Program Manager

General Description: The Program Manager is responsible for all day-to-day programmatic and fiscal management of the Para las Familias Children’s Mental Health Services Program. Areas of involvement may include but are not limited to: budget development and management; development and maintenance of program policies and procedures; providing and/or coordinating staff development, and ensuring quality clinical records are maintained.

This position is a licensed clinician overseeing a team of clinical staff who are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and providing behavior intervention and family therapy services to children 0 to 12 years old with multiple psychosocial needs in the home, childcare, preschool, and/or other community-based settings.

The Program Manager establishes and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, student interns, and government and community agencies as they relate to the needs of people served by the program.

Essential Functions

• Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues, and diagnose disorders.
• Clinically review therapeutic treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and recommend modification of plans and diagnoses as necessary.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and contribute towards definition of treatment plans and diagnosis.
• Oversee the provision of behavior intervention services to children 0 to 12 years old in the home, preschool, and other community settings.
• Assist in the development of individualized intervention plans that incorporate attachment-based and trauma-focused issues that impact the family.
• Ensure medical records are maintained according to quality improvement guidelines and other contract requirements.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with government and non-government entities, the community, and business neighbors.
• Consult with other community, social, health, and welfare agencies.
• Monitor staff productivity and billable service expectations to ensure program sustainability and financial viability.
• Analyze productivity reports, service utilization, and revenue trends to maximize reimbursement and program performance.
• Develop strategies to increase program enrollment, retention, and revenue generation while maintaining quality standards.
• Oversee multiple program contracts, grants, and funding agreements.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual obligations, performance measures, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor contract deliverables, service targets, budgets, and outcome expectations.
• Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership, funders, and regulatory agencies.
• Provide initial and ongoing training of all staff, volunteers, and consultants consistent with program services, goals, and objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by direct and executive management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Therapy and Counseling at the Master’s level —principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, in both an individual and group environment.
• Current DSM application and utilization, particularly as it applies to very young children, youth, and family systems.
• Family and child therapy theory and practice as it relates to young children in families who suffer from domestic violence, child abuse, marital problems, separation, custody disputes, etc.
• Parent skill-building techniques and child development.
• Clinical supervision requirements and standards as defined by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
• Ethics and standards relevant to child abuse reporting and client/staff interactions.
• Cultural competencies relevant to serving the target population.
• Medi-Cal billing requirements, standards, and practices.
• Experience working on county-funded behavioral health programs.
• Best practices in case/client file documentation.
• Supervisory principles and practices.
• Legal and ethical issues pertaining to delivery of professional health and human services.

Skills:

• Clinical assessment, diagnosis, and supervisory skills.
• Read, speak, and write fluently in both English and Spanish.
• Good computer skills, including word processing, database interfaces, Internet, data entry, PowerPoint, and email.
• Communication skills, including active listening, reading, writing, and speaking coherently and effectively.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration with co-workers, social services agencies, and other community providers.
• Critical thinking, judgment, and decision-making.
• Demonstration of initiative and innovation in program services, problem resolution, and systems improvement.
• Time management, multitasking, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Appropriately responding to non-compliant, difficult, and potentially volatile individuals and situations.

Ability to:

• Provide meaningful clinical supervision that advances knowledge, skills, and abilities of clinical staff.
• Develop attachment-based and trauma-focused intervention plans that address children’s behavioral/emotional problems and parent participation in the therapeutic process.
• Organize and set priorities, exercising sound independent judgment.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively orally and in writing.
• Coordinate, support, and participate in external program presentations.
• Provide effective supervision, training, and leadership to subordinate staff.
• Work with a diverse group of clients, staff, and community representatives.
• Understand contractual/scope of work requirements and cooperate with plans to achieve them.
• Understand and manage a budget and interact with accounting requirements.

Education & Experience

• Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work.
• At least five years of experience in a clinical setting, preferably working with young children and families.
• Two years of supervisory or management experience overseeing clinical, case management, or behavioral health staff preferred.
• Experience managing multiple programs, locations, or contracts simultaneously preferred.
• Additional field-appropriate certifications helpful (e.g., CADAC, play therapy, etc.).

Licenses & Certifications

• Must be a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
• Must pass criminal background check, including Live Scan fingerprinting.
• Valid California driver’s license and automobile insurance required. Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Must have CPR certification or be willing to acquire on the job.
• Must have medical clearance certifying absence of TB.
• Free from debarment.

Other / Special Requirements

• Staff must be comfortable interacting with clients in non-traditional settings such as homes, schools, and community areas.
• Adherence to all San Diego County, Federal, State, and ECS policies and procedures as they relate to the implementation of the program.
• Adherence to the corresponding discipline’s Laws & Regulations and Code of Ethics.
• This position requires extensive travel within targeted regions of San Diego County.
• Demonstrated communication skills and sensitivity to various cultural and socioeconomic groups.
• Bilingual (Spanish) required.
• Job requirements create the possibility of moderate to high stress levels.