Assistant Director, Behavioral Health Program

The Assistant Director plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of an outpatient behavioral health program. This position provides administrative and operational leadership, oversees admissions and referral processes, supports staff and program initiatives, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality patient care and efficient program operations.

Essential Functions

• Provide operational and administrative leadership in partnership with program leadership.
• Oversee admissions, intake, registration, eligibility verification, insurance authorization, and referral processes.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for patients, families, referral sources, and community partners.
• Review admission inquiries and determine appropriateness for program services.
• Communicate patient and program information to clinicians, managers, and interdisciplinary team members as appropriate.
• Maintain and cultivate referral relationships with healthcare providers, educational consultants, community agencies, residential programs, and other referral sources.
• Coordinate patient registration, documentation, medical records, releases of information, and electronic health record maintenance.
• Monitor census, enrollment, admissions timelines, and program utilization metrics.
• Assist with billing processes, claim resolution, invoicing, and collection efforts.
• Prepare reports, track program data, and support quality improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate meetings, maintain records, prepare meeting materials, and document minutes.
• Manage payroll administration and verify staff time records.
• Procure supplies, equipment, and materials needed for program operations.
• Serve as a liaison with external vendors, service providers, and facility partners.
• Respond professionally to patient, family, and customer concerns and assist with issue resolution.
• Support staff communication, collaboration, and adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, accreditation, and privacy requirements.
• Foster a safe, professional, and patient-centered environment.
• Participate in staff meetings, training programs, and ongoing professional development.
• Collaborate with physicians, clinicians, and interdisciplinary team members to support continuity of care.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of healthcare, behavioral health, or program administration experience.
• Prior supervisory, leadership, admissions, or operations experience preferred.

Skills

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of healthcare insurance verification, authorizations, and admissions processes.
• Experience with electronic health records and healthcare databases.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related business applications.