Join Janus and Help Transform Behavioral Healthcare

Janus of Santa Cruz has been a trusted leader in substance use disorder treatment and behavioral health services for decades. We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven Senior Director of Programs to join our executive leadership team and drive the continued evolution of our integrated care model.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic healthcare leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for individuals and families impacted by substance use and behavioral health challenges. The Senior Director of Programs will oversee Janus's clinical and programmatic services, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care across the organization's continuum of services while advancing innovation, health equity, and organizational sustainability.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a central role in shaping programs, supporting leadership development, strengthening clinical excellence, and implementing strategic initiatives that align with Janus's mission and long-term vision.

This position will oversee multiple programs in multiple locations throughout Santa Cruz County.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Programs provides strategic and operational leadership for Janus's clinical and programmatic services. Reporting directly to the COO, this role oversees program leadership, supports behavioral healthcare integration across the organization, and ensures delivery of high-quality, person-centered services.

The successful candidate will partner closely with executive leadership, program directors, compliance, finance, quality improvement, and community stakeholders to develop and sustain innovative models of care that integrate substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, and behavioral healthcare practices.

This position also serves as a key driver of organizational growth, program development, quality improvement, workforce engagement, and achievement of strategic planning goals established by the Executive Team and Board of Directors.

 Key Leadership Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead Janus's program leadership team in delivering integrated, person-centered behavioral health and substance use disorder services.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans aligned with organizational priorities.
• Advance innovative service delivery models that integrate substance use disorder, mental health, and behavioral health care.
• Support the achievement of strategic goals through strong operational leadership and collaboration.

Program Operations

• Provide supervision, coaching, and support to program managers and directors.
• Oversee operations across all Janus program sites.
• Monitor program performance, quality indicators, productivity, and outcomes.
• Ensure consistency, effectiveness, and fidelity across programs.
• Promote collaboration among clinical, administrative, and operational departments.

Clinical Quality & Performance Improvement

• Promote evidence-based practices and program fidelity throughout the organization.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and oversee clinical program performance.
• Support clinical supervision practices, including oversight of clinical trainees and associate clinicians obtaining licensure hours.
• Implement change management processes, pilot programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review dashboards and performance metrics to ensure achievement of KPIs and contractual outcomes.

Financial & Contract Management

• Collaborate with Finance to develop and manage program budgets.
• Partner with Compliance and Finance teams to monitor grants and contracts and ensure fulfillment of programmatic obligations.
• Support organizational sustainability through effective resource management and operational excellence.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, licensing, accreditation, and contractual requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of DMC, Medi-Cal, county, and state requirements impacting behavioral health programs.
• Partner with leadership and compliance teams in developing and implementing policies and procedures.

Community Engagement

• Represent Janus in community partnerships, collaborations, and stakeholder meetings.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with county agencies, health plans, community partners, and funders.
• Serve as a visible advocate for integrated behavioral healthcare within the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of agency programs.
• Conduct routine site visits and operational reviews across Janus programs.
• Collaborate with program leadership on staffing, scheduling, client flow, onboarding, and workforce development.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and development of program leadership staff.
• Partner with leadership teams to identify training needs, improve performance, and strengthen service quality.
• Provide strategic direction during operational, clinical, and organizational initiatives.
• Support integrated care best practices across all Janus programs.
• Monitor outcomes, quality indicators, and regulatory requirements to improve service delivery.
• Track Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (MAA) requirements and reporting.
• Provide limited direct clinical support during crisis situations, coverage needs, or admissions support, representing less than 10% of total work time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Behavioral Health, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or a related field required.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) strongly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum five years of senior leadership experience within behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, healthcare, or related settings.
• Minimum five years leading multidisciplinary teams and client-facing services.
• Experience with county contracts, state-funded programs, health plan operations, or public behavioral health systems.
• Experience with DMC programs, compliance, quality assurance, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and program development.
• Valid CDL with three-year clean driving record.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of evidence-based clinical practices and integrated care models.
• Knowledge of behavioral health regulations, licensing requirements, and quality standards.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and staff development capabilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience utilizing Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.

What You'll Bring

You are a visionary and collaborative leader who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence. You understand the complex behavioral healthcare landscape and thrive in mission-focused environments where innovation, compassion, quality, and accountability are equally valued.Most importantly, you are passionate about improving lives and ensuring individuals, families, and communities have access to high-quality behavioral healthcare services.

Why Join Janus?

• Opportunity to lead meaningful organizational growth and transformation
• Collaborative executive leadership team
• Mission-driven culture dedicated to improving community health
• Ability to shape the future of integrated behavioral healthcare in Santa Cruz County
• Impactful work serving individuals and families throughout the region

Janus of Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and those we serve.Why Join Janus?At Janus, we are committed to transforming lives and strengthening our community through compassionate, high-quality behavioral health services. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven organization that values:

• Compassion and respect
• Equity and inclusion
• Professional growth and collaboration
• Making a measurable difference in people’s lives

Apply today and help create a welcoming, supportive experience for every patient we serve.