Director of Admissions

Alter Behavioral Health is an adult mental health treatment provider with a network of upscale inpatient residential facilities in Orange County and San Diego. Our mission is to advance the future of mental healthcare through innovative, evidence-based treatments, delivering excellence, fostering human connection with unwavering compassion that empowers every individual to thrive.

Lead with Purpose. Shape the First Step in Recovery.

At Alter Behavioral Health, every interaction matters - especially the first one. As the Director of Admissions, you lead the team responsible for guiding clients and families at the most critical entry point in their mental health journey.

• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM on-call support as needed
• Competitive Compensation: $100,000 – $130,000/year (DOE) bonus opportunity
• Location: Orange County, CA (supporting multiple residential facilities)
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution | Paid life insurance | 401(k) with employer match up to 6% | PTO & CA Paid Sick Leave | Gym membership/wellness reimbursement (up to $50/month) | Ongoing leadership development opportunities

This role goes beyond operations — it’s about combining strategy, leadership, and compassion to create a seamless, ethical, and supportive admissions experience.

What You’ll Do

Admissions Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and supervise Admissions Coordinators managing client intake and admissions processes
• Ensure all interactions reflect compassion, professionalism, and ethical standards
• Collaborate with Clinical Directors to ensure appropriate placement and continuity of care
• Refine workflows and processes to improve efficiency and client experience

Operations & Data Management

• Oversee admissions operations and call center performance
• Track and analyze key performance metrics and referral data
• Develop departmental goals, KPIs, and performance benchmarks
• Partner with operations leadership to improve cross-department coordination

Financial Oversight & Insurance Coordination

• Oversee insurance verification and authorization processes
• Partner with billing teams to support clean claims and resolve financial issues
• Forecast revenue based on reimbursement trends and payer mix
• Ensure department operates within budget and identifies cost efficiencies

Marketing & Relationship Management

• Collaborate with marketing teams to support admissions growth strategies
• Strengthen relationships with referral sources and community partners
• Ensure consistent communication and alignment between admissions and marketing
• Support outreach efforts to expand referral networks

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing admissions team
• Set performance expectations and provide ongoing feedback and development
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and departmental coverage needs
• Act as liaison between executive leadership and admissions team

What We’re Looking For

• Strong, compassionate leader with experience in behavioral health admissions
• Skilled in balancing client care, business objectives, and ethical decision-making
• Data-driven and operationally focused with strong problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, high-impact environment
• Collaborative leader who builds strong cross-functional relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in residential treatment or higher levels of care
• Familiarity with EMR systems and admissions platforms
• Experience managing call center operations or intake teams
• Strong understanding of payer sources and reimbursement models
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Psychology, or related field preferred

Minimum Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of admissions experience in behavioral health, mental health, or SUD settings
• At least three (3) years of leadership experience in a healthcare environment
• Strong knowledge of admissions processes, out-of-network payers, insurance verification, and client intake workflows

Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License required
• CPR & First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain prior to start)
• Must pass Live Scan fingerprint clearance
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer
• Occasional travel between facilities as needed
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and systems

Compliance

Employment is contingent upon:

• Successful Live Scan clearance
• Completion of required background screening and employment verification
• Compliance with DHCS, DSS, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and applicable California employment laws

DISCLAIMER – This posting provides a general overview of the Director of Admissions role at Alter Behavioral Health. It is not a complete or exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or conditions of employment. Specific job functions and expectations may be modified at the discretion of the company in accordance with business needs. Alter Behavioral Health complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the California Labor Code, Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Wage Order 5, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and all laws relating to non-discrimination, equal opportunity employment, disability accommodation, and workplace safety.

Salary : $100,000 - $130,000