Program Manager I - Full Time

Wichita, KS I Monday-Friday w/ some Weekend Availability

Afternoon/Evening

At KVC Health Systems, we believe that every person deserves to be safe and connected to a strong family and a healthy community. We are seeking a visionary Program Manager I to provide inclusive leadership and drive excellence within our residential and psychiatric hospital environments. Join a team that values your leadership and total wellbeing; we are proud to maintain a work wellbeing score of 86 on Indeed, reflecting our commitment to a culture of respect, authenticity, and professional growth.

Position Summary

The Program Manager I is a key leadership role responsible for the development, planning, and implementation of program enhancements that directly impact the lives of the children and families we serve. You will ensure our programs remain safe, effective, and compliant with KVC policies, local licensing bodies, and national accreditation standards. By managing direct care staff and optimizing resource allocation, you will cultivate a therapeutic environment that prioritizes patient rights, safety, and evidence-based active treatment. If you are a solutions-focused leader ready to build upon the strengths of your team and community, this role offers the opportunity to lead with purpose.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide respectful and inclusive leadership to all employees, fostering a culture of belonging and professional accountability.
• Participate in treatment planning and ensure clinical objectives are met through active, high-quality programming.
• Oversee the integrity of client care, ensuring that patient rights are respected and essential needs are consistently met.
• Manage program operations, including documentation audits, supply management, and the completion of critical regulatory reports.
• Determine and evaluate staffing patterns to ensure adequate coverage through effective recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies.
• Lead and manage direct care employees, including performance evaluations, approval of hours/PTO, and the fair execution of progressive disciplinary actions.
• Achieve proficiency in KVC specialized curriculum, including Trauma Systems Therapy (TST), Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and SCM/Ukeru.
• Enforce mandatory reporting protocols for allegations of abuse or neglect and ensure strict adherence to worker’s compensation and safety investigation procedures.
• Develop and implement innovative program enhancements to strengthen client engagement and improve clinical outcomes.
• Participate in the administrator-on-call rotation to provide emergency leadership support as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High School diploma is required. A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field from an accredited institution is preferred.
• Experience: Two or more years in a management role OR four or more years of direct care experience in a residential or psychiatric hospital environment. A combination of management and direct care experience totaling four years will also be considered.
• Licensure: A valid driver’s license and auto insurance are required.
• Technical Skills: Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as Outlook. Experience with information systems such as My Avatar and UltiPro is preferred.

KVC Values and Expectations

KVC employees are expected to be role models who work with families and partners using our core values:

• Respect, Accountability, and Integrity.
• Open, Honest Communication.
• Teamwork and Continuous Improvement.
• Always asking, "What would you want for your child?"

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This leadership role involves active engagement within our therapeutic facilities:

• Physical Demands: Regularly required to talk or hear; frequently required to walk and sit. Occasionally required to stand, reach, and use hands to handle or feel.
• Lifting Requirements: Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Vision: Specific vision abilities include close and distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Environment: Work is primarily performed in a facility setting with a moderate noise level and occasional exposure to outside weather conditions during transit.