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Behavioral Health Director Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

Behavioral Health Specialist Needed Full-time, IMT Position Program/Department Description: Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) is an innovative, creative, trauma-informed mobile practice model designed ...

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Behavioral Health Director information

See Ridgewood, NJ salary details

$46K

$116.9K

$199.3K

How much do behavioral health director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health director in Ridgewood, NJ is $116,881.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $128,500.00 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 Ridgewood, NJ?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:

What cities near Ridgewood, NJ are hiring for Behavioral Health Director jobs?

Cities near Ridgewood, NJ with the most Behavioral Health Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Director job openings in Ridgewood, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,881 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Behavioral Health Medical Director

CareSource

Bronx, NY • On-site

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


CareSource rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

205th of 311 rated insurance


Job description

Job Summary:
The Behavioral Health Medical Director provides clinical oversight for behavioral health services across ElderServe Health. Serves as the clinical authority for behavioral health programs, medical management activities, utilization review, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical policy development. Partners with interdisciplinary teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health care while supporting regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and improved health outcomes. Provides expert clinical consultation and medical judgment to support organizational decision-making and the ongoing advancement of behavioral health services.
Essential Functions:
  • Provides clinical leadership and oversight for behavioral health services to ensure delivery of evidence-based, high-quality care consistent with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Serves as the behavioral health clinical subject matter expert and provides medical consultation on psychiatric care, substance use disorder treatment, and behavioral health best practices.
  • Reviews complex behavioral health cases and provides medical judgment regarding treatment appropriateness, medical necessity, care planning, and clinical outcomes.
  • Participates in BH utilization management activities including prior authorization reviews, peer-to-peer consultations, appeals, grievances, and other clinical review processes.
  • Leads the development, implementation, interpretation, and ongoing evaluation of behavioral health clinical policies, practice guidelines, and medical management criteria.
  • Partners with clinical and operational leaders to identify opportunities to improve behavioral health quality, access, member experience, and health outcomes.
  • Evaluates behavioral health utilization, quality, and clinical performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to promote coordination between behavioral health, physical health, pharmacy, and care management services to support whole-person care.
  • Participates in credentialing, recredentialing, peer review, and provider quality oversight activities to support clinical excellence and regulatory compliance.
  • Serves on and provides clinical leadership to committees, workgroups, and governance forums focused on quality, utilization management, patient safety, and behavioral health program effectiveness.
  • Provides clinical consultation and recommendations to organizational leadership regarding behavioral health strategy, regulatory requirements, and program development initiatives.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, accreditation standards, contractual obligations, and organizational policies pertaining to behavioral health services.
  • Represents ESH in interactions with providers, regulatory agencies, community organizations, and external stakeholders on behavioral health clinical matters.
  • Perform any other job related duties as requested.

Education and Experience:
  • Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) required
  • Five (5) years of clinical practice experience in behavioral health, psychiatry, managed care, or a related healthcare setting required
  • Three (3) years of leadership experience involving clinical program oversight, medical management, or quality improvement activities required
  • Experience in Medicaid, Medicare, managed care, or health plan environments preferred
  • Experience with utilization management, quality management, and population health initiatives preferred
Competencies, Knowledge and Skills:
  • Ability to align clinical strategies with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
  • Skill in evaluating complex clinical issues and applying sound medical judgment
  • Knowledge of psychiatry, substance use disorders, integrated care models, and evidence-based behavioral health practices
  • Ability to analyze clinical and operational data to improve quality, outcomes, and performance
  • Skill in developing effective partnerships and influencing stakeholders across all organizational levels
  • Ability to communicate complex clinical information clearly to diverse audiences
  • Skill in facilitating collaboration, consensus-building, and informed decision-making
  • Ability to identify and implement innovative solutions and process improvements
  • Knowledge of healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and contractual requirements
  • Ability to remain current on emerging behavioral health trends, practices, and regulatory changes
Licensure and Certification:
  • Current unrestricted license to practice medicine in state of New York required
  • Board Certification in Psychiatry, preferably in Addiction Psychiatry or Addiction Medicine, required
Working Conditions:
  • General office environment; may be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time
  • Travel is not typically required

Compensation Range:
$195,200.00 - $341,600.00
CareSource takes into consideration a combination of a candidate's education, training, and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required for the role, and other external and internal data when establishing a salary level. In addition to base compensation, you may qualify for a bonus tied to company and individual performance. We are highly invested in every employee's total well-being and offer a substantial and comprehensive total rewards package.
Compensation Type (hourly/salary):
Salary
Organization Level Competencies
  • Fostering a Collaborative Workplace Culture
  • Cultivate Partnerships
  • Develop Self and Others
  • Drive Execution
  • Influence Others
  • Pursue Personal Excellence
  • Understand the Business

This job description is not all inclusive. CareSource reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. CareSource is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of belonging that welcomes and supports individuals of all backgrounds.
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Brand=ElderServe

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