Behavioral Health Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern healthcare landscape, the role of a Behavioral Health Director is increasingly important.

As societal understanding and acceptance of mental health issues progress, the demand for compassionate, skilled professionals who can oversee and guide behavioral health departments is on the rise.

But what exactly is expected from a Behavioral Health Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of behavioral health management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Behavioral Health Director job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Behavioral Health Director Duties and Responsibilities

Behavioral Health Directors play an essential role in managing mental health programs and services.

They work to implement, improve, and oversee programs that provide psychological support and treatment.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and overseeing the implementation of behavioral health programs
• Managing a team of mental health professionals, including therapists, psychologists, and social workers
• Working closely with other medical professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans
• Ensuring the facility complies with local, state, and federal mental health regulations
• Monitoring the quality of care provided by the behavioral health team
• Implementing training programs for staff to improve their therapeutic skills and knowledge
• Assessing the effectiveness of treatment plans and making necessary adjustments
• Conducting regular staff meetings to discuss patients’ progress, facility needs, and department goals
• Managing the department budget and seeking funding opportunities when necessary
• Maintaining accurate records of patients’ treatment progress

 

Behavioral Health Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced Behavioral Health Director to lead and oversee our behavioral health department.

The Behavioral Health Director will be responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for the department, overseeing clinical operations, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and managing the budget.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in behavioral health management, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for improving the quality of mental health services.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operations of the behavioral health department
• Develop and implement strategic plans for the department
• Manage the department’s budget and resources
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality mental health services
• Implement quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes
• Recruit, hire, and train behavioral health staff
• Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations
• Collaborate with other departments to provide integrated care
• Represent the department in meetings with stakeholders
• Stay current with latest trends and best practices in behavioral health

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field
• Previous experience in a leadership role within a behavioral health setting
• Excellent leadership and management skills
• Strong understanding of behavioral health treatment modalities and best practices
• Knowledge of state and federal behavioral health regulations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations and make informed decisions

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Behavioral Health Director
• Work Environment: Clinical setting, with frequent interaction with staff and patients. Some travel may be required for meetings and conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Medical Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Behavioral Health Director Do?

A Behavioral Health Director typically works in healthcare institutions like hospitals, clinics, or community health organizations.

Their role is primarily focused on overseeing the behavioral health services provided by their organization.

Their job involves creating, implementing, and managing programs that cater to individuals with behavioral health issues, including mental health disorders and substance abuse problems.

They are responsible for ensuring these programs meet local, state, and federal regulations and standards.

Behavioral Health Directors work closely with medical practitioners, therapists, counselors, and other healthcare professionals to develop and provide effective behavioral health services.

They are often involved in coordinating training and professional development activities for their team members.

In addition, they also play an important role in developing policies and procedures, monitoring the performance of the behavioral health department, and making necessary improvements or changes.

Part of their job is also to participate in budget planning, manage resources efficiently, and ensure the financial sustainability of the behavioral health programs.

Behavioral Health Directors often interact with patients, their families, and the community, helping to increase awareness about behavioral health issues and the services available to address them.

They may also be involved in research or community outreach programs to address the behavioral health needs of the local community.

They are vital in providing leadership and strategic direction to their team, ensuring high-quality patient care, and promoting a positive and supportive environment for both patients and staff.

 

Behavioral Health Director Qualifications and Skills

A Behavioral Health Director should have a robust set of skills and qualifications that will enable them to oversee and manage the behavioral health services of an organization, which include:

• Extensive knowledge in behavioral health or mental health to effectively guide and oversee the organization’s behavioral health programs.
• Strong leadership skills to manage and direct a team of mental health professionals, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with healthcare professionals, mental health professionals, patients, and their families and to present information clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and program development in a behavioral health setting to ensure the delivery of high-quality mental health services.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges related to behavioral health service delivery.
• Knowledge and understanding of the regulations, policies, and ethical considerations related to behavioral health.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments and community partners to integrate behavioral health services into a comprehensive care model.
• Financial management skills to oversee the department budget, ensuring that resources are used effectively.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with staff, patients, and community partners.

 

Behavioral Health Director Experience Requirements

The role of a Behavioral Health Director often requires a considerable amount of experience in mental health or substance abuse treatment.

Candidates for this role should ideally have at least 5 to 7 years of experience in the behavioral health field.

This experience can be gained through various roles such as Clinical Therapist, Behavioral Health Counselor, or Substance Abuse Counselor.

These roles will equip the candidates with a practical understanding of behavioral health issues and treatments.

Candidates with more than 7 years of experience may have also held management roles within behavioral health organizations.

These could include roles like Program Director or Clinical Supervisor, where they would have gained experience in leadership, program planning, and staff supervision.

For higher-level roles or positions within larger organizations, candidates may need more than 10 years of experience.

This would ideally include substantial experience in strategic planning, budget management, and interdepartmental collaboration.

It is also beneficial for candidates to have experience with regulatory compliance and accreditation processes in the behavioral health sector.

Such experience can be gained through roles that require familiarity with federal and state behavioral health regulations and quality assurance procedures.

In all cases, the Behavioral Health Director should have a demonstrated history of effective communication, team leadership, and a strong commitment to patient care and advocacy.

 

Behavioral Health Director Education and Training Requirements

A Behavioral Health Director typically holds a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a doctoral degree.

In addition to academic qualifications, it is essential for a Behavioral Health Director to be licensed in their respective field.

This generally requires a master’s degree, supervised clinical experience, and passing a state-recognized exam.

Most roles for Behavioral Health Directors require several years of experience in behavioral health settings, with a significant portion of that time spent in a management or leadership role.

In-depth knowledge of behavioral health therapies and treatments, as well as applicable laws and regulations, is also vital.

Some employers may also require or prefer certifications in areas such as mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, or healthcare management.

These certifications can be obtained through professional organizations and typically require ongoing education to maintain.

A Behavioral Health Director should also possess excellent communication skills, the ability to work with diverse populations, and strong leadership and management skills.

Some roles may also require proficiency in electronic health record systems and other health technology platforms.

 

Behavioral Health Director Salary Expectations

A Behavioral Health Director earns an average salary of $87,429 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation may vary based on factors such as industry, geographic location, level of experience, and the size of the organization.

 

Behavioral Health Director Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Behavioral Health Director need?

A Behavioral Health Director typically requires a Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work or a related field.

Additionally, they should have a significant amount of experience in the field, often at least five years, and some roles may require specific licenses or certifications.

Prior management or leadership experience is also usually required.

 

What are the daily responsibilities of a Behavioral Health Director?

A Behavioral Health Director oversees the operation of a behavioral health department or facility.

Their daily tasks can include managing staff, developing and implementing policies and procedures, coordinating with other health departments, overseeing patient care and ensuring the facility meets compliance standards.

They may also be involved in budgeting and financial management.

 

What skills are important for a Behavioral Health Director?

A Behavioral Health Director needs strong leadership skills to manage their team effectively.

They should have excellent communication skills to coordinate with staff, other departments, and external stakeholders.

As they are responsible for policy development and implementation, they should have good strategic planning skills.

Understanding of compliance and regulations in the healthcare sector is also important.

They should also have a deep understanding of mental health issues and treatments.

 

What qualities make a good Behavioral Health Director?

A good Behavioral Health Director is empathetic and compassionate, as they often deal with individuals facing mental health challenges.

They should have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.

Strong ethical standards and a commitment to providing the highest level of care are also important qualities.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Behavioral Health Director?

Hiring a Behavioral Health Director can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and experience required for the role.

It is essential to find a candidate who not only meets the educational and professional requirements but also aligns with the organization’s values and mission.

This can make the hiring process more time-consuming but ultimately leads to a better fit for the role and organization.

 

Conclusion

There you go!

Today, we’ve shed light on the true essence of being a Behavioral Health Director.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about managing programs and staff.

It’s about molding the future of mental health care, one decision at a time.

With our indispensable Behavioral Health Director job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But, why settle there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating spot-on job listings or finessing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each decision made is part of a bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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