Behavioral Health Program Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the importance of Behavioral Health Program Managers cannot be overstated.

As our understanding of mental health progresses, the need for skilled professionals who can develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive behavioral health programs becomes more urgent.

But what exactly is expected of a Behavioral Health Program Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the crux of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or just interested in the complexities of behavioral health management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Behavioral Health Program Manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right in.

Behavioral Health Program Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Behavioral Health Program Managers work within healthcare facilities to oversee mental health or substance abuse programs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to patients and their families.

They are responsible for program development, staff management, and ensuring that the programs meet the necessary regulatory standards.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating behavioral health programs.
• Coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
• Monitoring and ensuring the compliance of programs with state, federal, and local regulations.
• Providing supervision, guidance, and training to behavioral health staff.
• Managing program budgets and ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Participating in community outreach and education initiatives to promote the behavioral health program.
• Ensuring the maintenance of patient records according to privacy regulations.
• Handling complaints and concerns about the program or staff.
• Staying updated with the latest research and developments in the field of behavioral health.
• Collaborating with other department heads in the development of policies and procedures for patient care.

 

Behavioral Health Program Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Behavioral Health Program Manager to oversee and enhance our behavioral health programs.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing program activities, coordinating with various departments, ensuring compliance with regulations, and improving the quality of services provided.

The ideal candidate should have a solid background in mental health services, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks.

Ultimately, the Behavioral Health Program Manager should improve our program’s effectiveness and ensure that it serves the needs of our clients and community.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement program goals, objectives, and policies
• Supervise and provide guidance to program staff
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals and community agencies
• Monitor and report on program performance and effectiveness
• Identify areas of improvement and implement necessary changes
• Manage budget and resources for the program
• Provide crisis intervention and behavioral health education as needed
• Participate in community outreach and education activities
• Maintain confidentiality of client information

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Behavioral Health Program Manager or similar role
• Knowledge of behavioral health and mental health services
• Experience in program development and management
• Understanding of federal and state regulations related to behavioral health
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Ability to work with a diverse population
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or similar license is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Behavioral Health Program Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel to community outreach events or meetings. Some remote work may be possible.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Behavioral Health.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 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 Program Manager Do?

Behavioral Health Program Managers typically work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, residential treatment centers, or non-profit organizations.

They might also work for governmental agencies that focus on public health.

Their primary role is to oversee and direct the operations of mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.

This involves developing and implementing program goals, policies, and procedures, and ensuring they are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Behavioral Health Program Managers work closely with therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists to provide comprehensive mental health services.

They also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and social workers, to coordinate patient care.

A significant part of their job is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the programs they manage.

This involves tracking program outcomes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing necessary changes.

They also play an essential role in staff management.

This includes hiring and training staff, conducting performance evaluations, and addressing any staff-related issues.

Additionally, Behavioral Health Program Managers often serve as a liaison between their program and other healthcare providers, community organizations, and funding sources.

They may also be responsible for managing the program’s budget, seeking additional funding, and ensuring that services are accessible to all who need them.

 

Behavioral Health Program Manager Qualifications and Skills

A competent Behavioral Health Program Manager should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the job requirements, such as:

• Leadership skills to efficiently manage the team of professionals that will be delivering care in the program.
• Strong knowledge of behavioral health practices and principles to design effective programs and provide guidance to team members.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact with diverse groups of individuals, including patients, team members, and other healthcare professionals.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills to address any issues that may arise during the implementation of the program.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills for planning and monitoring the progress of the program, ensuring all aspects are running smoothly and according to plan.
• Experience in budgeting and resource allocation to manage the financial aspect of the program and ensure its sustainability.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage stress, as the role often involves handling sensitive issues and dealing with crisis situations.
• Understanding of legal and ethical guidelines in behavioral health to ensure that the program is compliant with all regulations.

 

Behavioral Health Program Manager Experience Requirements

Behavioral Health Program Managers should ideally have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in the field of mental health, substance abuse, or social services.

This experience could be gained through various roles such as case manager, counselor, therapist, or social worker.

Their hands-on experience with patient care or client services provides them a strong understanding of the clinical aspects of behavioral health, which is crucial to managing programs effectively.

Experience in a supervisory or managerial role is also highly desired as the Program Manager will be responsible for leading a team.

This could include managing staff, overseeing the budget, implementing policies, and coordinating with other departments or organizations.

In addition, these professionals should have experience in program development or management.

This could be obtained through roles such as Project Coordinator or Program Specialist where they might have been responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating services or projects.

Lastly, experience with regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and outcome measurement is important since the Behavioral Health Program Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the program meets all necessary standards and achieves its desired outcomes.

 

Behavioral Health Program Manager Education and Training Requirements

Behavioral Health Program Managers typically require a master’s degree in public health, social work, psychology, or a related field.

A strong understanding of behavioral health practices and principles is essential, as well as an understanding of the healthcare system and its associated policies.

Familiarity with substance abuse treatment and mental health issues is also crucial.

In addition to the educational requirements, some roles may require a license or certification, such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).

Experience in the field of behavioral health is often necessary, with many roles requiring several years of experience in clinical, counseling, or management roles within the behavioral health sector.

Skills in project management, team leadership, and strategic planning are also beneficial.

Many employers prefer candidates who have completed training or have experience in these areas.

Continuing education is important in this field due to the evolving nature of behavioral health practices and policies.

Therefore, ongoing professional development and staying updated on the latest research and trends is often expected.

 

Behavioral Health Program Manager Salary Expectations

A Behavioral Health Program Manager can expect an average salary of $70,873 (USD) per year.

However, this can fluctuate based on factors such as individual experience, the size and budget of the program being managed, and the location of the role.

 

Behavioral Health Program Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Behavioral Health Program Manager need?

Behavioral Health Program Managers need a range of skills including strong leadership abilities, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills.

They should be proficient in program management and have a deep understanding of behavioral health issues and treatment strategies.

Additionally, analytical skills to evaluate program effectiveness, problem-solving skills to address challenges, and a high level of empathy and patience are crucial.

 

Do Behavioral Health Program Managers need a degree?

Yes, typically Behavioral Health Program Managers are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.

However, many organizations prefer candidates with a Master’s degree.

They are also expected to have several years of experience in behavioral health services, with a portion of that in a leadership or management role.

 

What should you look for in a Behavioral Health Program Manager resume?

When reviewing a Behavioral Health Program Manager’s resume, look for a solid educational background in a relevant field, and substantial experience in behavioral health management.

Specific certifications or licensures in counseling or social work can be advantageous.

Also, pay close attention to their demonstrated leadership skills, ability to manage budgets, and experience in program development and evaluation.

 

What qualities make a good Behavioral Health Program Manager?

A good Behavioral Health Program Manager should have a genuine interest in helping individuals with behavioral health issues.

They should be empathetic, patient, and able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people.

They should also possess strong leadership skills, be detail-oriented, and have the ability to make informed decisions quickly and effectively.

 

What are the daily duties of a Behavioral Health Program Manager?

On a typical day, a Behavioral Health Program Manager might hold meetings with staff to discuss program updates, review budgets, and address any challenges.

They may review and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of current programs and make necessary changes.

They could also be involved in community outreach or education initiatives, meet with stakeholders, or write reports and proposals.

In addition, they’ll likely oversee patient assessments and interventions, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

 

Is it difficult to hire Behavioral Health Program Managers?

Hiring a Behavioral Health Program Manager can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required for the job.

The demand for these professionals is high, especially in areas with a significant need for behavioral health services.

Offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the rewarding world of being a Behavioral Health Program Manager.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about managing programs.

It’s about weaving the fabric of mental health services, one program at a time.

With our handy Behavioral Health Program Manager job description template and real-life examples, you’re primed and ready to take action.

But why end here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to creating meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to absolute precision.

Bear in mind:

Every program is a thread in the larger tapestry of mental health services.

Let’s weave that tapestry. Together.

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