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Job description
Description PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OPERATIONS
San Diego, CA | Point Loma | Full-Time, Salaried
Expected Starting Salary: $118,995 - $147,000
California BBS License Required: LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC
100% On-Site Leadership Role | No Remote or Hybrid Work
Must Be Available for Urgent Program Needs Outside Regular Business Hours
Lead a Program. Build a Team. Make an Impact.
Telecare is seeking an experienced behavioral health leader to serve as Program Administrator in San Diego.
This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for someone who knows how to bring together clinical quality, strong teams, customer partnerships, and sound financial operations. As the Program Administrator, you will have responsibility for the overall performance of the program-from the quality of care delivered to the culture you create, the leaders you develop, the relationships you build, and the financial health of the operation.
If you are an experienced behavioral health leader who enjoys owning results, developing strong teams, and improving programs, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Position Details
Schedule: Full-Time, Salaried | Approximately 40 hours per week
Program Hours: Generally 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: Point Loma, San Diego - conveniently located near I-5 and I-8
Work Arrangement: Fully on-site; this position is not remote or hybrid
Leadership Availability: As the senior program leader, must be available to respond to urgent operational needs by phone or other communication outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends when necessary
Compensation
The expected starting salary range is $118,995.46 - $147,000.00.
Starting compensation is based on relevant experience above the minimum qualifications and applicable geographic differentials.
Required Qualifications
Current California BBS license in good standing as an LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC
Master's degree in Social Services or a related qualifying discipline with applicable state licensure
Four (4) years of experience in an administrative management position within a healthcare setting
Two (2) years of experience with responsibility for professional staff supervision, budgeting, program planning, and licensing
Understanding of community mental health services, psychiatric rehabilitation concepts, and recovery philosophy
Must be at least 21 years of age
Must meet applicable CPR, First Aid, and CPI certification requirements
Must successfully complete all applicable post-offer employment requirements, including background clearances, health screening, TB testing, exclusion checks, and degree/license verification
If driving is required, must maintain a valid driver's license, acceptable motor vehicle record, and required automobile insurance
Additional regulatory, contractual, or local requirements may apply.
What Success Looks Like
At Telecare, we evaluate operational excellence across four key areas:
Clinical Quality Excellence
You create an environment where teams are prepared, supported, and accountable for providing safe, consistent, high-quality care. You understand behavioral health operations and know how to turn clinical standards into daily practice.
Workforce Engagement
You build strong leadership teams and workplace cultures where employees want to stay, grow, and succeed. You understand that employee engagement, retention, accountability, and development directly affect the quality of care we provide.
Customer Satisfaction
You develop trusted partnerships with county and state agencies, community organizations, customers, families, and other stakeholders. You represent Telecare professionally and respond effectively as community and customer needs evolve.
Financial Security
You understand the business side of healthcare. You can manage within an established budget, evaluate operational decisions through a financial lens, and balance fiscal responsibility with excellent member care.
The Leader We're Looking For
Our strongest Program Administrators combine operational discipline with thoughtful, people-centered leadership.
You may be a strong fit if you:
Have successfully led complex behavioral health or healthcare operations
Know how to establish expectations and hold leaders and teams accountable
Can develop managers and build leadership bench strength
Are comfortable managing budgets, staffing, compliance, and program performance
Build productive relationships with customers and community partners
Can navigate difficult or rapidly changing situations with sound judgment
Seek feedback, demonstrate self-awareness, and continue developing as a leader
Know when to collaborate and when decisive leadership is needed
Are highly organized and comfortable managing multiple competing priorities
Are passionate about behavioral health, recovery, and improving outcomes for the people we serve
What You'll Lead
Clinical Quality & Program Operations
As Program Administrator, you will oversee the overall administrative and operational functioning of the program. Responsibilities include:
Planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating program operations
Establishing the strategic direction and priorities of the program
Ensuring compliance with Telecare policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations
Overseeing quality assurance and performance improvement efforts
Serving as the program's privacy contact and ensuring required HIPAA records, logs, and systems are maintained
Providing clinical supervision and oversight as applicable
Supporting and evaluating licensed staff when required
Maintaining readiness for regulatory, licensing, and customer requirements
Ensuring program operations remain responsive to the needs of members served
Remaining accessible for urgent operational issues that may arise outside standard business hours
People & Culture
You will set the tone for the program's leadership culture and employee experience.
Responsibilities include:
Establishing and communicating a clear vision for the program
Building a culture aligned with Telecare's mission, purpose, values, and beliefs
Leading and developing department managers
Establishing appropriate staffing requirements across program departments
Partnering with Talent Acquisition and program leadership on recruitment and selection
Supporting employee development, performance management, accountability, and retention
Ensuring program policies and procedures are consistently implemented
Creating an environment where employees can perform meaningful work and grow professionally
Serving as the primary connection between program operations and Telecare's corporate and regional teams
Customer & Community Partnerships
The Program Administrator serves as a key representative of Telecare within the community.
You will:
Develop and maintain productive relationships with state and local agency representatives
Partner with county customers and community organizations
Respond proactively as customer and community needs change
Represent Telecare's commitment to high-quality care and responsible stewardship
Maintain strong relationships with members served, families, customers, and other key stakeholders
Depending on the program, community partnerships may include local law enforcement, crisis systems, and San Diego's Access and Crisis Line.
Financial Leadership
You will be responsible for helping ensure the long-term operational and financial health of the program by:
Managing operations within allocated budgetary parameters
Participating in development of the program's fiscal budget
Monitoring staffing and other operational expenses
Making thoughtful operational decisions that balance quality, workforce needs, and financial responsibility
Skills That Will Help You Succeed Strong healthcare or behavioral health operational leadership
Financial and budget management
Team building and leadership development
Performance management and accountability
Knowledge of applicable healthcare and behavioral health regulations
Strong written and verbal communication
Excellent customer and community relations
Strategic planning and problem solving
Change leadership
Organization and prioritization
Public speaking and presentation skills
Knowledge of psychiatric conditions and recovery principles
Knowledge and experience with American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria, when applicable
What's In It for You
Telecare offers eligible full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
16.7 days of Paid Time Off during your first year
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Free continuing education opportunities
Online university tuition discounts
Company scholarship opportunities
At Telecare, you will have the opportunity to lead meaningful work while helping individuals with complex behavioral health needs move toward recovery.
If you are an experienced licensed behavioral health leader ready to take ownership of a program, develop an exceptional team, and drive both clinical and operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.
EOE AA M/F/V/Disability
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Worksite address
san diego, CA, 92189, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.