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Residential Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Akua Mental Health

Program Director

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$126K/yr

The Program Director oversees day-to-day operations of a 30-Bed Mental Health & Substance abuse Residential Facility. This program will treat high acuity clients with mental health disorders such as:

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Residential Program Director information

See California salary details

$34K

$70.9K

$112.5K

How much do residential program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for residential program director in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $88,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residential program director?

A Residential Program Director is a professional responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of residential programs, such as group homes, treatment centers, or assisted living facilities. They ensure that all residents receive appropriate care and support, supervise staff, manage budgets, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. Their role often includes developing program policies, coordinating services, and engaging with families and community partners to provide a safe and supportive living environment. Residential Program Directors play a key leadership role in ensuring that programs meet their mission and the needs of the people they serve.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a residential program director?

To thrive as a Residential Program Director, you need experience in program management, a background in social work or human services, and often a relevant degree or licensure. Familiarity with case management software, regulatory compliance systems, and budgeting tools is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills help in managing staff and addressing residents’ needs effectively. These competencies ensure programs run smoothly, meet regulatory standards, and foster a supportive environment for both staff and residents.

What are some common challenges faced by residential program directors, and how can applicants prepare to address them?

Residential Program Directors often navigate challenges such as balancing administrative duties with direct staff support, managing crisis situations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to handle staff scheduling, resident needs, and reporting requirements. Applicants can prepare by gaining experience in team leadership, learning regulatory guidelines relevant to residential care, and developing strategies for conflict resolution and stress management.

What is the difference between Residential Program Director vs Residential Case Manager?

AspectResidential Program DirectorResidential Case Manager
CredentialsRelevant degrees (e.g., social work, psychology), certifications in program managementRelevant degrees, certifications in case management or social work
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs, manages staff, strategic planningDirect client interaction, case planning, support services
Employer & Industry UsageFound in residential treatment centers, group homes, community programsCommon in similar settings, focusing on individual client needs

The Residential Program Director typically manages entire programs and staff, focusing on operational oversight, while the Residential Case Manager works directly with clients to develop and implement care plans. Both roles require relevant credentials and are integral to residential care settings, but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Residential Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of Residential Program jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Residential Program Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Residential Program Director job openings:

Residential Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Residential Program Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Residential Program Director

Seneca Family of Agencies

Salinas, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Seneca Family Of Agencies rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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.
ABOUT MONTEREY COMPASS
Seneca's Monterey County's COMPASS Program provides short-term residential treatment for children and youth experiencing crises, ensuring timely support when it's most needed. Upon enrollment in the program, the Seneca teams work with the youth and support networks to assess the needs and strengths of the youth in order to develop the foundation goals that will drive treatment. Comprehensive services include timely mental health assessment, crisis counseling, and linkage to long-term, sustainable support based on each client's unique strengths and needs. The ultimate goal is to provide mental health / crisis services, suicide prevention, decrease in placement changes and reduction of unnecessary psychiatric hospitalization.
ABOUT SENECA
Seneca Family of Agencies has been nominated among the Bay Area's Top Workplaces for several consecutive years. We're committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities with a network of excellent mental health, community-based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff. Our programs deeply engage in conversations and training on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to bring equity and justice to the youth and families we serve.
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.

#SENECAHP
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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