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Residential Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Program Director provides comprehensive oversight of all areas of client support during ... residential SUD treatment services at Pathway Society's residential treatment facilities. She/he ...

Program Director - Radiologic

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$160K - $162K/yr

The Program Director will have full responsibility for the program's overall direction, including its organization, administration, periodic review, and continued development. This role is pivotal in ...

Senior Program Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$113.30 - $154.50/hr

Senior Program Director Department: Housing & Community Services (HCS) Classification: Management Employment Status / FLSA Status: Regular, Full-Time (40 hours per week) / Exempt Reports To: Chief ...

Senior Program Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$113.30 - $154.50/hr

Senior Program Director Department: Housing & Community Services (HCS) Classification: Management Employment Status / FLSA Status: Regular, Full-Time (40 hours per week) / Exempt Reports To: Chief ...

Program Director

Concord, CA · On-site

$125 - $145/hr

The Program Director provides on-site leadership at assigned facilities and ensures daily ... Primarily indoor environment with occasional outdoor work performed in a residential or outpatient ...

New

Senior Program Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$113K - $154K/yr

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Position Senior Program Director Department Housing & Community Services (HCS) Classification Management Employment Status / FLSA Status: Regular, Full-Time (40 hours per week ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 15, 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Residential Program Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Description:

The Program Director provides comprehensive oversight of all areas of client support during clinical treatment. The Director works closely and in tandem with the Clinical Supervisor toward ensuring high-quality care is provided to beneficiaries. Core areas of oversight include: facility and operations, staff training, client programming and logistics scheduling, data management and electronic healthcare records support, client satisfaction with facilities and treatment, site supervision of the clinical supervisor, and support to clinicians and counselors providing residential SUD treatment services at Pathway Society’s residential treatment facilities. She/he ensures services within the facility operate in accordance with all applicable county, state, and federal regulations and statues. The Director ensures program excellence, provides on-going support regarding clinical approach and philosophy, and promotes a safe and productive treatment environment for clients and their families.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Provide direct supervision of all operations staff regarding admissions coordination; patient care coordination; care coordinators; food service staff; client referrals, transfers, and logistics; facility safety; and facility inspections per state and county statues and regulations
  • Ensure proper documentation (policies, confidentiality, facility licenses, client milieu information) and coherency of all operational and treatment activities in accordance with applicable regulations, statues, and agency policies and procedures
  • Promote evidence-based practices and support current treatment philosophy as determined by Pathway Society’s leadership and clinical teams
  • Coach and train staff toward ensuring proper facility and clinical practices are adhered to in accordance with current regulatory statues, policies, and agency internal standards 
  • Maintain appropriate and up to date facility documentation and inspections
  • Ensure facility complies with all applicable federal, state, and county standards of care
  • Devise and maintain program treatment scheduling and logistics administration such as space utilization, concurrent programming, and ensuring special population (monolingual, cultural, or co-occurring) needs are accommodated  
  • Promote goals and objectives that ensure staff and client safety
  • Conduct and attend training sessions as necessary related to confidentiality, evidence-based practices, treatment planning, current regulations, and organizational policies
  • Provide individual and small group supervision and training to staff and have the ability to facilitate coaching and deliver constructive feedback in an asset-based manner
  • Regularly review and audit all facility policies and procedures and assist toward ensuring quality related to documentation (e.g., treatment plans, progress notes, confidentiality documents, Drug Medi-Cal timelines, etc.)
  • Role model a professional presence that enhances the work of support and counseling staff
  • Oversee Clinical Supervisor regarding the discharge of Drug Medi-Cal substance use disorder treatment services to beneficiaries in accordance with Title 22 of the CCR and applicable state and federal regulations
  • Understand and promote best practices in working with dual diagnosed clients
  • Possess some understanding of DSM V and ICD-10 as it pertains to diagnosis and billing of Drug Medi-Cal beneficiaries
  • Responsible for leading a team of clinicians and support staff, creating the monthly staff schedule, and verifying and approving non-exempt employee time cards
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by executive director

Qualifications:

  • The Program Director will possess skills and expertise in staff management and development and written correspondence, as demonstrated through educational achievement and work experience. The Director should possess a Bachelor’s degree (or any combination of demonstrated experience commensurate with, and in lieu of, a Bachelor’s degree) and/or a CADC II, and/or an advanced degree in psychology, business administration, social work, and liberal or creative arts.
  • Any credentialing or licensure must be in good standing with CCAPP, Board of Behavioral Sciences, and the Office of Inspector General (OIG)
  • She/he should possess experience leading and managing other clinical practitioners with confidence and humility. The Director must demonstrate exemplary temperament and maturity in managing multiple areas of clinical and facility operations
  • Have a demonstrated ability and knowledge to teach, mentor, lead and motivate staff while strictly adhering to program policies, procedures, schedules, and statues
  • The Director must demonstrate the ability to assume responsibility for and establish effective relationships with outside agencies and the public.
  • She/he should be familiar with the County of Santa Clara Department of Substance Use Treatment Services (SUTS) and the Adult System of Care (ASOC), Hecurrent practices in the field of SUD/AOD treatment, and possess an innate enthusiasm and passion for our clients and families.
  • Must obtain CPR/First Aid certification, annual TB test and complete annual required trainings
  • Must pass comprehensive background check, reference check, and possess a valid driver license, current auto liability insurance and a clean driving record

Physical Requirements

  • Climbing; ascending or descending stairs, ramps, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Kneeling; bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
  • Crouching; bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
  • Reaching; extending hand (s) and arms above head in any direction.
  • Hearing; perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
  • Lifting; able to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 20 pounds.
  • Visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures and viewing a computer terminal.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, activities and scheduled shift may change at any time, with or without notice.