Director of Youth Crisis Services

About the Role:

The Program Director provides regulatory leadership for youth residential and crisis stabilization services, overseeing all administrative, operational, and compliance aspects of the organization’s Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) and Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU).

The Program Director ensures that services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with evidence-based practices that promote stabilization, recovery, and permanency for youth.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading a dedicated team of professionals in delivering compassionate, responsive services.
• Designing systems and strategies to meet program goals and ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Partnering with community stakeholders, county offices, schools, and law enforcement, to create a network of support for those in need.
• Managing the program budget and maintaining financial sustainability.
• Cultivating a culture of safety, collaboration, and ongoing learning within your team.

Some of What We Offer:

• Starting at $117,192 - $131,192 per year (commensurate with experience) and a $5,000 sign-on bonus.
• 5 weeks of Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plan options
• Training stipend, professional development, and yearly scholarship opportunities.
• Opportunities for advancement within Seneca’s programs across California and Washington

Who We Are:

At Seneca Family of Agencies, we provide a broad continuum of mental health, education, juvenile justice, and permanency services to youth and families across California and Washington. We are deeply committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments for diverse communities and to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all our practices. Our team is passionate about supporting historically underrepresented populations and making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. We are proud to be recognized as one of the Bay Area’s Top Workplaces for seven consecutive years and as one of California's top nonprofit providers of specialty mental health services.

Ready to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact? Apply today and take the next step in your leadership career with Seneca Family of Agencies!

Responsibilities

• Provide overall operational administrative leadership of STRTP and CSU programs, including staffing, budget, compliance, and service delivery.
• Ensure STRTP and CSU programs maintain continuous compliance with CDSS, DHCS, and county behavioral health department requirements.
• Oversee implementation of trauma-informed, evidence-based, and culturally competent practices across both programs.
• Monitor program performance, service delivery, and outcomes to ensure high-quality care and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with clinical leadership to align program operations with therapeutic and clinical objectives.
• Ensure systems are in place for timely documentation, billing, utilization management, and data reporting.
• Develop, monitor, and manage annual budgets for STRTP and CSU programs in coordination with the Chief Program Officer and Finance Department.
• Ensure staffing models meet licensing, regulatory, and contractual staffing ratios and qualifications.
• Maintain effective communication with CDSS, DHCS, and county partners regarding licensing, contract compliance, and program performance.
• Direct the development and maintenance of program manuals, policies, and procedures consistent with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Provide supervision and direction to program managers, supervisors, and support staff.
• Ensure staff training and development plans meet requirements for STRTP and CSU operations, including trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, safety, and cultural responsiveness.
• Participate in recruitment, selection, performance evaluation, and disciplinary processes for program staff.
• Serve as primary liaison with county behavioral health departments, CDSS, DHCS, and other oversight agencies.
• Represent the organization at county, regional, and state-level meetings related to youth residential and crisis stabilization services.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, and referral sources to support continuity of care and community integration.

Qualifications

Required

• Education/experience requirements:
  • A Bachelor’s degree +at least two years of experience working with the population served, OR
  • A Master’s degree in behavioral science from an accredited institution + at least one year of experience as an administrator, social worker, direct care staff or contractor in a group home or STRTP.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in residential, behavioral health, or crisis stabilization programs for youth.
• Experience managing Medi-Cal certified or county-contracted programs required.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply licensing and clinical regulations effectively.
• TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and insurability through Seneca’s insurance policy.

Skills of an Ideal Candidate

• Strong leadership, coaching, and change management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, and organizational abilities.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and equity-driven leadership.
• Strong writing, organizational, presentation, and computer skills.
• Ability to work as part of and facilitate the development of a multi-disciplinary team.

Schedule

• Full-time, hybrid role.
• Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Some flexibility on evenings and weekends is required

Benefits

• Starting at $117,192 - $131,192 per year
  • Actual salary is dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications for the role.
  • Additional compensation provided upon passing bilingual language proficiency exam.
  • $5,000 sign-on bonus.
• 5 weeks of Paid Time off and 11 Paid Holidays.
• Comprehensive employee benefits package, including:
• Medical, dental, vision and chiropractic coverage and partially paid premiums for dependents.
  • Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance.
  • 50% paid premiums for dependents.
  • 403b Retirement Plan.
  • Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan.
• Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.
• Training stipend and professional development opportunities.
• Excellent clinical training, individual and group supervision, and assistance toward licensure.
• Opportunities to develop specialized skills, including clinical supervision and evidence-based practices.
• Abundant promotional opportunities across the agency in California and Washington.