Program Director-3.1 Substance Abuse Treatment

Job Description

Program Director- 3.1 Substance Abuse Treatment \

Job Title: Program Director

Location: Survival House, Hagerstown, Maryland

Facility Type: New 3.1 Substance Abuse Treatment Center

Expected Opening Date: February 2026

Opportunity

We are opening a brand-new ASAM 3.1 Clinically Managed Residential Substance Use Treatment Facility, and we are seeking an experienced Program Director to build, launch, and lead the program from the ground up.

This role is responsible for setting up the entire facility for successful opening, including:

Developing all policies and procedures

Ensuring full COMAR 10.63 compliance

Preparing for state licensing inspections

Hiring and training staff

Creating operational systems

Establishing clinical and case management structure

Coordinating with outside providers (IOP, MAT, mental health)

Leading the program once residents arrive

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands residential SUD treatment and is confident in building a program from scratch.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Facility Launch

Create and implement all required policies, procedures, manuals, and operational systems for a new 3.1 program

Prepare the facility for state licensing and regulatory inspections

Build the program structure, including daily schedules, house rules, documentation workflows, staffing patterns, and emergency plans

Establish relationships with referral sources, MAT clinics, courts, and community partners

Ensure compliance with COMAR 10.63, ASAM standards, and ethical guidelines

Leadership & Staff Management

Recruit, hire, and onboard staff such as support staff, CPRS, case managers, and house managers

Train all employees on policies, documentation expectations, crisis response, safety, and client engagement

Provide ongoing supervision, coaching, scheduling, and performance management

Lead team meetings and maintain a positive, recovery-focused culture

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Maintain complete compliance with Maryland regulations, licensing requirements, and internal standards

Develop systems for incident reporting, grievances, safety checks, and chart audits

Ensure accurate and timely documentation across all departments

Oversee client files, treatment plans, intakes, and discharges

Prepare the program for state audits and continuous quality improvement (CQI)

Client Care Oversight

Ensure clients receive high-quality recovery support, case management, and structured residential services

Work collaboratively with external providers (IOP, MAT, mental health clinicians)

Support crisis management, conflict resolution, and resident concerns

Ensure the program maintains a safe, structured, and therapeutic living environment

Operations & Administrative Oversight

Oversee daily facility operations, staffing coverage, and house procedures

Maintain compliance logs (fire drills, safety checks, UAs, transportation records, etc.)

Assist with budget planning, supply ordering, and resource allocation

Manage bed availability, intake flow, and communication with referral partners

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field (Master’s preferred)

Minimum 3–5 years of experience in substance use treatment, residential services, or behavioral health leadership

Strong knowledge of COMAR 10.63, ASAM criteria, and Maryland licensing requirements

Proven experience in developing or managing a treatment or recovery program

Ability to lead teams, manage crises, and create structure in a new environment

Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

Licensed professional (LMSW, LGPC, LCPC, LCSW-C) or certified addiction counselor (CAC-AD/CSC-AD)

CPRS or experience supervising peer recovery staff

Experience opening a new treatment program or sober living environment

Familiarity with Medicaid billing and documentation standards

Work Environment

Full-time, on-site leadership role

Must be available for emergency calls and occasional off-hours needs

Fast-paced start-up environment requiring flexibility, creativity, and strong problem-solving

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience

Benefits package available after initial startup period

Performance Bonus awarded upon successful program startup and opening

Application Process

If you are a passionate, motivated, and forward-thinking leader who is ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals overcoming substance use challenges, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter to the email below, highlighting your relevant experience and your vision for building a strong, effective, and client-centered treatment program from the ground up.

We look forward to the opportunity to meet with you, learn more about your vision and goals, and welcoming a dedicated Program Director who will help shape the future of our Survival House family.

In the subject line, please include:

Program Director – Your Full Name

Email:

**Survival House is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering workplace for all employees nCompany Description

Survival House is a newly licensed ASAM Level 3.1 residential substance use treatment facility dedicated to helping adults build a strong foundation for lasting recovery. We provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment focused on individualized treatment, accountability, life skills, and successful community reintegration.

As a new facility, we are looking for passionate team members who want to grow with us. This is a unique opportunity to help shape our program, contribute ideas, and play an important role in building the supportive and effective treatment environment Survival House will become.

We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and qualified Substance Use Disorder Counselor who is committed to person-centered and trauma-informed care. The counselor will provide individual and group counseling, develop treatment plans, document client progress, coordinate care, and support residents as they work toward their recovery goals. The ideal candidate will treat every individual with dignity, respect, empathy, and the belief that recovery is possible.

Full-time