Community Mental Health Center Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern landscape of healthcare, the role of the Community Mental Health Center Director has grown significantly prominent.

As we march towards a society more focused on mental wellbeing, the demand for proficient leaders who can guide, develop, and protect our community mental health services is on the rise.

But what’s exactly expected from a Community Mental Health Center Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the responsibilities within community mental health,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Community Mental Health Center Director job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Community Mental Health Center Director Duties and Responsibilities

The Community Mental Health Center Director is responsible for overseeing the operation of a mental health facility or department.

This role involves both clinical and administrative duties, including managing staff, developing programs, and ensuring the highest quality of care for patients.

The duties and responsibilities of a Community Mental Health Center Director include:

• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the mental health center
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure quality care for patients
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and standards for mental health care
• Hiring, training, and supervising clinical and administrative staff
• Managing the budget and financial operations of the center
• Working closely with medical and mental health professionals to coordinate patient care
• Building relationships with community organizations and stakeholders to increase awareness and support for mental health services
• Conducting regular assessments of the center’s services and making improvements as necessary
• Managing crisis situations and ensuring patient safety
• Staying up-to-date with the latest research and trends in mental health care

 

Community Mental Health Center Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Community Mental Health Center Director to oversee the operations of our mental health center.

The candidate will be responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating mental health services.

They will work closely with therapists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to our community.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in mental health services, strong leadership skills, and a deep commitment to patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate the operations of the mental health center
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for mental health services
• Manage budget and resources, ensuring all operations are within budget
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, making adjustments as necessary to improve quality and efficiency
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and standards
• Develop and maintain relationships with community stakeholders
• Organize and lead meetings with staff and stakeholders
• Resolve any issues or complaints regarding mental health services

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a director in a mental health setting
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to mental health services
• Strong leadership and managerial skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, nursing, or a related field
• Licensed mental health professional

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development
• Employee assistance program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Mental Health Center Director
• Work Environment: Office setting within a mental health center. Some travel may be required for meetings or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Board of Directors.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with 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 Community Mental Health Center Director Do?

A Community Mental Health Center Director typically works for community health centers, hospitals, or non-profit organizations that offer mental health services to the community.

Their primary role is to oversee and manage the operations of the community mental health center.

This includes planning, directing, and coordinating mental health programs and services for their community.

They collaborate with mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors to develop, implement, and evaluate mental health programs.

They also work closely with community leaders and other stakeholders to identify the mental health needs of the community and develop strategies to address these needs.

The Community Mental Health Center Director is also responsible for ensuring the center complies with local, state, and federal regulations and standards.

This includes monitoring the quality of care provided, ensuring staff is properly trained and certified, and managing the center’s budget and resources effectively.

In addition, they may provide direct clinical services to patients, supervise clinical staff, and participate in community outreach and education initiatives to promote mental health awareness and prevention.

Ultimately, the Community Mental Health Center Director’s role is to create an environment that supports the mental well-being of their community and provides high-quality mental health services to those who need them.

 

Community Mental Health Center Director Qualifications and Skills

A Community Mental Health Center Director should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Leadership skills to oversee the work of mental health professionals and ensure the provision of high-quality care.
• Strong understanding of mental health and psychiatric disorders, their treatments and related legislation.
• Exceptional communication skills to interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including patients, family members, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Experience in designing and implementing mental health programs that meet the needs of the community.
• Ability to think strategically and make decisions based on data, research, and clinical expertise.
• Interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure the center operates within its financial means.
• Understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines to ensure the center operates in compliance with all relevant requirements.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to address issues that may arise among staff, patients, or other stakeholders.
• A degree in psychology, social work, public health, healthcare administration, or a related field, as well as appropriate licensure and certifications.
• Experience in mental health services, with prior leadership or managerial experience being highly desirable.

 

Community Mental Health Center Director Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of a Community Mental Health Center Director typically need a significant amount of experience in the mental health field, often spanning over a decade.

This experience should include extensive direct patient care, administration, and leadership responsibilities.

Entry-level candidates in the mental health field may start their journey in roles such as Mental Health Counselors, Clinical Social Workers, or Psychologists.

The first few years of their careers would likely involve direct patient care, providing therapy, counseling, or support services to individuals or groups.

As they advance in their careers and gain more experience, usually 5 to 7 years, they may take on roles like Lead Therapist or Clinical Supervisor.

These roles often involve some level of administrative responsibilities, such as managing a team of mental health professionals, coordinating services, overseeing clinical operations, and participating in policy or program development.

Beyond 10 years of experience, candidates may step into roles like Mental Health Program Director or Clinical Director.

These roles require a higher level of leadership and administrative experience, as they often involve overseeing multiple programs or an entire facility, strategic planning, budgeting, and liaising with other health care organizations or government agencies.

These experiences provide the necessary background and training for someone to step into the role of a Community Mental Health Center Director.

They also need to have a deep understanding of mental health regulations and policies, as well as the ability to lead a diverse team of mental health professionals and manage the complex operations of a community mental health center.

 

Community Mental Health Center Director Education and Training Requirements

A Community Mental Health Center Director typically holds a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related mental health field.

These programs should be accredited by a recognized body such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the American Psychological Association (APA).

The curriculum should provide comprehensive training in areas such as human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, professional ethics, research and program evaluation, and clinical skills.

Some positions may require the individual to be a licensed psychologist or licensed clinical social worker.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but they generally include completion of an accredited program, a certain number of supervised clinical hours, and passing a state-approved exam.

Experience in the mental health field is often required, including supervised clinical experience.

This can be achieved through internships, practicums, and post-degree supervised practice.

In addition to educational and licensure requirements, a Community Mental Health Center Director needs strong leadership and management skills, as they will be overseeing staff, budgeting, program development, and ensuring the center complies with state and federal regulations.

Furthermore, some directors may choose to pursue additional certifications in specific therapy techniques or mental health disorders to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Continuing education is important in this role to stay updated with the latest research and developments in the mental health field.

 

Community Mental Health Center Director Salary Expectations

A Community Mental Health Center Director earns an average salary of $85,000 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation may differ significantly depending on the years of experience in the field, location, size of the center, and the funding resources of the employing organization.

 

Community Mental Health Center Director Job Description FAQs

What educational background is required for a Community Mental Health Center Director?

A Community Mental Health Center Director typically requires at least a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.

Some roles may require a doctoral degree.

Additionally, the director should have a number of years of experience in mental health services, with a portion of that time spent in a supervisory or management capacity.

 

What is the role of a Community Mental Health Center Director?

A Community Mental Health Center Director is responsible for overseeing the overall operations of the center.

This includes program planning and development, staff supervision and training, financial management, and ensuring quality of care for clients.

The director works with local agencies and organizations to ensure that mental health services are accessible and effective for the community.

 

What skills are important for a Community Mental Health Center Director to have?

A Community Mental Health Center Director should possess strong leadership and managerial skills, have a deep understanding of mental health services, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

They should also be adept at budgeting and financial management, strategic planning, and program development.

Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to mental health services is also essential.

 

How can a candidate demonstrate their suitability for this role?

Candidates can demonstrate their suitability by highlighting their educational qualifications, experience in mental health services, and specific achievements in previous roles.

This could include successful program development, effective team management, or evidence of improved outcomes for clients under their supervision.

They should also be able to articulate a clear vision for how they would lead the center and promote mental health services in the community.

 

What qualities make a good Community Mental Health Center Director?

A good Community Mental Health Center Director is a strong leader who is passionate about mental health and the well-being of the community.

They should be empathetic and patient, with a keen understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions.

They should be highly organized, capable of managing a large staff and multiple programs, and committed to promoting quality care for all clients.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the real essence of being a Community Mental Health Center Director.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing operations.

It’s about shaping the health and wellbeing of a community, one mental health initiative at a time.

With our comprehensive Community Mental Health Center Director job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this fulfilling journey.

But why end here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for refining your job listings or tailoring your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every mental health initiative contributes to the bigger goal.

Let’s shape a mentally healthy community. Together.

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