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Behavioral Health Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Behavioral Health Director information

See Washington salary details

$51.5K

$130.8K

$223.1K

How much do behavioral health director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health director in Washington is $130,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $143,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Behavioral Health Director do?

A Behavioral Health Director oversees the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services within an organization, such as a hospital, clinic, or community health center. They manage staff, develop and implement policies, ensure compliance with regulations, and coordinate care to improve patient outcomes. In addition, they may be responsible for budgeting, program evaluation, and developing community partnerships to expand access to behavioral health services. Their leadership ensures that clients receive high-quality, evidence-based care in a supportive environment.

What does a Behavioral Health Director do?

As a behavioral health director, your primary responsibilities are to coordinate daily operations, make mental health care program decisions, and supervise staff. You may be asked to develop and plan services to improve the quality of life for clients, answer patient questions, offer resources to help patients master goals and skills, coordinate work schedules, provide training, and complete administration duties. You may work closely with substance abuse programs, social service agencies, mental health agencies, and individual psychologists and nurses to provide a high level of care and meet industry and legal standards.

What are some common challenges a Behavioral Health Director faces when managing multidisciplinary teams?

Behavioral Health Directors often oversee teams composed of clinicians, case managers, social workers, and administrative staff, each with unique perspectives and priorities. A common challenge is fostering effective communication and collaboration across these disciplines while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining high-quality patient care. Balancing administrative duties, such as budgeting and policy development, with the needs of both staff and clients also requires strong organizational and leadership skills. Directors who encourage open dialogue and provide ongoing training typically create more cohesive and resilient teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Health Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Director, you need advanced clinical training in psychology or social work, a relevant graduate degree, and licensure in behavioral health. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, data analysis tools, and regulatory compliance frameworks is typically required. Outstanding leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills help drive effective teams and foster a supportive environment. These competencies are essential for ensuring high-quality patient care, regulatory adherence, and organizational success in behavioral health settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Washington are:

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Behavioral Health Director jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Behavioral Health Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Director job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,837 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Behavioral Health Director

The NATIVE Project

Washington, DC • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Administer mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, including case management, outpatient treatment, community education, outreach, and prevention.

  • Supervise staff, plan and direct behavioral health programs, and provide leadership on mental health issues.

  • Conduct individual, family, and group counseling sessions, assessments, crisis interventions, and coordinate clinical services with other programs and medical services.


Job description

POSITION TITLE: Behavioral Health Director CLASSIFICATION: BehavioralHealth, regular, full-time, non-exempt SUPERVISOR: COO POSITION SUMMARY:

The Behavioral Health Director will, under general direction, administer mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, including case management, outpatient treatment, community education, outreach, prevention, community alcohol and drug programs, supervise staff, plan and direct behavioral health programs, provide leadership on mental health issues, and perform related work as required.

Provide part-time counseling for adolescents, children, adults, and families. As the Behavioral Health Director of The NATIVE Project, conduct individual, family, and group counseling sessions as well as assessments, case management, outreach, multi-disciplinary team staffing or meetings, and brief crisis interventions during the workday in a medical home, using the Patient Centered Care Model. Direct patient care load TBD.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Greets community members, patients and their families using “Sacred Hospitality” and directs them to the required resource person or service
  • Responsible for assessing, diagnosing, treating and counseling patients Develops recovery oriented treatment plans, in collaboration with the patient, providers and family, that define services, interventions and optimum patient outcomes. Document clinical service delivery within 48 hours of seeing patients in EHR and other applications.
  • Updates recovery plans according to documentation requirements
  • Maintain case records containing pertinent, accurate and current information in compliance with Privacy Act, HIPAA and RCW/WAC policy, procedures and rules. Keep records of patient contacts and complete all required EHR entries to ensure that clinical services are billed in a timely manner.
  • Assists with patient education, case management, support services and staffing coordination.
  • Manages appropriate patient referrals and required documentation.
  • Observes and follows required safety protocols, including general safety of employees and patients.
  • Assign the appropriate sized caseload to meet productivity expectations
  • Attending outpatient staff meetings for agency communication, clinical consultation and training
  • Coordinating the provision of clinical services for patients with other programs and/or medical services, including attending daily huddles, staff meeting, being on Open Access, brief crisis interventions and consultation.
  • Responsible for the clinical supervision of all Mental Health and CD Professionals working at The NATIVE Project.
  • Being on periodic after-hours call.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned.
SKILLS:

Excellent customer service, oral and written communications skills required. Compassion for patients required. Work well in team environment. Ability to multi-task in fast-paced work environment, with ability to anticipate future needs. Basic computer skills required. Behavioral health terminology and accurate spelling ability required. CPR/AED certified.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Valid Washington State LMHC or LICSW license required.
  • Valid Washington State SUDP/CDP license required.
  • License must be active and in good standing, with no disciplinary action.
  • Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Services, Counseling, or a related field.
  • Minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
  • Experience providing mental health and substance use counseling to adults, adolescents, and children.
  • Strong knowledge of DSM, ASAM Levels of Care, evidence-based practices, recovery-based care, and patient outcomes.
  • Strong understanding of multicultural communities, Indian Country, Native culture, diverse populations, social service systems, and community resources.
  • Mental Health Specialist designation preferred, such as ethnic minority specialist, geriatric specialist, or child mental health specialist.
  • Proficient with electronic medical records, Microsoft Office, and general office equipment.
  • Strong communication, documentation, organization, proofreading, and time management skills.
  • Ability to lead teams, work collaboratively, manage conflict, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to travel locally and attend required trainings.
  • Ability to sit for extended periods, manage stress, and occasionally lift 25-30 pounds.
  • Demonstrates Sacred Hospitality when serving patients, staff, and community members.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The NATIVE Project is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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