Program Manager

The Organization
SSG-Project 180 turns lives around through innovative, wraparound services that keep people out of institutions and in their communities. Project 180 is a leader in the forensic treatment space, offering high-quality, specialized treatment programs that serve thousands of justice-involved individuals. Our programs span criminal justice intercepts and include pre-arrest interventions, court-based diversions, jail in-reach, and intensive post-release services. Project 180 operates in partnership with County agencies including the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Department of Health Services (DHS), and the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD).

The Program:

The Rapid Diversion Program (RDP) is a County-operated program that diverts criminal defendants out of the criminal legal system at the early stages of the court process. The program provides in-court mental health assessment, linkage to treatment services, and case management support to participants, whose criminal case is dismissed upon successful program completion. 

The Pretrial Release Evaluation Program (PREP) is a County-operated program that releases criminal defendants out of the county jail system at the arraignment stage of legal proceedings. The program provides in-court screening, linkage to treatment services, dedicated housing and wraparound case management services to participants while their criminal case is open. 

The Position:

The Program Manager oversees RDP at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (CJC) and the Compton courthouse and PREP at CJC. The Program Manager reports to Project 180’s JCOD Program Director. They manage a team of Program Supervisors and administrative staff. The Program Manager is responsible for developing and implementing program vision, strategy, and goals; managing staff to achieve strong program outcomes; creating systems and infrastructure to promote program efficiency and efficacy; and maintaining relationships and contract compliance with external partners. This role works in close collaboration with the other RDP Program Manager on the team, on strategy, vision, policies and procedures.

Essential Functions:

Develop and implement program vision, strategy, and goals 

• Define key performance measures that balance contract obligations, Project 180 strategy, and a vision for excellent client service.
• Set goals and monitor progress at CJC and Compton courthouses throughout the year. Spot emerging issues and implement solutions that address the root cause. 
• Monitor and address any political issues affecting the programs that emerge at the courthouses in a manner that preserves the relationship between all parties.
• Implement a performance management system with support from the Information Systems team.
• Ensure high quality client care is being delivered on both programs.
• Communicate regularly with Project 180’s JCOD Program Director to report progress, escalate issues or concerns, and ensure ongoing strategic alignment. 
• Use data to troubleshoot program issues and improve programs. Ensure high data quality to inform changes to the program. 
• Coordinate and integrate JCOD programs with broader P180 organizational priorities

Manage staff to achieve strong program outcomes

• Hire, onboard, and train new Supervisors and ancillary staff.
• Develop talent strategy and pipeline for program portfolio.
• Oversee staff training curriculum and processes, including training for new hires in collaboration with the other RDP Program Manager on the team.
• Set expectations for staff, create accountability systems, and monitor the results for both internal and external (contract) requirements.
• Manage Supervisors and their teams to achieve performance outcomes. Monitor progress, provide regular coaching and feedback, conduct annual performance reviews, and hold staff accountable. 
• Help Supervisors troubleshoot challenging client-service situations through weekly supervision, ad-hoc coaching, and direct intervention as needed.
• Cultivate strong team culture, staff retention, career development, and professional growth.
• Perform administrative managerial duties and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Apply racial equity lens to all elements of hiring and supervision. 

Create systems and infrastructure for efficient, effective program operations.

• Create and maintain program policies and procedures consistent with broader program goals. 
• Develop implementation plans and change management in collaboration with the other RDP Program Manager on the team and the Program Director.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day program operations. Identify and resolve operational issues preventing effective and efficient service delivery. Address escalating systematic issues.
• Conduct weekly site visits at CJC and Compton courthouses to assess and monitor program operations.

Maintain external partner relationships and contract compliance at or connected with CJC and Compton courthouses

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with collaborative partners, including but not limited to JCOD, DHS, LA County Probation, LA Superior Court, LA County Sheriff’s Department and the Public Defender and Alternate Public Defender offices, and other community organizations.
• Partner with external stakeholders to ensure ongoing collaboration and integrated operations 
• Internalize contract requirements and ensure they are understood and met by the team.

Fulfill baseline Project 180 staff expectations

• Regular attendance required. Overtime, holiday or weekend work may be required.
• Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles
• Perform other duties as needed

Skills and Abilities

Exceptional program, people, and operational management skills:

• Strong leadership and supervision skills: Effectively manages teams, provides constructive feedback, and fosters a supportive, high-performance culture.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Builds strong working relationships with staff, court partners, and external stakeholders; comfortable navigating high-stakes, multi-disciplinary environments. 
• Proactive and solution-oriented: Anticipates challenges and takes initiative to address problems before they escalate. 
• Adaptable and flexible: Maintains composure and effectiveness in a fast-paced, dynamic setting with shifting priorities and demands. 
• Highly organized and detail-oriented: Manages multiple responsibilities while maintaining accuracy, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring compliance with program expectations. 
• Comfortable with difficult conversations: Navigates staff performance, client crises, and stakeholder concerns with professionalism and emotional intelligence. 
• Data-driven and tech-savvy: Uses data to monitor performance and outcomes, and is proficient with electronic documentation and management systems. 
• Culturally competent and trauma-informed: Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and upholds best practices in trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care. 
• Client-centered and equity-focused: Advocates for clients’ needs and works to reduce barriers to care and justice.

• Required: 
  • 2 years experience supervising teams that include therapists, case managers, or similar
  • 2 years experience leading large programmatic teams to deliver strong results 
  • Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
  • Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance and own vehicle required.
  • Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check
  • Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field
• Strongly Preferred: 
  • Master’s degree in social work or other mental health field from an accredited college or university, and valid license or registration with licensing body (i.e. the BBS)

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervisor will directly manage a team of approximately 10 supervisors and ancillary staff members.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

The Program Manager will perform duties at the downtown LA office with weekly site visits to the CJC and Compton courthouses being required. 

Physical Requirements  

The employee is expected to move about the worksites throughout the day, which may involve walking, standing, and climbing stairs, or using a mobility device, or similar. The employee is expected to drive, carry a maximum of 20 lbs, listen, and speak in order to complete job requirements. 

Mental Requirements 

The employee must be able to do any/all of the following: perform complex and varied tasks such as synthesizing information and making decisions without immediate supervision; handle routine distractions, interruptions, noise, and uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; interact professionally and diplomatically in high-stress situations; create and follow plans; meet deadlines.