Program Director – Government Contracts & Treatment Partnerships

Job Title: Program Director 

Department: Operations - Government Contracts & Treatment Facility Partnerships

Reports To: Executive Director / COO

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $150,000-$185,000

SUMMARY: The Program Director is expected to be a dynamic and experienced program leader who will be tasked to spearhead the development of a new business line focused on contracting with private treatment centers and residential facilities to purchase beds/slots for Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders, Eating Disorders, and other treatment services. The Program Director will serve as the crucial liaison between treatment facilities and county representatives across California, ensuring the effective allocation of treatment resources to meet the needs of county programs. This role demands a strong background in contract management, exceptional negotiation skills, and a passion for making a significant impact in the healthcare and social services sectors.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY include but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement strategies to establish and grow partnerships with treatment centers and residential facilities across California.
• Identify and engage with potential county programs in need of treatment slots, ensuring alignment with available resources.
• Lead the drafting, negotiations, and management of contracts with counties and treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Review and interpret complex contracts to ensure all terms are understood and adhered to, proactively addressing any potential issues.
• Lead fiscal management of programs/project-specific budgets, project workflows, and strategic communications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with treatment facility administrators, county representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all contract-related inquiries and issues, facilitating communication between all parties involved.
• Develop and oversee procedures for tracking bed/slot availability across partnered facilities; implement systems to monitor and report on the utilization of contracted beds/slots, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), stakeholders, and clinicians to resolve issues and improve contract terms.
• Triage and address problems as they arise, employing strategic negotiation to achieve favorable outcomes for all parties.
• Work closely with senior leadership to define program goals and objectives, aligning them with the overall mission of the organization.
• Provide insights and recommendations for continuous improvement of the business line, driving innovation and growth.
• Develop and present program and project updates to CalMHSA Board of Directors, state and federal partners and funders, and community stakeholders. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS –

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Requires a Master’s Degree in a relevant area and five (5) years of qualifying program management & developing experience or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in behavioral health services or government contracting.

Clinical Licensure (LCSW,LMFT) or JD is a plus. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of industry practices and company policies and procedures; resolves a wide range of issues in imaginative as well as practical ways.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and advocate effectively for program needs; 
• Strong understanding of government contracting processes and regulations, particularly in California; federal, state and local laws concerning Medi-Cal Mental Health and Drug Medi-Cal Plans, health and other human service programs and other applicable programs and regulations.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for driving impact and executing strategic initiatives.
• Intellectual curiosity with a strong desire to understand and optimize contract terms.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate dependable performance and responsibility for the coordination, follow up and completion of comprehensive projects.
• Demonstrate the ability to coach and motivate others.
• Problem solving, analytical and conflict resolution skills.
• Perform duties requiring high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Possess a strong desire to succeed in the face of adversity and demonstrates the willingness to push through challenges associated with changes and new business development.
• Must be willing to travel, when necessary.

Preferred attributes:

• Familiarity with treatment facilities, residential care models, and the needs of individuals requiring Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder and Eating Disorder treatment.
• Proven track record in leading negotiations for contracts with government and private sector companies. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS – Valid driver’s license, in state of residence. Clinical License (LCSW/LMFT) or JD is a plus.

COMPUTER SKILLS – Demonstrate the ability to use a computer and applicable computer software effectively. Intermediate knowledge of Excel & Word, Adobe, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Program management tool experience is required. Salesforce experience is preferred, but contract management technology experience is required. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS and MATHEMATICAL SKILLS - Demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, and respond appropriately through written or verbal form; ability to communicate with a variety of audiences effectively. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all measure units, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 

REASONING – Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply critical thinking throughout job duties and responsibilities; follow through on all related tasks; demonstrate the ability to execute job duties independently or as a project lead; demonstrate excellent analytical skills; demonstrate the ability to efficiently conduct research and ask appropriate probing questions to complete necessary tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and stand; use phone and headset; use hands, arms, fingers to type; answer phones; write; use calculator; demonstrate strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds; demonstrate clear vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; and drive a motor vehicle on public roads and highways.

SENSORY DEMANDS - The incumbent must spend long hours in concentration. The incumbent must also spend long hours on the computer entering information which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.

MENTAL DEMANDS - There are several deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant pressure. The incumbent must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.

REGULAR WORK SCHEDULE – Varies depending on business needs; however, the company's normal business hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.