Program Administrator – Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP)

Facility Capacity: 6 Beds
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director / Board of Directors

How To Apply: Email Resume & Cover Letter to Admin@CAKiddoCare.org

Position Purpose

The Program Administrator is responsible for the overall management, operation, and regulatory compliance of the licensed STRTP, ensuring that care, supervision, and services are provided in accordance with the facility’s approved Plan of Operation, Program Statement, and all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

The Administrator has full authority and responsibility for planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating all facility operations and for ensuring that all staff meet the personal, educational, and professional requirements mandated by law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (per Title 22 & Interim Licensing Standards)

1. Regulatory Compliance
   • Maintain continuous compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6, Interim Licensing Standards for STRTPs, and Welfare & Institutions Code §11462.01.
   • Ensure facility meets all physical plant, health, safety, and fire clearance requirements at all times.
   • Maintain licensing documentation, personnel records, youth records, and administrative records in accordance with regulation.
2. Program Administration
   • Implement and uphold the approved Program Statement and ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and individualized.
   • Oversee staff scheduling to meet mandated staff-to-youth ratios 24 hours per day.
   • Coordinate and monitor all Child and Family Team (CFT) processes.
   • Ensure all services outlined in each youth’s Needs and Services Plan are provided and documented.
3. Personnel Management
   • Recruit, hire, supervise, train, and evaluate all facility staff.
   • Ensure all employees meet required education, experience, background clearance, and training hours per CCL regulations.
   • Conduct pre-service and annual in-service training on required topics, including trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and mandated reporting.
4. Clinical & Service Coordination
   • Collaborate with the Clinical Director to ensure the provision of mental health services per DHCS Medi-Cal SMHS requirements.
   • Review incident reports and ensure timely reporting to CCL, law enforcement, and placing agencies as required.
   • Approve and monitor behavior management interventions in accordance with facility policy.
5. Fiscal Oversight
   • Develop and manage the facility budget in coordination with the Executive Director and finance staff.
   • Approve facility expenditures and ensure fiscal practices meet contractual and audit requirements.
6. Stakeholder Relations
   • Serve as primary liaison with Community Care Licensing, placing agencies, county mental health departments, and other oversight bodies.
   • Represent the STRTP at community and interagency meetings as required.

Minimum Qualifications (per Interim Licensing Standards, Section 87065.2)

The Administrator must meet one of the following:

1. Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and two years of full-time administrative experience in a human services field; OR
2. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of full-time administrative experience in a human services field; OR
3. A valid Administrator Certificate issued by the California Department of Social Services for STRTPs, and meet all education and experience requirements under law.

Additional requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must complete the 40-hour Initial Certification Training Program (ICTP) for STRTP Administrators prior to employment and maintain annual continuing education (per HSC §1522.41).
• Must pass DOJ/FBI background check, Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) clearance, physical exam, and TB test.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles, adolescent development, crisis management, and group home/STRTP operations.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth, staff, families, and regulatory agencies.
• Skill in managing budgets, staffing plans, and compliance reporting.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a residential care facility setting.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, lift up to 25 pounds, and respond quickly to emergencies.
• Must be available for on-call responsibilities, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.