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Behavioral Health Program Director Jobs in California

Clarvida - California

Program Director

Tustin, CA · On-site

$105K/yr

As a Program Director, you will lead teams, manage program performance, ensure compliance, and ... Proven experience in behavioral health programs, with management or administrative leadership

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Behavioral Health Program Director information

What does a behavioral health program director do?

A Behavioral Health Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and management of behavioral health programs within an organization. They are responsible for supervising staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, developing program policies, and managing budgets. Directors also evaluate program effectiveness, coordinate with other healthcare professionals, and work to improve patient outcomes. Their role is essential in ensuring high-quality mental health and substance abuse services are delivered to clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health program director?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Program Director, you need a strong background in mental health services, program management, and typically a master's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, regulatory compliance standards, and crisis intervention protocols is essential. Leadership, strong communication, and problem-solving skills set outstanding directors apart, enabling them to motivate teams and manage complex situations. These skills ensure effective program oversight, quality patient care, and compliance with healthcare standards.

What are some of the main challenges faced by behavioral health program directors, and how can applicants prepare to address them?

Behavioral Health Program Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with clinical oversight, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, they must address staff burnout and adapt to changes in funding or policy. Applicants can prepare by developing strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as staying informed about industry standards and best practices to foster a supportive and effective program environment.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Program Director vs Behavioral Health Clinician?

AspectBehavioral Health Program DirectorBehavioral Health Clinician
CredentialsMaster's degree in psychology, social work, or related field; licensure often requiredMaster's or Bachelor's degree in relevant field; licensure or certification may be required
Work EnvironmentAdministrative settings, overseeing programs, managing staffDirect patient care in clinics, hospitals, or community settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, mental health agencies, community health organizationsClinics, outpatient centers, hospitals, private practices

The Behavioral Health Program Director focuses on managing and overseeing mental health programs and staff, requiring strong leadership and administrative skills. In contrast, the Behavioral Health Clinician provides direct patient care, applying clinical skills to treat individuals. Both roles are essential in mental health services but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What cities in California are hiring for Behavioral Health Program Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Behavioral Health Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Program Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Program Director

San Martin, CA • On-site

Embark Behavioral Health
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Embark Behavioral Healthexternal

$70K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Embark Behavioral Health rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
Salary Range: $70,000 - $76,000 annually (DOE)
Schedule: Monday - Friday l 9:00am - 5:00pm l On-call rotation
Location: 1470 E. Middle Ave, San Martin, CA 95046 (On-site)
Join a short-term residential behavioral health program serving adolescents ages 12-17 experiencing anxiety, depression, school refusal, substance use challenges, suicidal ideation, and other mental health concerns. As the Assistant Program Director, you will provide day-to-day leadership for residential operations, supervise staff, support program quality, and help ensure a safe, structured environment for youth in treatment. This is an opportunity for an experienced behavioral health leader to make a direct impact on adolescent care while partnering closely with clinical, medical, academic, and admissions teams.
Responsibilities
  • Lead daily residential operations for a short-term adolescent behavioral health treatment program in San Martin, CA.
  • Supervise Facility Managers and support, coach, and develop direct care staff.
  • Help maintain a safe, structured therapeutic environment for youth ages 12-17.
  • Partner with leadership, clinical, medical, academic, and admissions teams to coordinate care and support program success.
  • Assist with hiring, onboarding, staff training, scheduling, and performance management.
  • Support treatment planning, crisis response, quality improvement initiatives, and program development efforts.
  • Monitor documentation, program outcomes, compliance requirements, and residential services to ensure consistent care delivery.

Qualifications
  • At least 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience, preferably in behavioral health, residential treatment, youth services, or a related setting.
  • Experience working with adolescents facing mental health and behavioral health challenges.
  • Current or ability to obtain First Aid, CPR/AED, and Safety-Care training.
  • Valid California driver's license (or ability to obtain).
  • Must be 21 years of age or older.
  • High school diploma or GED required; additional behavioral health, human services, psychology, social work, or related experience strongly preferred.

Benefits
  • Paid Continued Development: Access to a Mastery Program that offers professional and financial opportunities for professional growth.
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
  • Paid Parental Leave - Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
  • Life & Disability Coverage - Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
  • 401(k) with Company Match - Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
  • PTO & Holidays - Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for life's challenges.

Embark is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience we offer through the diversity of our employees and community. We actively seek to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who contribute to our excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society.
Embark does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

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