Job Description

Janus of Santa Cruz is seeking an experienced and compassionate Women and Families Director to lead and oversee the development and daily operations of our 25-bed residential Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment program serving women, children, and families.

The Women and Families Director serves as a subject matter expert in SUD treatment for pregnant, perinatal, postnatal, parenting, and non-parenting women, as well as children (ages 0–12) and their families. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, family-centered services while maintaining program excellence, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

I. Program Management and Development

• Directs the structure, design, and ongoing development of the Women and Families Recovery Program using evidence-based and best practices.
• Develops and maintains dynamic SUD and mental health programming, including separate tracks based on client needs and levels of care.
• Establishes and implements productivity expectations to support budgeted program revenues in collaboration with the Program Manager.
• Oversees and coordinates family-integrated services, including family programming, children’s services, and educational components.
• Ensures quality of care in treatment planning, documentation, collaboration, and service provision.
• Maintains full compliance with all county, state, federal, and CARF standards and requirements.
• Coordinates with the Program Manager to maintain current referral and resource listings for discharge planning and care coordination.
• Accurately completes and submits all required administrative and program reports.

II. Personnel Management and Support

• Screens, hires, and onboards program staff in accordance with Janus Human Resources policies.
• Ensures staff are fully oriented to program protocols, population needs, organizational values, and relevant Janus services.
• Promotes staff participation in trainings, continuing education, and professional development opportunities.
• Facilitates regular staff meetings addressing program updates, collaboration, and HR-related matters.
• Provides regular supervision to direct reports, including performance coaching, feedback, and support for professional growth.
• Implements progressive discipline when necessary to address performance concerns.
• Approves staff schedules to ensure adequate program coverage and equitable use of time off.
• Ensures timely and accurate completion of all required staff documentation and reports.

III. Clinical Leadership and Services

• Provides clinical leadership and oversight of treatment planning and service delivery.
• Serves as team leader for the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• May maintain a limited caseload, conduct clinical assessments, lead groups, or provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Coordinates client transitions between levels of care in collaboration with the Program Manager.
• Acts as first responder to client and family concerns or complaints, escalating issues to the Senior Director of Programs as appropriate.
• Ensures strong family engagement and responsiveness to family questions and concerns.
• Ensures all clinical documentation is accurate, timely, confidential, and compliant with legal and regulatory standards.

IV. Additional Responsibilities

• Participates in required trainings, administrative meetings, and on-call rotation.
• Contributes to outreach and marketing strategies targeting program populations.
• Represents Janus at community events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings as directed.
• Provides or assists with client transportation when necessary using a personal or Janus vehicle.
• Demonstrates proficiency with EMRs, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Planner, Excel), and electronic learning platforms.
• Maintains a valid California Driver’s License. Clean driving record of three years in CA required.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in health or human services required; Master’s degree preferred
• Current certification/registration as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor or licensed/associate therapist
• Minimum 5 years of SUD counseling experience, preferably with women, children (ages 0–12), and families
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory or management experience in health services, ideally within multi-site SUD or mental health programs
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing treatment programs in California
• Experience working with SAMHSA, DHCS, or similar licensing and certification authorities
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Bilingual Spanish/English strongly preferred

Why Join Janus of Santa Cruz?

Janus of Santa Cruz is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment services that empower individuals and families on their recovery journey. We value collaboration, professional growth, equity, and community impact.