Assistant Director

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections

Perks of working in correctional healthcare:

• Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
• Exposure to diverse patient demographics
• Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
• Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting

Position Summary: 

The Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the overall operations of an assigned substance use treatment program. This role ensures high-quality client care, regulatory compliance, and effective program performance while supervising clinical and support staff. The Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in staff development, program improvement, and maintaining strong relationships with community partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the assigned substance use treatment program to ensure delivery of high-quality client care and full compliance with contractual, regulatory, and accreditation standards
• Provide clinical oversight by reviewing client records, treatment and discharge plans, conducting case reviews, and facilitating clinical staff meetings to ensure consistent, effective treatment practices
• Supervise, coach, and develop clinical and support staff, including hiring recommendations, performance evaluation, training, scheduling, and disciplinary actions to ensure efficient staffing and strong team performance
• Monitor program performance, client outcomes, and documentation standards; identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed
• Maintain a small caseload and provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions as needed to support continuity of care and address staffing gaps
• Assist in program development by refining policies, procedures, and services, and supporting implementation of new or enhanced programming
• Support budget planning and oversight by monitoring expenditures, controlling costs, and recommending adjustments to maintain financial performance
• Investigate and resolve client, staff, or visitor concerns and incidents, ensuring appropriate documentation and escalation when necessary
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to manage program census, optimize resource utilization, and maintain strong referral relationships
• Serve as a liaison to community organizations, referral sources, and stakeholders, and support outreach, presentations, and public relations efforts
• Compile, analyze, and report operational and clinical data to support program evaluation, compliance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Stay current on industry best practices and participate in professional development and committee work as assigned

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field required
• Minimum of 100 hours of documented clinical training in counseling theory and practice
• Current certification/licensure as a substance abuse counselor in the state of employment (or eligibility required)

Experience: 

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in the substance use treatment field
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience
• Experience within relevant treatment settings (e.g., residential, outpatient, corrections, or youth services)

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Advanced knowledge of counseling techniques, treatment planning, and case management
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to analyze data, ensure compliance, and implement corrective action plans
• Strong organizational and decision-making abilities

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff, and stakeholders
• Ability to document and review records accurately
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers and phones

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match 
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 

Flexibility and Time Off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here .