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Behavioral Health Program Director Jobs in Virginia

Description The Program Director serves as the leader at the programs in their scope of oversight ... Responsible for the quality of facility and equipment ensuring all are healthy, safe, attractive ...

Program Director

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Ensure compliance with all state licensing regulations and health and safety standards * Hire ... Maintain a safe, clean, and organized facility Requirements Program Directors must be at least 21 ...

$18.27 - $19/hr

... direct care to individuals served. Duties will include mileiu management for the Crisis ... on program needs. Qualifications (EEO) Skills and Qualifications Ability to speak effectively ...

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Behavioral Health Program Director information

See Virginia salary details

$29.2K

$77.5K

$135.8K

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health program director in Virginia is $77,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $91,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Virginia are hiring for Behavioral Health Program Director jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Program Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,525 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

RN Manager Behavioral Health

Pulaski, VA • On-site

$81K - $122K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Salary Estimate: $81369.60 - $122054.40 / year
Learn more about the benefits offered for this job.

The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range of candidates hired. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, how many years of experience you have and comparison to other employees already in this role. The typical candidate is hired below midpoint of the range.

Are you passionate about the patient experience? At HCA Healthcare, we are committed to caring for patients with purpose and integrity. We care like family! Jump-start your career as a RN Manager Behavioral Health today with LewisGale Hospital Pulaski.

Job Summary and Qualifications

The Manager ensures high quality, patient-centered care through oversight of the overall daily function and staffing of the unit/department. The Manager monitors and evaluates the provision of nursing care in accordance with established policies/procedures and holds staff accountable for quality and clinical outcomes in support of facility objectives.

Position Responsibilities: 

Clear understanding and experiences specifically within behavioral health

Demonstrates knowledge of human growth and development, assessment, range of treatment, and care of patients appropriate to ages of patients served. 

Collaborates with staff, physicians, patients, and families to promote customer satisfaction and service values. 

Assists in daily monitoring of patient care quality. 

Coordinates and provides initial and on-going staff education. 

Assists and coordinates annual competencies. 

Assists with daily operations, including staffing, scheduling, and productivity management, and serves as a back-up for Director of Nursing. 

Follows all hospital and departmental policies and procedures. 

Notifies Director of Nursing of unresolved issues. 

Works closely with Nursing Director and Program Director to assure quality nursing care is consistent with the behavioral health program mission and vision. 

Assess, plans, implements and evaluates all aspects of care provided to patients in behavioral health program. Department Specific: 

Communicates with peers, Program Director, Director of Nursing and COO when needed. 

Shows responsibility in reporting significant events through electronic notification. 

Accepts and supports changes in hospital and departmental policy. 

Competent as appropriate to responsibilities in the knowledge of the prevention of contamination and transfer of infection and safety policies. 

Competent in the effective and safe use of all equipment. 

Performs all other duties as assigned. 

Follows all hospital and departmental policies and procedures. 

Experienced and competent in the care of mentally ill patients utilizing behavioral health clinical skills to educate and guide the behavioral health staff in quality behavioral health care. 

Education & Experience:

Behavioral Health experience is required 

Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date

Registered Nurse

Benefits

LewisGale Hospital Pulaski, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

LewisGale Hospital Pulaski has provided quality healthcare services since 1915. We are located in Pulaski, Virginia. We give patient's access to trained physicians and advanced technology. Our 140+ bed hospital is one of the leading acute care facilities in Southwest Virginia and New River Valley. As a member of the LewisGale Regional Health System network, we provide a full scope of healthcare services. Our hospital is home to the LewisGale Regional Cancer Center Pulaski. The first medical facility in the region to provide a radioactive seed implant procedure which is a radiation therapy alternative for treating breast and prostate cancer. Our accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer comes with many commendations for our program of service and patient care. We specialize in orthopedics and are an accredited chest pain center.

At LewisGale Hospital Pulaski, our care like family culture extends to our patients, our people and our community. We are committed to each other because when we join together, our patients are cared for in the safest and most compassionate way.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.

LewisGale Hospital Pulaski has provided quality healthcare services since 1915, giving patient's access to highly-trained physicians and advanced technology. Our 140+ bed hospital is one of the leading acute care facilities in Southwest Virginia and New River Valley. As a member of the LewisGale Regional Health System network, we provide a full scope of healthcare services from our facilities located in Pulaski, Virginia. Our hospital is also home to the LewisGale Regional Cancer Center Pulaski – the first medical facility in the region to provide a radioactive seed implant procedure -- a radiation therapy alternative for treating breast and prostate cancer. Our accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer comes with numerous commendations for our program of service and patient care. We also specialize in orthopedics and are an accredited chest pain center.

At LewisGale Hospital Pulaski, our care like family culture extends to our patients, our people and our community. We are committed to each other because when we join together, our patients are cared for in the safest and most compassionate way.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.


"The great hospitals will always put the patient and the patient's family first, and the really great institutions will provide care with warmth, compassion, and dignity for the individual."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our RN Manager Behavioral Health opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.