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Assistant Director Behavioral Health Jobs in Arizona

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Assistant Director Behavioral Health information

What does an assistant director of behavioral health do?

An Assistant Director of Behavioral Health helps oversee and manage behavioral health programs within an organization, such as a hospital, clinic, or community agency. They assist the director in developing policies, supervising staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and coordinating services for patients with mental health or substance use issues. This role often involves administrative duties, budget management, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve patient care. The Assistant Director also helps implement new initiatives and evaluates program effectiveness to ensure quality behavioral health services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant director of behavioral health?

To thrive as an Assistant Director of Behavioral Health, you need advanced knowledge of mental health practices, supervisory experience, and typically a master's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, regulatory compliance, and licensure such as LCSW or LPC is commonly required. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong interpersonal communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective team management, regulatory adherence, and high-quality behavioral health care delivery.

What are the main challenges an assistant director of behavioral health might face when managing multidisciplinary teams?

An Assistant Director of Behavioral Health often works with professionals from various backgrounds, such as social workers, psychiatrists, and counselors. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and collaboration among team members with different expertise and perspectives. Additionally, balancing administrative duties with supporting clinical staff can be demanding, especially in high-volume or crisis-prone settings. Addressing staff burnout and maintaining high-quality patient care while meeting organizational goals are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Assistant Director Behavioral Health vs Program Coordinator Behavioral Health?

AspectAssistant Director Behavioral HealthProgram Coordinator Behavioral Health
CredentialsOften requires a master's degree in social work, psychology, or related field; licensure may be preferredBachelor's degree in a related field; relevant certifications are a plus
Work EnvironmentSupervises staff, manages programs, and collaborates with leadership in healthcare or community agenciesCoordinates program activities, supports staff, and assists in program implementation within behavioral health settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare organizations, mental health clinics, and community agenciesCommon in nonprofit organizations, clinics, and community health programs

The Assistant Director Behavioral Health typically holds a higher level of responsibility, requiring advanced credentials and overseeing staff and programs. The Program Coordinator Behavioral Health focuses on supporting program operations and coordination. Both roles are vital in behavioral health settings but differ mainly in scope and seniority.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Director Behavioral Health jobs in Arizona?

For Assistant Director Behavioral Health jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Assistant Director Behavioral Health jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Assistant Director Behavioral Health job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Director Behavioral Health job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Behavioral Health Director

ADELANTE HEALTHCARE INC

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Adelante Healthcare rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Behavioral Health Director plans, organizes, and directs care provided by the department's staff. Allocates resources and delegates responsibilities to assure quality patient care, while maintaining legal, ethical, and community standards for Behavioral healthcare services. Responsible for recruitment, education, and development of staff. Ability to lead, manage, and direct the behavioral health team.

EXPECTATIONS

Every Adelante Healthcare leader will strive to maximize the performance and contribution of each team member of Adelante Healthcare and the community that we serve every day. Leaders are expected to set clear performance expectations, establish specific measurable goals for team members to drive accountability and success, provide ongoing feedback and coaching to enhance performance, and improve results and outcomes. Leaders are also expected to work in a manner that demonstrates a commitment to our mission, vision, core values, quality, patient safety, employee engagement, innovation, and model for all other employees the highest standards of personal integrity, professionalism, and competence.

OUR CORE VALUES

  • Inclusion
  • Nurture
  • Service
  • Purposeful
  • Integrity
  • Resilient
  • Engaged

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in the Behavioral Health field (Psychology, Social Work) with two (2) years of directly related experience is desired
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) is recommended Certification or certification eligibility as an LCSW, LPC, Psy.D., or Ph.D. is required.
  • Two (2) to five (5) years of leadership/management experience including experience in clinical supervision, clinical oversight, team lead, or other senior leadership roles.
  • Excellent working knowledge of behavioral medicine and evidence-based treatments for medical and mental health conditions.
  • Ability to motivate staff and create a positive work culture.
  • Strong working knowledge of business operations, including budgeting, productivity and revenue-cycle metrics, staffing models, and payer/contract fundamentals, is preferred.
  • Strong working knowledge of best practices in behavioral health
  • Strong working knowledge of CMS/AHCCCS guidelines and requirements
  • Should be comfortable with the pace of primary care, working with an interdisciplinary team, and have strong communication skills.
  • Computer literacy is required
  • Good knowledge of psychopharmacology
  • Ability to design and implement clinical pathways and protocols for treatment
  • Certification to perform cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for the Health Care Professional (CPR) and AED through courses that follow the guidelines from the American Heart Association and Red Cross (cognitive and skills evaluations)
  • Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance card or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment

POSITION REPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL:

  • Lead Specialty BH program development and management through collaborative process with medical care and clinic operations staff.
  • Develop and implement work plans, including project deliverables, milestones, and required tasks.
  • Set project goals and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of primary care, behavioral health, and specialty behavioral health efforts.
  • Ensure effective collaboration with the Integrated Health Director .
  • Provide clinical support to SBH managers and supports their leadership development.
  • Identify, share, and implement best practices related to both integrated and specialty behavioral health.
  • Develop training materials and provide training to support specialty behavioral health programs.
  • Support the development and implementation of training activities related to specialty behavioral health.
  • Work closely with Clinic Operations staff to facilitate the collection, reporting and presentation of program data.
  • Work with contract agencies in providing additional SBH service lines
  • Lead the continued growth efforts of the SBH department within the organization.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with agency staff and clients
  • Serve as liaison to behavioral health community partners, other community agencies, the medical community, and the public, working to enhance the agency's presence in our community.
  • Participate in administrative planning activities, including, but not limited to clinic budget, audits, and strategic planning.
  • Comply with Equal Employment Opportunity, Americans with Disabilities Act, Affirmative Action Plan and other applicable employment laws and regulations in the supervision of staff.
  • Recruit behavioral health providers in coordination with the Chief Behavioral Health Officer and the People Services Department.
  • Develop clinical protocols for the department and implement them
  • Conduct chart review for quality of care.
  • Organize a peer review process.
  • Ensures the behavioral health program complies with clinical and legal obligations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

NONESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Two (2) years of community health care experience
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) recommended

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

  • Other duties as requested or assigned

Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and Integrated Care Team (ICT)

All employees are responsible for promoting and participating in interdisciplinary communication and collaboration to enhance the delivery of quality across the health care system. Employees should maintain an environment that supports and engages patients and co-workers in a caring team-based model to promote wellness and improve health outcomes.

Adherence to Compliance and Code of Conduct

All employees are required to comply with Adelante Healthcare's written standards, including its Compliance Program and Code of Conduct, policies and procedures, and reporting of any conduct that potentially violates Adelante's legal or compliance requirements. Such compliance will be an element considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit for long periods of time, is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb steps/stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; smell; manage stress as it relates to essential job functions. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance and may occasionally be required to lift or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time when traveling to various clinic sites. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be subject to health hazards (contagious diseases, bloodborne pathogens, etc.) when working in the clinic area.


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