Program Director - Jail Based Competency Treatment Program

Location: Monterey County Jail, Salinas, CA.
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time (7am-3pm/8am-4pm).

Position Summary The Program Director provides leadership, administrative oversight, and clinical direction for the Jail-Based Competency Treatment (JBCT) Program at the Monterey County Jail. This role ensures that all program operations meet legal, contractual, and clinical requirements established by the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH), the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, and accrediting agencies (NCCHC, BSCC, and ACA). The Program Director oversees the multidisciplinary treatment team and ensures high-quality, evidence-based, and legally compliant competency restoration services for individuals found Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST).

• Direct and coordinate daily operations of the JBCT program to ensure compliance with DSH contract requirements and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee scheduling, staffing, and workload distribution to maintain adequate coverage and program flow.
• Ensure program documentation, reporting, and data submission meet DSH and custody deadlines.
• Manage program budget, monitor expenses, and approve purchasing in accordance with agency policy.
• Serve as the primary liaison between JBCT, custody administration, and DSH representatives.

Clinical and Treatment Oversight:

• Provide leadership and supervision to the clinical team, including psychologists, social workers, psychiatric providers, nurses, and rehabilitation staff.
• Ensure that all treatment and competency restoration services align with DSH JBCT guidelines, clinical best practices, and correctional standards.
• Monitor quality of care, documentation accuracy, and timeliness of assessments and progress notes.
• Support treatment planning, behavioral management strategies, and therapeutic programming.

Personnel Management:

• Recruit, hire, orient, and evaluate JBCT staff in collaboration with HR and senior leadership.
• Facilitate ongoing training and professional development to promote clinical excellence and compliance.
• Lead regular team meetings, case reviews, and multidisciplinary coordination sessions.
• Foster a collaborative and trauma-informed work environment that emphasizes safety, respect, and accountability.

Compliance and Quality Improvement:

• Maintain program compliance with NCCHC, BSCC Title 15, and ACA ALDF standards.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives, track performance metrics, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure readiness for DSH site visits and monitoring reviews.
• Oversee incident reporting, risk management processes, and corrective action follow-up.

Interagency Collaboration:

• Act as the primary point of contact for the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, custody command staff, and court representatives regarding JBCT operations.
• Coordinate with DSH staff for admissions, discharges, data reporting, and care continuity.
• Represent the program in interagency meetings, contract reviews, and court-related discussions.

Qualifications Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree or higher in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related behavioral health field required.
• Licensed in California (PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC).
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in mental health or correctional behavioral health services, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or administrative role preferred.
• Experience with competency restoration, forensic mental health, or jail-based programs strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth understanding of California Penal Code §1370, JBCT program operations, and forensic treatment standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with custody, DSH, and multidisciplinary staff in a secure facility environment.
• Proficiency in clinical documentation, electronic health records, and performance reporting.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and ethical service delivery.

Working Conditions:

• Position is based onsite at Monterey County Jail within a secure correctional environment.
• May require occasional evening or weekend availability to address program needs or emergencies.
• Frequent interaction with custody staff, DSH personnel, courts, and clinical team members.

Compensation and Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development support.