Mental Health Lead 

Salinas, CA

📍 Location: Salinas, California
📅 Schedule: Full-Time | Exempt | 
💼 Department: Behavioral Health
📈 Reports To: Core Program Director
💰 Pay Range: $79,200-$82,500 per year
🎁 Bonus: $750 Sign-On Bonus & $750 Retention Bonus

✨ Make a Meaningful Impact

Aspiranet, one of California’s leading nonprofit organizations supporting children, youth, and families, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Core Program Manager to join our team in Salinas.

If you’re passionate about supporting the emotional well-being of young people and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we invite you to join our team and make a lasting impact.

❤️ About Aspiranet

Founded in 1975, Aspiranet is a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide a continuum of care across California through six service divisions: Foster and Adoption, Transitional Aged Youth, Residential, Intensive Home-Based Services, Behavioral Health, and Family and Community. Every role at Aspiranet contributes to something greater: building a future where every child is loved, every family supported, and every individual equipped to succeed.

📝️ Position Summary

The Mental Health Lead maintains operational, fiscal and programmatic oversight of one or more identified core programs. The Core Program Manager (CPMI)  works with staff, community agencies, and other entities to provide quality services.   

🔍 Key Responsibilities

🗂️ Administrative Support

• You help shape the program’s direction by drafting budgets and strategic plans with guidance from the CPD III.
• You keep things running smoothly by managing financial reports and staying within budget.
• Administrative tasks like time-sheets, mileage, and expense submissions are handled with care, and you support your team in doing the same. 

🔧 Program Operations & Coordination

• You ensure the program meets high standards—operationally, contractually, and in terms of safety—while aligning with Joint Commission and agency policies.
• You guide service delivery and act as a thoughtful liaison between clients, staff, funders, and community partners.
• When needed, you step in to provide direct support or on-call coverage, and you help lead trainings that build confidence and clarity. 

📋 Compliance & Documentation

• You support quality and accountability by implementing best practices and tracking outcomes.
• You help your team stay informed and compliant with agency and funder requirements, and you make sure incidents and concerns are documented properly.
• Confidentiality is a priority, and you ensure all service documentation is submitted accurately and on time. 

🤝 Team Collaboration

• You recruit, hire, orient, supervise, and evaluate program staff under the direction of the CPD III.
• You conduct regular individual supervision sessions, provide support and intervention when needed, and complete performance management actions—including terminations—in consultation with the CPD III.
• You prepare and conduct timely employee evaluations and, in programs with a volunteer focus, assist with the recruitment, on-boarding, training, matching, and supervision of volunteers. 

✅ Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Work Experience

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or a related field 
• A minimum of one year prior management experience.             
• A minimum of two years experience working in a related field/ setting (community based, social services, behavioral health, school based or residential setting). 
• Meets all state-required employment conditions, including:
  • DOJ fingerprint and Child Abuse Index clearance
  • TB/Health physical
  • Valid CA Driver’s License, acceptable driving record, and proof of insurance

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension).
• Ability to work independently while seeking guidance when necessary.
• Strong writing and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and standard office software.
• Excellent time management, multitasking, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with clients and staff.

💻 Work Environment & Schedule

• On-site role in Salinas, CA.
• Occasional flexibility required to meet program and client needs.
• Schedule: Full-time, Day shift
• May require occasional travel for training or collaboration with partner agencies.

❤️ Why Aspiranet?

• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits package, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Access to the free Aspiranet Employee Perks Program. Enjoy exclusive discounts on entertainment, travel, wellness, pet care, gym memberships, theme parks, and more
• Flexible paid time off including 11 paid holidays, 10 vacation days, 10 sick leave days, two diversity days, and paid birthday time off.
• Access to our employee assistance program including 24/7 crisis line; up to 6 counseling sessions per issue.
• Training opportunities are available to support your ongoing development and career aspirations.
• Collaborate in a supportive, inclusive, and mission-aligned culture.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that support employee wellbeing.

🏋️Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This position typically operates in a standard office environment. The noise level is generally quiet and remains within OSHA’s established safety levels at all times.

⚖️ Equal Employment Opportunity

Aspiranet is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of diversity. We believe a diverse workforce within a culture of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) increases creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork for the youth and families that we serve and the organization as a whole.  Aspiranet strives to provide our employees with a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive of differing world views, cultures, and lived experiences.

📝  How to Apply

Join us in building brighter futures.

Apply today through our career portal:

✨ Click here to apply: www.aspiranet.org/careers

✨ Pro Tip: Once you’re in the portal, be sure to create an account to get started on your application! It’s quick, easy, and the first step to making a difference.