Program Manager in El Cajon, California at McAlister Institute

Join McAlister Institute, a 49-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.

McAlister Institute is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Program Manager to lead and oversee our East County Regional Recovery Center. Reporting directly to the Director of Outpatient Services, this leadership role is responsible for program operations, contract compliance, staff supervision, quality assurance, community outreach, and the delivery of high-quality substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health services.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader with experience managing behavioral health programs, supervising clinical staff, ensuring contract compliance, and fostering a client-centered, trauma-informed treatment environment.

Benefits for YOU:

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Contract Management

• Provide leadership consistent with McAlister Institute's mission, values, and goals.
• Manage program operations and ensure compliance with County contracts, Statements of Work, budgets, and performance objectives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to monitor program budgets and fiscal performance.
• Participate in contract monitoring, site visits, audits, and quality assurance reviews.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans when program goals or contract requirements are not being met.
• Ensure all licenses, certifications, reports, and required documentation remain current and compliant.
• Conduct community outreach and presentations representing both the program and McAlister Institute.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee daily program operations and ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Monitor client documentation and ensure compliance with County, State, DHCS, and agency standards.
• Develop and maintain service schedules, educational workshops, process groups, and behavioral health programming.
• Ensure timely incident reporting and follow-up.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment for clients and staff.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the program, corporate offices, community agencies, and referral partners.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise counselors, senior staff, childcare staff, and other program personnel.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Conduct regular supervision meetings and annual performance evaluations.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications, trainings, and professional development plans.
• Promote a culture of accountability, wellness, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staff compliance with documentation, reporting, and funding requirements.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with referral sources, community partners, and County stakeholders.
• Participate in grant-related activities, tours, presentations, and fundraising initiatives.
• Represent the organization professionally within the behavioral health community.

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Licensed Therapist/License-Eligible Clinician in compliance with DHCS requirements.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in an alcohol and drug treatment program and/or co-occurring mental health setting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in program management, staff supervision, and contract administration.
• Knowledge of:
  • DHCS regulations and standards
  • Title 22 and 42 CFR requirements
  • SAMHSA TAP 21 Counselor Competencies
  • Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs)
  • AOD Program Certification Standards
  • Clinical documentation and quality assurance processes
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to pass a drug screening, background clearance, and TB clearance.
• Free of probation or parole for at least one year.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and at least two years of driving experience.
• This position requires regular travel between Company work sites, client locations, and other business-related destinations. Employees must be able to travel independently and reliably to perform the essential functions of the role.
• Compliance with all agency and contract-related training, certification, and reporting requirements.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred.
• Experience managing behavioral health contracts and grant-funded programs preferred.
• Experience working with co-occurring substance use and mental health populations preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

Reasonable Accommodations:

McAlister Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the jobs@mcalisterinc.org., for more information. Please include your name and position you are applying for.

Work Authorization Requirement:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Pre-Employment:

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from McAlister Institute employment as we are subject to County of San Diego contractual hiring requirements). A pre-employment physical examination, and post-offer background check is required. Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

General Information & Considerations:

Placement on the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications.

Current McAlister Institute employees may receive priority consideration for positions when they meet essential qualifications.

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:

We do not solicit staffing or agency contacts for our recruitment needs. Our careers site is only for individuals seeking a job at McAlister. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes. Any such submissions will be considered unsolicited and will be ignored to prioritize our own process. We are sure you do amazing work and can give us data to support your sell. We, however, are a non-profit, and are mindful agents of our resources. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies.