Director of Human Resources

Elevate People & Culture Leadership: Join Alter Behavioral Health as our Director of People & Culture At Alter Behavioral Health, our people are at the heart of our mission to transform lives through compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. We’re dedicated to providing the highest level of personalized care, and we know that starts with creating a thriving workplace culture. We’re seeking a strategic, hands-on leader to serve as our Director of People & Culture, guiding and growing our Human Resources operations while fostering an empowered, engaged, and high-performing workforce. This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is confident in their HR expertise, and demonstrates both strategic vision and operational excellence. Why You’ll Love This Role Strategic Impact Partner directly with the CEO and leadership team to shape and execute HR strategy that supports organizational growth, strengthens culture, and enhances employee engagement. Comprehensive HR Leadership Lead all human resources functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits and payroll oversight, compliance, performance management, and leadership development. Competitive Compensation $125,000–$140,000/year DOE with benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, paid life insurance, and a 401(k) with an up to 6% match. Schedule & Location Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., based at our Corporate Office in Dana Point, CA. Professional Growth Drive HR initiatives that directly impact organizational strategy, workforce development, and operational excellence in a mission-driven environment. What You’ll Do Strategic Leadership Lead the People & Culture department, providing daily direction, coaching, and mentoring to your team. Partner with the CEO and leadership to align HR strategy with organizational goals and long-term growth. Design and implement programs that enhance culture, employee engagement, and retention. HR Operations & Compliance Ensure compliance with all federal and California labor laws, as well as Joint Commission, DHCS, and DSS standards. Maintain HRIS systems, personnel files, and confidential employee records with precision and discretion. Lead investigations, corrective actions, and performance management initiatives with fairness and consistency. Benefits & Payroll Oversight Manage benefits administration including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and supplemental plans. Oversee annual Open Enrollment and ensure employees understand their options. Ensure accurate bi-monthly payroll, including all adjustments, deductions, and compliance requirements. Employee Relations & Engagement Serve as a trusted resource for employees and leaders, providing guidance on coaching, conflict resolution, and performance issues. Lead engagement initiatives, pulse surveys, and feedback programs to strengthen communication and morale. Talent Acquisition & Workforce Development Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning to support operational efficiency. Develop training, leadership development, and career pathways for employees across the organization. Partner with leaders to identify department needs and succession planning opportunities. Who You Are A seasoned HR professional with at least 7 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, including 4+ years in a leadership role. Skilled in California HR law, federal employment regulations, benefits administration, payroll, and employee relations. Experienced in managing HR functions for organizations with 100+ employees; healthcare or behavioral health experience preferred. A proactive, strategic thinker with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Able to maintain discretion with sensitive information and build trust across all levels of the organization. Why Alter Behavioral Health? Mission-Driven Work Lead initiatives that strengthen our people and our impact on mental health care. Career Stability Full-time schedule with comprehensive benefits designed for long-term success. Collaborative Culture Join a professional, supportive environment where your contributions are valued and visible. Growth & Learning Gain exposure to executive leadership, organizational strategy, and HR innovation. Minimum Qualifications & Requirements 7+ years in Human Resources with 3+ years leading an HR team. In-depth knowledge of California HR law, federal employment regulations, benefits administration, payroll, and compliance. Experience managing HR for organizations with 100+ employees; behavioral healthcare experience preferred. HRCI or SHRM certification preferred, with a Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field. Valid California Driver’s License and ability to pass a LiveScan background check. CPR & First Aid Certification required. DISCLAIMER : This posting provides a general overview of the Director of Human Resources role at Alter Behavioral Health. It is not a complete or exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or conditions of employment. Specific job functions and expectations may be modified at the discretion of the company in accordance with business needs. Alter Behavioral Health complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the California Labor Code, Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Wage Order 5, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and all laws relating to non-discrimination, equal opportunity employment, disability accommodation, and workplace safety.