SUD OP Program Director

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions.

Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.

Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

Program Director

Status: Exempt
 Reports To: Chief Clinical Officer

Position Summary

The Program Director provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for assigned clinical programs, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and client-centered services. This role is responsible for program operations, staff supervision, budget management, regulatory compliance, and community partnerships. The Program Director works closely with the Chief Clinical Officer and is a key member of the Management Team.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Program Oversight

• Ensure the delivery of clinical services in compliance with Washington Administrative Codes (WACs), Revised Codes of Washington (RCWs), CARF standards, federal regulations, and all Lifeline Connections policies.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and continuous quality improvement initiatives that address client needs and meet compliance requirements.
• Oversee program performance to ensure compliance with all contracts, licensing, and certification requirements (e.g., DBHR, DOH).
• Monitor productivity, occupancy rates, and service delivery outcomes; adjust strategies as needed to meet program goals.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Provide clinical and administrative supervision for program staff, including hiring, training, coaching, performance evaluations, and corrective action when necessary.
• Lead case staffings, treatment plan reviews, and chart audits to ensure quality and accuracy of clinical documentation.
• Deliver in-service training to address emerging trends and best practices in behavioral health.

Fiscal & Data Management

• Collaborate with executive leadership and finance to develop and manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Track and report program data, outcomes, and performance metrics to meet contract and organizational requirements.

Client & Community Engagement

• Provide crisis consultation and guidance on complex cases.
• Serve as a liaison with community partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote collaboration and program visibility.
• Represent the agency at community events, stakeholder meetings, and professional conferences.

Strategic Planning

• Participate in organizational strategic planning efforts, contributing to the development of long-term goals and program innovation.

Program-Specific Requirements (Customizable Section)

This section will outline any specialized requirements for the specific program (e.g., residential, outpatient, youth services, co-occurring disorders). Examples:

• Additional certifications or licenses.
• Special scheduling requirements (e.g., evening or weekend work).
• Population-specific experience (e.g., veterans, adolescents, individuals with co-occurring disorders).

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, behavioral health, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience in a behavioral health setting.
• Ability to meet Washington State Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) licensing requirements per WAC 246-341 and RCW 18.205 within the timeframe set at hire (if applicable).
• Demonstrated experience in program management, budget oversight, and staff supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid, unencumbered driver’s license and proof of insurance (if required by program).

Preferred:

• Master’s degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field.
• Six years’ experience as a qualified counselor as defined in WAC 246-341 (may substitute for degree requirement).
• CPR/First Aid certification (required for residential program directors).
• Knowledge of statistical methods for program evaluation.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular meetings in community settings.
• May require occasional evening/weekend hours.
• Must be able to lift/move up to 15 lbs. and operate a motor vehicle as needed.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Salary: $71,580 - $81,930/yr DOE

Application Process:
To apply electronically for this position, please click "Apply Now" or visit our ADP career center. For more information on this and other positions, please visit our website at www.lifelineconnections.org

The Benefits:

Lifeline Connections strives to be your employer of choice by offering our regular/full-time employees a generous benefits package. Our plans cover 85% of medical, dental, and vision costs at the employee level and 75% for all dependent plans. The majority of out-of-pocket costs  (i.e. co-pays, prescriptions, and deductibles) under our medical plans are also covered. We also offer other benefits, such as: employer paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and supplemental coverage.

Our full-time employees and some part-time employees also qualify for our 401(K) plan that matches dollar for dollar up to 5%. On top of all that, our full-time employees receive approximately 4 weeks of paid time off during their first year of employment (accrual rates increase with years of service), as well as 1 personal holiday and 12 paid holidays per year!

There are many other supplemental benefits we are glad to offer such as tuition reimbursement and discounted cellular service amongst others.

Send us your resume and let's talk about you joining our team!