between Outpatient Program Director vs Outpatient Clinician?

AspectOutpatient Program DirectorOutpatient Clinician
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling, social work, or related field; licensure; management experienceMaster's degree or higher; licensure; clinical skills
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, overseeing programs, staff managementDirect patient care in outpatient clinics
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare organizations, mental health facilitiesClinics, outpatient treatment centers
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on program management and leadershipFocus on direct clinical care and patient interaction

The Outpatient Program Director primarily manages outpatient programs, overseeing staff and operations, while the Outpatient Clinician provides direct patient care. Both roles require relevant licensure and work within outpatient healthcare settings, but they differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

What are some common challenges faced by Outpatient Program Directors, and how can they effectively address them?

Outpatient Program Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative responsibilities with clinical oversight, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing multidisciplinary teams. They also need to adapt to changing patient needs and staffing shortages while maintaining high-quality care. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and ongoing professional development are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and fostering a collaborative, supportive work environment.
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What cities are hiring for Outpatient Program Director jobs? Cities with the most Outpatient Program Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Outpatient Program jobs? The most popular types of Outpatient Program jobs are:
What states have the most Outpatient Program Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Outpatient Program Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Outpatient Program Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Outpatient Program Director jobs are:
Outpatient Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outpatient Program Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,119 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Behavioral Health Program Director

AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC

Sacramento, CA

$90K - $100K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

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:

 We are seeking a Program Director for a 100+ census outpatient program serving both Medi-Cal and commercial populations. The program provides integrated mental health and substance use (MH & SA) services through in-person and telehealth care, with a strong focus on accessibility and continuity of care. This is a growing program that requires a leader to oversee operations, support clinical excellence, and drive continued expansion while ensuring high-quality, client-centered services. 


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.

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