Substance Abuse 2.5 Partial Hospitalization Program Director

Key responsibilities
Program leadership and administration
• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the ASAM 2.5 partial hospitalization/day treatment program.
• Develop, implement, and monitor program policies, procedures, workflows, and schedules to meet clinical, regulatory, and billing standards.
• Ensure the program meets or exceeds all applicable licensing, accreditation, and payer requirements (e.g., ASAM 2.5 service standards, Medicaid/Medicare, commercial payers).
• Oversee program budget, productivity expectations, staffing levels, and efficient utilization of resources.
• Lead program growth, quality initiatives, and implementation of evidence‑based and best practices.

Clinical oversight and quality of care
• Ensure all admissions, continued stays, and discharges are consistent with ASAM Criteria and organizational medical‑necessity policies.
• Provide clinical leadership, consultation, and guidance to multidisciplinary staff on assessment, level‑of‑care determinations, treatment planning, and crisis management.
• Oversee development and implementation of individualized treatment plans, ensuring they are measurable, recovery‑oriented, and updated as clinically indicated.
• Monitor clinical documentation for quality, timeliness, and compliance with payer and regulatory standards.
• Chair or participate in case conferences, treatment team meetings, and clinical reviews to support safe, effective care.
• Implement and oversee quality improvement activities (e.g., chart audits, outcome tracking, incident reviews, client satisfaction surveys).

Staff supervision and development
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain qualified clinical and support staff (e.g., licensed clinicians, SUD counselors, peers, nurses, case managers).
• Provide regular individual and group supervision, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Support staff in maintaining licensure, certifications, and required trainings (e.g., ASAM, trauma‑informed care, motivational interviewing, co‑occurring disorders).
• Promote a healthy, collaborative, and accountable team culture, emphasizing ethical practice and client safety.

Regulatory, compliance, and risk management
 • Ensure adherence to all applicable state and federal regulations, ASAM level‑of‑care requirements, and organizational policies.
 • Maintain program readiness for audits, surveys, and reviews (e.g., state licensing, accreditation, payer audits).
 • Oversee incident reporting, risk assessments, and corrective action plans to mitigate risk and enhance client and staff safety.
 • Ensure compliance with privacy and confidentiality laws (e.g., HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2), including secure handling of sensitive health information.

Coordination of care and community relationships
 • Promote effective coordination and transitions of care with internal and external providers (detox/withdrawal management, residential, IOP, outpatient, primary care, psychiatry, community supports).
 • Develop and maintain relationships with referral sources, community partners, and payer representatives.
 • Represent the program at community meetings, stakeholder groups, and outreach events as assigned.

Education and licensure
 • Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or related behavioral health field required; doctorate preferred but not required.
 • Additional SUD‑related credentials or certifications preferred (e.g., CSAC, addiction specialty training).
Experience
 • Minimum 3–5 years of post‑licensure clinical experience in substance use disorder treatment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
 • Direct experience with higher‑intensity levels of care (ASAM 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, or similar) strongly preferred.
 • Demonstrated familiarity with ASAM Criteria, co‑occurring disorders, and evidence‑based practices in SUD treatment (e.g., MI, CBT, relapse‑prevention, MAT coordination).
 • Experience working with Medicaid and commercial payers, including utilization management and authorization processes, preferred.