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Assistant Director Behavioral Health Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Director Behavioral Health information

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$147K

How much do assistant director behavioral health jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant director behavioral health in the United States is $71,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Director of Behavioral Health, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

More about Assistant Director Behavioral Health jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Director Behavioral Health jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Director Behavioral Health job openings:
What states have the most Assistant Director Behavioral Health jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Director Behavioral Health jobs include:

Executive Director - Behavioral Health Outpatient

ODYSSEY BEHAVIORAL GROUP

Harrisburg, PA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted just now


Job description

**Offering signing/retention bonus of up to $5K to Qualified/Eligible Candidates**
Compensation Range:
$90,000 - $100,000 per year (depending on level, licensure, and location) This position is bonus eligible.
Work Location: Onsite, M-F 8a-5pm, Harrisburg, PA
Who We Are
To meet an ever-expanding need for mental health and substance use disorder treatment services in the region, we are excited to announce our new location coming soon in Harrisburg, PA. The approach at our treatment centers is firmly rooted in individualized, person-centered care to help clients uncover the why behind their disorders and help them build foundational relationships that help answer the how in moving forward. Our comprehensive programs provide expert care tailored to each individual's recovery journey. We offer partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) led by psychiatric providers, licensed clinicians, and experienced professionals. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is also available at every level of care.
What We Offer:
  • Collaborative environment dedicated to clinical excellence
  • Multiple Career Development Pathways
  • Company Supported Continuing Education & Certification
  • Multiple Health Plan Design Options Available
  • Flexible Dental & Vision Plan Options
  • 100% Company Paid EAP Emotional Well-Being Support
  • 100% Company Paid Critical Illness (with health enrollment plan)
  • 100% Company Paid Life & ADD
  • 401K with Company Match
  • Company-Sponsored HSA, FSA, & DSA Tax Savings Accounts
  • Generous Team Member Referral Program
  • Parental Leave

Position Summary
The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the clinical, fiscal, and operational success of a specialized behavioral healthcare treatment program. The Executive Director shall have oversite across multiple levels of care and is responsible for clinical quality and program integrity. Position coordinates day-to-day operations to achieve operational goals and provides clinical oversight, ensuring the delivery of clinically excellent, client centered care.
Relationships and Contacts
Within the organization: Reporting to the Group CEO, the Executive Director provides leadership to all staff located at Steps to Recovery Harrisburg and works collaboratively with network support team members and the governing body.
Outside the organization: Builds and maintains strong professional relationships with clinical and healthcare providers, community partners, vendors, and clients/families.
Position Responsibilities
Essential Responsibilities
  1. Collaborates with the network support teams and the governing body to develop and implement clinical programs and operational objectives that promote program growth and respond to changes in the market.
  2. Maintains accountability for creating a culture and environment that is focused on fulfilling operational objectives in alignment with the treatment program's mission, vision, and values.
  3. Ensures achievement of business objectives through day-to-day operational, financial, clinical, and regulatory oversite.
  4. Effectively manages resources to meet the needs of clients while maximizing resources and minimizing waste.
  5. Promotes professional growth and development of staff throughout all levels of the facility, championing effective teamwork and critical thinking, recommending training and development plans, as appropriate.
  6. Collaborates with clinical and operations leaders to ensure compliance with all licensures, accreditation, contracts, state, and federal laws.
  7. Ensures the development, implementation, and enforcement of all policies and procedures, including patient rights.
  8. Monitors and continuously improves clinical program quality through research and application of industry best practices.
  9. Establishes a welcoming environment and strong culture of customer service throughout the program.
  10. Promotes systems of communication and collaboration between Admissions, Business Development, Utilization Review, Finance, and Clinical teams.
  11. Provides supervision to Clinical Directors, overseeing all aspects of clinical care from admission through discharge.
  12. Reviews and approves admissions ensuring the admissions process is smooth, efficient, and customer focused.
  13. Leads and promotes active communication with department leaders around all actual or potential problems or issues that could result in risk exposure or customer dissatisfaction.
  14. Provides regular supervision for staff, and is to discuss challenges, successes, enhance effectiveness and efficiency of procedures and operation of the program.
  15. Collaborates with leadership to ensure proper interpretation and fulfillment of position functions, responsibilities, authority, and relationships.
  16. Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectively and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; puts team success over own interests.
  17. Manages difficult or emotional customer service situations, responds promptly the needs of clients, families, and referral partners, solicits feedback to improve service; responds to requests and meets commitments.
  18. Communicates clearly and concisely with clients, families, referral partners, and all members of the interdisciplinary team.
  19. Leads treatment team meetings and collaborates with UR team to ensure documentation meets standards necessary to meet client's level of care.
  20. Ensures compliance with all licensures, accreditations, contracts, state, and federal laws.
  21. Leads and participates in PI initiatives, monitors, and reports on KPIs, adjusts operations accordingly to meet organizational objectives.

Additional Responsibilities
  1. Functions within the guidelines of the facility's Code of Ethics and in accordance with corporate compliance.
  2. Reads, understands, adheres to, and models all company policy statements on ethics, conduct, and conflict of interests.
  3. Maintains positive attitude and acts as a team player with others on the treatment team.
  4. Attends and completes all training within assigned time frames as required by the facility.
  5. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience
Position Requires a Masters Degree in Social Work, Counseling or similar field. Position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting, preferably with clients with substance use disorder. Licensed in Clinical Social Work or professional counseling in Pennsylvania, strongly preferred.
Additional Requirements
  • Position requires incumbent to have a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
  • Clearance of criminal background, TB test, and any other mandatory state/federal requirements.
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification

Skill Competencies
  • Demonstrates the ability to lead and promote active communication with department leaders and team members throughout the Company.
  • Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills; communicates clearly and concisely with clients, families, referral partners, and all members of the interdisciplinary team.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of admission and discharge criteria; able to provide clinical recommendations for level of care placement.
  • Demonstrates strong leadership skills; identifies and overcomes challenges, celebrates successes, enhances program effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to all licensures, accreditations and contract requirements.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to all state and federal laws related to business operations.
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of behavioral health management practices and clinical operations.
  • Demonstrates the ability to leverage and analyze data to maintain an operational pulse, ensuring ongoing achievement of operational, financial, clinical and regulatory objectives.
  • Demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence and core values alignment.

STR Behavioral Health provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment. STR Behavioral Health reserves the rights to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way the organization desires. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The employment relationship remains "At-Will."
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