Outpatient Program Director

TITLE: Program Director

About The Role

The Program Director serves as the operational and clinical leader for the outpatient facility, responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving high-quality patient care. This role provides strategic oversight of program development, clinical performance, staff competency, and patient experience. The Program Director collaborates closely with medical, administrative, and support teams to enhance workflow efficiency, support clinical excellence, and maintain strong community relationships. Ultimately, this position ensures that program operations, quality initiatives, and service delivery align with organizational goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of healthcare management experience preferred.
• Administrative experience within an outpatient mental health setting preferred.
• Licensed healthcare professional (M.D., LCSW, RN/LPN, LPC, LMFT, Nursing Home Administrator License or equivalent).
  
  

Core Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide overall leadership for facility operations under the guidance of the Regional Director of Outpatient Operations.
• Oversee and direct the daily functioning of the program, ensuring efficient workflows and high-quality service delivery.
• Ensure appropriate patient admissions, discharges, and transfers by coordinating treatment team meetings and approving Intake Coordinator recommendations.
• Monitor program quality through performance improvement audits, including 7-day, monthly recertification, and discharge reviews of multiple clinics.
• Contribute to the development and interpretation of policies and procedures; ensure effective implementation across the facility.
• Participate in client grievance resolution, working to resolve concerns promptly and professionally.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to support seamless patient care and service integration.
• Maintain consistent communication with staff through daily flash meetings, weekly patient care representative meetings, and monthly staff meetings.
• Monitor and support billable clinical services to ensure alignment with staffing and budgetary expectations.
• Ensure on-site leadership presence or designate an appropriately qualified backup.
  
  

Human Resources & Staff Development

• Recruit and onboard qualified personnel to meet program needs while working with HR/Recruiters.
• Ensure licensed clinical staff meet all continuing education and competency requirements.
• Evaluate staff performance, ensuring high standards of clinical care and reporting any deficiencies to the Governing Board with corrective action planning.
• Provide training, education, and in-services to support professional development.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and direction.
• Oversee and support daily responsibilities for clinical and nursing staff.
  
  

Fiscal & Administrative Oversight

• Manage budget implementation and maintain appropriate fiscal controls.
• Review and approve payroll according to organizational policies.
• Oversee maintenance and procurement of clinical, nursing, and office equipment and supplies.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting systems to support program performance measurement.
• Submit capital equipment and major purchase requests to the Governing Board for approval.
• Maintain communication with Medical Directors, verify timesheets, and ensure accurate documentation.
• Partner with the Corporate VP of Finance to monitor billing, payroll, HR, IT, and other support functions.
  
  

Community Engagement & Relationship Building

• Participate in local, state, and national committees as directed by leadership to represent the organization.
• Collaborate with the Business Development team to support community education and outreach initiatives.
• Serve as a Customer Service Ambassador by nurturing referral relationships through personal outreach and appreciation communications.
  
  

Statement of Scope

The duties and responsibilities listed above represent the essential functions of the role but are not exhaustive. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support program and organizational success.