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Behavioral Health Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advantage Health Centers

S. Drug Enforcement Administration. * M.D. or D.O. must have and maintain a current Physician ... behavioral health. * Substance abuse certification preferred. Valid driver's license

Sutter Health

Director, Behavioral Health

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$81.23 - $129.97/hr

The Director of Behavioral Health provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for MPMC ... Master's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration or related field. TYPICAL ...

Sutter Health

Director, Behavioral Health

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$168K - $270K/yr

The Director of Behavioral Health provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for MPMC ... Master's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration or related field. TYPICAL ...

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How much do behavioral health administration jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health administration in the United States is $24.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Behavioral Health Administration, and why are they important?

To thrive in Behavioral Health Administration, you need expertise in healthcare management, behavioral health regulations, and a background in psychology or social work, often supported by a master's degree such as an MHA or MBA. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, compliance tools like HIPAA, and quality improvement methodologies is important. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong interpersonal communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and collaborating across clinical and administrative functions. These competencies ensure effective program oversight, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of high-quality behavioral health services.

What are common challenges faced in Behavioral Health Administration and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Behavioral Health Administration often encounter challenges such as managing limited resources, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and fostering effective communication among multidisciplinary teams. Balancing administrative duties with the need to maintain high-quality patient care can also be demanding. Addressing these challenges typically involves strong organizational skills, staying current with policy changes, and promoting a collaborative culture among clinicians and staff. Continuous professional development and open communication channels are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the effective delivery of behavioral health services.

What degree do you need to be a BHT?

A Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; however, some employers prefer or require additional training or certification in mental health or behavioral health. While a college degree is not always mandatory, having relevant certifications or experience can improve job prospects and effectiveness in the role.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Administration vs Behavioral Health Technician?

AspectBehavioral Health AdministrationBehavioral Health Technician
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in health administration, social work, or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate degree, certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOffices, clinics, administrative settingsHospitals, clinics, residential facilities
Job FocusManaging programs, staff, policies, and complianceProviding direct patient care and support
Industry UsageHealthcare organizations, mental health agenciesBehavioral health facilities, treatment centers

Behavioral Health Administration involves overseeing programs and staff, requiring higher education and administrative skills. In contrast, Behavioral Health Technicians focus on direct patient care, often with less formal education. Both roles are essential in mental health services but serve different functions within the industry.

What is Behavioral Health Administration?

Behavioral Health Administration refers to the management and oversight of programs, services, and policies that address mental health and substance use disorders. Professionals in this field ensure that behavioral health services are effectively delivered, comply with regulations, and meet the needs of diverse populations. They may work in government agencies, healthcare systems, or nonprofit organizations, focusing on program development, quality improvement, budgeting, and staff supervision. The goal is to improve access to and the quality of behavioral health care in communities.
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Behavioral Health Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Administration job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,547 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Behavioral Health Technician

STR Behavioral Health

Warminster, PA • On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Position Summary
Behavioral Health Technicians (BHT) interact with clients throughout the shift, assists and supports clients with functionally needs. Behavioral Health Technicians are responsible for managing the daily milieu of the facility, ensuring the safety of clients, and maintaining a therapeutic environment. BHTs are expected to familiarize themselves with the histories and needs of the clients and be capable of identifying cues and behaviors that may indicate a change in clients' status or condition. Position is responsible for documenting in the client records and communicating proactively with clinical team members and supervisor(s).
Relationships and Contacts
Within the organization: Maintains frequent and close working relationships with program staff and facility team members throughout the organization.
Outside the organization: Initiates and maintains strong professional relationships with clients and families, clinical providers, referral partners and vendors, as needed.
Position Responsibilities
Essential Responsibilities
  1. Collaborates with clinical team to determine/select appropriate interventions based on the needs of individual clients.
  2. Actively participates and engages clients in the milieu and outside activities throughout the workday, often in a variety of group settings.
  3. Prompts clients to complete ADLs, including clean room, hygiene, laundry, etc., and completes regular room hygiene checks.
    1. Conducts client drug screening, pregnancy tests, and breathalyzers, as necessary.
  4. Prompts clients to attend all meals in a timely manner and provides supervision and structure at mealtimes as appropriate.
  5. Models effective table manners and small talk during mealtimes, focusing on engaging all clients.
  6. Provides, structures, and maintains a therapeutic environment in collaboration with other staff.
  7. Therapeutically interacts with the client in one-to-one situations, community, and group meetings, maintaining appropriate boundaries and modeling appropriate social behavior.
    1. Collaborates with clinical team to facilitate client education groups.
    2. Reacts therapeutically in crisis situations.
  8. Recognizes client's level of behavioral functioning and modifies approaches accordingly to include recognizing mood changes and developing coping skills.
  9. Maintains therapeutic relationship with clients using praise and other reinforcers to encourage appropriate behaviors and attitudes, setting limits in a kind and firm manner.
  10. Documents in accordance with policies and procedures services provided, incident reports, shift reports, group and milieu notes in a timely and accurate manner. Notes are entered on the same day of shift and rounds are entered timely throughout the shift on all clients.
  11. Complies with the facility safety procedures as outlined in the policy and procedure manual to include fire drills, evacuation procedures, and internal/external disaster plan.
  12. Demonstrates effective verbal intervention skills in managing escalating clients and involving other staff as needed.
  13. Performs a vehicle safety and fuel check prior to use of any company vehicle, reporting any concerns to supervisor or manager.
  14. Supports clients in effectively managing leisure time, including joining in activities with clients.
  15. Greet all guests warmly and friendly.
  16. Follows through with clinical precautions effectively, including visual clinical observations.
  17. Answer phone and field calls in an upbeat and positive manner, focusing on customer service.
  18. Transport clients to appointments, supporting client while regulating in community.
  19. Identifies and recognizes triggers for escalation with each client, and utilize de-escalation techniques, focusing on prevention of crisis.
  20. Gathers clients for outings and groups to promote program engagement.
  21. Supports medication compliance and management of client self-administration.
  22. Prepares for client admissions to all levels of care including but not limited to ensuring room is prepared, completes intake documentation, ensures all medications are documented and stored.
  23. Conducting client belonging search, inventory and notifying therapist of any contraband.
  24. Supports discharge processes, as needed.

Additional Responsibilities
  1. Conduct chart audits following program policy timelines, as requested.
  2. Can be relied upon to be at work as scheduled and is rarely absent from work, notifying the supervisor if absent.
  3. Demonstrates an ability to adapt to changes in the facility function, management styles, and facility routines.
  4. Reads, understands, and adheres to all company policy statements on ethics, conduct, and conflict of interests.
  5. Adheres to facility policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, implementing regularly.
  6. Maintains positive attitude and acts as a team player with others on the treatment team.
  7. Attends all supervisory trainings within assigned time frames as required by the facility.
  8. Writes clearly, informatively, and effectively.
  9. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience
Highschool diploma or equivalent preferred. Requires 1+ year experience working with clients with mental health issues. Valid Drivers license preferred.
Additional Requirements
  • Current CPR and First Aid Certification, or willingness to complete within the first 30 days of employment.
  • Clearance of TB test.
  • Must be willing to complete BHT and CPI Training courses with 3 months of employment

Physical Requirements
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to communicate with peers/general public, clients and/or vendors
  • Tolerant to various noise levels: noise level in the work environment varies - may be very quiet to moderate
  • Job performance will require the ability to move throughout the building as well as sit or remain stationary for extended periods of time
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to talk or hear, sit, stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, taste or smell.
  • Ability to move up to 25 pounds

Skill Competencies
  • Understands and maintains professional boundaries.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of rules/limits of patient confidentiality and maintains appropriate levels of client confidentiality/privacy.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of identifying abuse/neglect in client population.
  • Demonstrates behavior that promotes positive customer relations with clients, staff, and visitors.
  • Contributes to continuous quality improvement - can identify performance improvement processes and verbalize role in the process.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of and adherence to universal precautions, infection control and proper handwashing.
  • Demonstrates proper procedures in responding to emergency and safety drills.
  • Demonstrates the ability to recognize and respond to aggressive behavior and employ crisis intervention techniques.
  • Demonstrates ability to perform CPR and first aid.
  • Demonstrates ability to observe, supervise, evaluate, and document client behaviors in groups and planned activities.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of mental health issues.
  • Demonstrates the ability to recognize symptoms and distress of clients.
  • Demonstrates the ability to communicate relevant information pertinent to client care.
  • Demonstrates consideration of and respect for values and cultural beliefs.

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