Program Director, Speciality Residential Program

Sheppard Pratt Careers • Towson, MD

5d

About The Position

The Retreat offers residential psychiatric rehabilitation to people experiencing behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Our teams, led by renowned doctors and highly specialized clinicians, provide personalized treatment options to help people during mental health recovery. What to expect The Program Director provides senior level leadership for the 24-hour operation of Sheppard Pratt’s private pay and specialty residential programs. In close collaboration with the Medical Directors and Chief Operating Officer (COO), the program director establishes program vision, treatment philosophy, operational standards, and growth strategy. This role has ultimate accountability for the functioning of The Retreat, clinical excellence, patient and family experience, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and market positioning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in health services administration or related field with strong clinical leadership focus, Master's preferred.
• Required licensure (one of the following): BSN with current Maryland RN licensure MSW with certified Maryland Social Work license PsyD or other relevant clinical doctoral degree
• 5 years of progressively responsible psychiatric clinical and/or program leadership experience is required.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, self pay or specialty behavioral health programs.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, analytical, and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Program Leadership Establishes and oversees the treatment philosophy, goals, and long-term strategy for specialty residential programs in alignment with Sheppard Pratt’s mission and strategic plan. Leads program development, innovation, and expansion for self pay and specialty populations. Serves as the senior operational leader, integrating adult and adolescent residential models where appropriate.
• Clinical Treatment Oversight In collaboration with Medical Directors, the chief nursing officer (CNO), and clinical leaders, establishes and oversees clinical standards, practices, and procedures across nursing, social work, rehabilitation, and education services. Ensures consistent delivery of high quality, evidence based psychiatric care tailored to individual patient needs. Oversees post-discharge follow-up processes with patients, families, and referring providers for up to one year.
• Operational Management Provides oversight of 24/7 operations across residential and group homes. Ensures smooth day-to-day operations, effective staffing models, therapist cover, and acuity appropriate resource allocation. Investigates and resolves operation, clinical, or customer service issues with a strong focus on quality, safety, and responsiveness.
• Financial and Census Accountability Holds ultimate fiscal responsibility for program budgets, revenue performance, and expense management. Develops and executes strategies to maintain or exceed budgeted census while preserving clinical integrity. Partners with admissions, outreach, and clinical teams to ensure appropriate referrals and sustained program demand.
• Supervision and Workforce Development Provides senior level leadership to program managers, nurse managers, and other administrative and clinical leaders. Oversees recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development of program leadership and staff. Builds a culture of accountability, collaboration, staff engagement, and continuous learning.
• Compliance, Risk, and Regulatory Oversight Ensures full compliance with licensing, regulatory, accreditation, and safety requirements across all programs. Oversees documentation of quality, audits, and corrective action plans in partnership with compliance and quality teams. Ensures programs meet and exceed applicable health, safety, and risk management standards.
• Quality Improvement & Outcomes Leads program-based quality improvement initiatives focused on clinical effectiveness, operational efficiency, and patient experience. Uses data, patient feedback, and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. Collaborates in systemwide quality and performance initiatives.
• Customer Relations, Outreach, and Marketing Champions unparalleled customer service for patients, families, referrers, and partners. Works closely with national outreach, marketing, and provider relations to position programs in the marketplace and strengthen referral pipelines. Represents programs to internal and external stakeholders as a senior leader and ambassador.

Benefits

• A commitment to professional development, including a comprehensive tuition reimbursement program to support ongoing education and licensure and/or certification preparation
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits for benefit eligible positions
• 403b retirement match
• Generous paid-time-off for benefit eligible positions
• Complimentary Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous mileage reimbursement program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager