Under the direction of the Director of Behavioral Health Services, the Program Manager of Substance Use Services is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services department within the Center, a Trauma Informed Care organization. This includes supervising program staff, assisting in the establishment of program goals and objectives, and contributing to the development of program guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations. The Manager is also involved in developing schedules, evaluating program activities, and ensuring that staff are effectively supported in their roles.
This position requires dual licensure as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and a clinical mental health professional (LPC, LCSW, or LMFT) to reflect the integrated nature of co-occurring disorder treatment and the clinical oversight responsibilities of the role. The Program Manager must have knowledge of performance contracts and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) requirements to ensure that deliverables are timely and complete, and that the program runs as directed. This position plays a key role in the interviewing and hiring processes for staff supervised and works under moderate supervision with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Program Manager is expected to follow the Center's Guiding Principles while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines. The position involves significant responsibility and requires strong leadership to ensure successful execution of program objectives, efficient service delivery, and high-quality care for individuals seeking services in the SUD program.
Education, Training, and Experience (including licensure and certification)
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Master's degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a closely related human services field is required.
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Two (2) years of prior experience in a behavioral health field, including experience with substance use disorder treatment, is required.
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Two (2) years of leadership experience is required, which may include supervisory, program management, team lead, or clinical supervision responsibilities in a behavioral health or human services setting.
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Dual licensure is required: an active Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) credential and one of the following clinical mental health licenses issued by the State of Texas: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
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Supervisory designation (LPC-S, LCSW-S, LMFT-S) and previous experience in crisis intervention are preferred.
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Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
Registration, Certification, Licensure, or Other Qualifications:
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Individual must meet the requirements to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
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A valid and active Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) license in good standing from the State of Texas is required.
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A valid and active clinical mental health license in good standing from the State of Texas is required: LPC, LCSW, or LMFT.
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Both credentials must be maintained in active, unencumbered status for the duration of employment in this role. Any lapse, restriction, or disciplinary action affecting either license must be reported to the Director of Behavioral Health Services immediately.
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A valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance, and a driving record acceptable to the Center's insurance requirements are necessary.
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Knowledge of the causes and treatment of mental illness, substance use disorder, co-occurring disorders, and related conditions is required.
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Adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), SAMHSA, the Center, and applicable grant requirements is required.
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The position must comply with Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 448, TAC 354, TAC 301, and other relevant regulatory frameworks governing SUD and mental health service delivery.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Knowledge of substance use disorder, addiction, co-occurring mental health conditions, co-dependency, and related disorders; evidence-based counseling techniques; and recovery processes across the continuum of care.
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Knowledge of integrated treatment models for co-occurring disorders and the ability to guide staff in delivering integrated care.
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Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to program areas, and the principles and practices of public administration and management.
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Skill in clinical interviewing, listening, counseling clients and patients, and operating computers and applicable software.
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Ability to screen and evaluate clients, counsel and instruct clients, implement rehabilitative and substance use treatment programs, maintain records, prepare reports, and communicate effectively.
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Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group settings.
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Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and demonstrating strong communication, organizational, administrative, and office managerial skills.
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Skills in identifying measures or indicators of program and staff performance, and in operating a computer and applicable software.
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Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; establish goals and objectives; devise solutions to administrative problems; develop, evaluate, and interpret administrative policies and procedures; and supervise the work of others.
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Ability to make decisions grounded in clinical training, licensure scope, and organizational policy, ensuring consistency with the Center's Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.
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Understanding and consistent practice of Trauma-Informed Care principles.
Essential Duties:
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Manage day-to-day SUD program operations, including service delivery improvements, policy and procedure updates, monthly audits, and workload targets per HHSC and Center standards.
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Lead team meetings, provide monthly supervision, communicate program changes, address performance issues, and support team morale.
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Manage staffing operations, including timesheets, coverage, time-off requests, and SUD service schedules and calendars.
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Assist in hiring, onboarding, training, and evaluating SUD staff, including LCDC-interns and clinical associate-level staff, and complete performance evaluations within required timeframes.
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Ensure timely submission of all performance contract deliverables and compliance with HHSC, TAC 448, TAC 354, TAC 301, SAMHSA, and Center documentation standards.
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Conduct documentation audits for SUD clients and ensure corrections are completed accurately and on time.
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Ensure compliance with grant requirements, maintain program budgets, and attend required funder and stakeholder meetings.
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Provide clinical back-up for assessments, counseling, and group therapy within the scope of both licenses, and guide staff on integrated treatment planning for clients with co-occurring disorders.
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Process pharmacy voucher requests promptly and track funding availability.
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Participate in community meetings and outreach to enhance program visibility and partnerships.
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Maintain professional boundaries, uphold confidentiality, and adhere to all Center policies, applicable laws, and licensure standards.
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Perform other duties as assigned within designated timeframes, exercising independent judgment while seeking guidance when appropriate.
The above essential duties are representative of major duties of positions in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.
