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Therapy Program Director Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Program Director

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$85 - $120/hr

We are actively hiring for a full-time Program Director to be responsible for the overall ... Licensed (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, etc.) in Virginia required * Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling ...

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Therapy Program Director information

See Washington, DC salary details

$68K

$117.4K

$185.2K

How much do therapy program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for therapy program director in Washington, DC is $117,407.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,800.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Therapy Program Director vs Speech-Language Pathologist?

AspectTherapy Program DirectorSpeech-Language Pathologist
CredentialsMaster's degree in related field, administrative experienceMaster's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, state licensure
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, clinics, healthcare facilitiesClinics, schools, hospitals, private practices
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare organizations, therapy centers, hospitalsHealthcare providers, schools, rehabilitation centers
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on program management and leadershipFocuses on individual therapy and assessment

The main difference is that a Therapy Program Director oversees therapy programs, managing staff and operations, while a Speech-Language Pathologist provides direct therapy services to clients. The Program Director role involves administrative responsibilities, whereas the Speech-Language Pathologist role is clinical and patient-focused.

What does a therapy program director do?

A Therapy Program Director oversees the planning, development, and management of therapy programs within healthcare or rehabilitation settings. They are responsible for supervising staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care. Additionally, they manage budgets, develop program policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapy services to continually improve patient outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a therapy program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Therapy Program Director, you need advanced clinical expertise, leadership experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in therapy, counseling, or a related field, along with relevant licensure. Familiarity with electronic health record systems, healthcare compliance software, and program management tools is essential. Exceptional communication, organizational, and team-building skills set successful directors apart by fostering a positive therapeutic environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective program delivery, regulatory compliance, and high-quality patient outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by a therapy program director when managing multidisciplinary teams?

A Therapy Program Director often oversees teams comprised of therapists from different disciplines, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. One common challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration among team members with diverse expertise and approaches. Balancing caseloads, coordinating treatment plans, and aligning on patient care goals can require strong organizational and leadership skills. Additionally, directors must address potential conflicts and ensure that all team members are supported in their professional development.

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY: National Capital Treatment & Recovery, a nonprofit substance use treatment facility in Arlington, VA partnered with Friends of Guest House in Alexandria, VA to open a new program called Recovery Haven! We are actively hiring for a full-time Program Director to be responsible for the overall management of this program in accordance with established policies and procedures, State Regulations and CARF accreditation. Program patients reside within the adult residential program for women, and patients are funded through Medicaid. There are significant clinical, case management and compliance related responsibilities with this role.
*This position requires an LCSW or LPC in the State of Virginia.*
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ongoing development and management of program under the direction of the Deputy Chief Clinical Officer at NCTR in collaboration with the Executive Director at Friends of Guest House:
  • Performs ASAM assessments to determine eligibility for 3.1 level of care
  • Obtains initial Medicaid authorizations for all patients and provides UR with needed information for continuing Authorizations.
  • Clinically direct program activities, that constitute at least five hours per week of professionally directed treatment designed to stabilize and maintain substance use disorder symptoms and to develop and apply recovery skills.
  • Responsible for providing all other required activities per Regulations and requirements such as 5 hours of group and weekly individual sessions.
  • Works closely with Friends of Guest House Case Management to ensure that care, crisis intervention, and case management services are provided to patients funded by NCTR/Medicaid.
  • Establish and support consistent philosophical approach to addiction treatment
  • Ensure that all policies, procedures and regulatory requirements are adhered to, including the confidentiality of patient information
  • Develop outreach and public relations with referral organizations
  • Development and maintenance of fiscal and budget integrity
  • Maintain ethical standards and continued professional growth, including:

a. Abide by Program, NCTR and Friends of Guest House policy and procedures. Oversees staff understanding and compliance
b. Ensure all CARF standards are instituted and maintained
c. Promote, in public and private contacts, the quality standards and ethical practices of NCTR staff and Friends of Guest House
d. Continue professional growth by attending workshops, trainings and staff in-service trainings to increase skill and knowledge and to set appropriate example for staff
e. Maintain current licensure/certification including CES, CPR, First Aid, and Medication Management, as applicable
f. Maintain professional boundaries with staff and patients
g. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Licensed (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, etc.) in Virginia required
  • Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field
  • CSAC in Virginia preferred
  • Combination of substance abuse counseling and supervisory experience
  • Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
  • Experience with appropriate population for position (i.e. adults, women, re-entry, Spanish-speakers) in treatment preferred
  • Prior supervisory experience preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to perform under pressure
  • Experience working with varied payer sources, including MCOs and commercial insurance carriers
  • Knowledge of substance use treatment and of 12 Step recovery process preferred
  • Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and respect for patients in group, individual counseling, and daily interactions
  • Maintains objectivity towards all patients and make clinical decisions based on accurate information.
  • Tracks progress of patients assigned to caseload

ยง Ability to prepare and maintain required documentation
ยง Ability to comply with state and federal regulations regarding confidentiality
  • Ability to work and communicate with others. Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with patients
  • Possess a thorough knowledge of various treatment methods
  • Strong computer aptitude, including, but not limited to use of email, HRIS timekeeping, documenting in an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. In the course of performing this job, one typically spends time sitting, walking, climbing stairs, standing, carrying, lifting up to 15 pounds, listening, speaking, typing, reading, and writing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position works in a congregate care environment. This is an on-site direct care position. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. Employees may be exposed to infectious diseases/illness. Appropriate preventive measures should be taken, including being up to date with vaccinations and practicing good infection control protocols.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties, as necessary.
NCTR is an Equal Opportunity Employer