What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Residential Services position at McAlister Institute for Treatment & Education, Inc.?

What We Do

Founded in 1977 by Jeanne McAlister, a pioneer in the field of recovery, McAlister Institute has become one of the most critical lifelines for San Diegans impacted by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. With 24 programs across 24 locations and a strong partnership with the County of San Diego, McAlister serves over 18,000 individuals each year, offering a full continuum of care spanning prevention, outreach, intervention, treatment, supportive housing, and aftercare. McAlister is a bridge to a full network of support, providing services that are targeted, evidence-based, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and co-occurring capable.

Most importantly, McAlister’s high-quality, affordable services are delivered with dignity and respect, welcoming individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Guided by a belief in each person’s potential for positive change, the organization is dedicated to supporting recovery through professional services, compassionate counseling, and community support—ultimately healing lives and transforming communities through the miracle of recovery.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

This is an exciting time in McAlister’s history : in August of 2024, Executive Director Marisa Varond succeeded founder Jeanne McAlister, who transitioned to an advisory role after an amazing 47 years at the Institute’s helm. A 13-year veteran of the organization, Marisa brings deep experience at McAlister to the CEO role, having served in a range of program and development roles. As a member of McAlister’s Executive Team, Marisa helped grow the agency from a team of 178 staff and annual revenues of $8M to more than 400 employees and an annual budget of $58M. As the granddaughter of a recovering alcoholic, Marisa deeply understands the generational impact of this work and is uniquely qualified to carry Jeanne’s legacy into the future. A collaborative leader, Marisa is passionate about building a culture that aligns the strengths and talents of employees with the agency’s goals and takes great pride in supporting her team and building strong relationships. The Director of Residential Services will report to Michelle Zvirzin, Chief Programs Officer. With 17 years of service with McAlister, Michelle brings extensive experience and unwavering dedication to its programs. Having served in multiple roles within the organization, she is passionate about supporting both staff and clients with balance and care. Reflective of this culture of leadership, commitment, and continuity, McAlister’s Executive Team members have an incredible average tenure of nearly 16 years with the organization.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary – $115,000 – $140,000
Medical, dental, and life and disability insurance
403(b) plan with 100% match up to 6% of salary
Annual PTO : 13 paid holidays, 12 paid days off, 69 hours paid sick leave.

LOCATION

This is an in-person role with an office located at 2049 Skyline Dr, Lemon Grove, CA 91945.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Residential Services is a newly created role providing leadership and strategic direction across multiple residential treatment programs, ensuring high-quality, client-centered care for individuals in recovery. This includes the Kiva Program, Kiva Women’s Detox, New Connections, and Adult Detox, programs offering a 12-step recovery process, comprehensive case management, and access to medication-assisted treatment. Reporting to the Chief Programs Officer, the Director is responsible for shaping program operations, enhancing service delivery, and building a strong foundation for long-term success. They will oversee daily operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and the implementation of evidence-based treatment approaches rooted in trauma-informed care and harm reduction. The Director will support a team of 100 staff members, including three direct reports, including two Program Managers and the IMS Project Lead. Working closely with organizational leadership and community partners, the Director will develop innovative strategies, strengthen program infrastructure, and expand services to better meet the needs of clients.

Strategic priorities for the first 12 months include :

Take time to learn and understand the history and culture of the organization, programs, and staff.

Foster a balanced culture of collaboration, autonomy, and professional growth within the team to ensure high performance and satisfaction.

Review operational workflows, staffing models, and client care processes to identify areas for enhancement and efficiencies to recommend actionable changes.

Collaborate with leadership to create and implement policies and procedures that comply with legal requirements, regulations, and best practices.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Management / Supervision :

Provide regular coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to ensure team members meet performance expectations.

Conduct performance evaluations and offer constructive feedback to enhance staff growth and team effectiveness.

Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training of new staff, ensuring alignment with McAlister's mission and goals.

Develop and implement training programs to enhance staff skills in staff management, substance recovery support, crisis management, and resident care.

Resident Care and Support :

Ensure the delivery of comprehensive, compassionate care for residents in alignment with individualized recovery plans.

Work closely with clinical staff to monitor residents' progress, needs, and adjustments to treatment plans.

Promote a safe and therapeutic environment that supports residents’ emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Address residents' concerns and needs in a timely and professional manner, utilizing conflict resolution techniques when necessary.

Compliance and Safety :

Ensure adherence to state and federal regulations regarding substance recovery, residential living, and healthcare services; maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant compliance standards and best practices for recovery-based programs.

Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of all residents, staff, and facilities; conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments, proactively addressing potential hazards or concerns.

Respond promptly to emergencies, including medical emergencies, safety threats, or behavioral crises, and follow proper reporting procedures.

Program Development and Community Engagement :

Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that meet residents' evolving needs.

Collaborate with clinical teams to refine treatment approaches and incorporate evidence-based practices into program design.

Cultivate relationships with external organizations, including local healthcare providers, support groups, and community partners, to promote awareness, strengthen partnerships, and enhance program offerings.

Administrative :

Work with leadership to ensure effective allocation of resources.

Oversee the documentation of resident progress, treatment plans, and incidents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with privacy regulations.

Ensure timely and accurate reporting of key performance indicators, program outcomes, and other relevant metrics to senior leadership.

Support the preparation and submission of grants, funding proposals, and reports to secure financial resources for program expansion and sustainability.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or psychology; must be licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC).

7-8 years demonstrated management experience with knowledge of trauma-informed, client-driven, and culturally competent care.

Previous experience in fast-paced 24 / 7 residential services overseeing risk management preferred.

Excellent clinical acumen : experience working with complex client cases; effectively managing multiple priorities simultaneously and with a keen eye for detail; highly proactive and self-motivated.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership, and coaching skills. Ability to build a collaborative and productive team culture.

Ability to analyze processes and information, identify problems and trends, and develop effective solutions and strategies.

Strong change management skills, paired with exceptional emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Salary : $115,000 - $140,000

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Director of Residential Services

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