Residential Program Director - San Jose

Apply for the Program Director – Residential role at Seneca Family of Agencies.

The Program Director provides regulatory leadership for youth residential services, overseeing all administrative, operational, and compliance aspects of the organization’s Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP). The Program Director ensures that services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with evidence-based practices that promote stabilization, recovery, and permanency for youth.

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.

• Ensure Short Term Residential Treatment Programs (STRTP) maintain continuous compliance with California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Interim Licensing Standards, 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.

• Education/experience requirements:
• Master’s degree in a behavioral science, plus two years of employment as a social worker; OR
• Bachelor’s degree, plus at least three 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.
• 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’s insurance policy.

• Proven ability to interpret and apply licensing and clinical regulations effectively.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and change‑management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, and organizational abilities.
• Commitment to trauma‑informed care, cultural humility, and equity‑driven leadership.

• On‑site;
  Monday–Friday 9 am–5 pm.
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Participate in on‑call rotation.
• Travel required to two sites in Santa Clara County.

• Starting at $132,617–$146,617 per year, actual salary depends on creditable experience above the minimum qualification.
• Salary increases each year.
• Comprehensive benefits package:
  • Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture coverage.
  • 50% paid premiums for dependents.
  • Long‑term disability, family leave, and life insurance.
  • 403(b) retirement plan.
  • Employer‑paid Employee Assistance Plan.
• 5 weeks of paid time off and 11 paid holidays.
• Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.
• Abundant professional development, scholarship, and promotional opportunities.