A person earning a degree in healthcare administration, behavioral health sciences or a related field of expertise may want to know, “What is a behavioral health director?” This is important knowledge for a person who has a goal of working their way up into a management position once they have gained some experience in the area of behavioral health. Knowing what a behavioral health director is and what they do could facilitate the selection of a college major or graduate program.
Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services
The director of behavioral health centers typically functions as a coordinator of all of the services provided at the facility. They may set the procedures and policies around intakes, inpatient care, outpatient care, discharge and follow-up services. They may also coordinate what takes place during an inpatient stay, such as coordinating with primary care and specialist physicians, obtaining past medical records from other healthcare providers and coordinating with social services so that the person is prepared for discharge.
Manager of Behavioral Health Providers
A behavioral health director also functions as the manager of all of the providers of behavioral health services. For example, psychologists and psychiatrists working in a behavioral health center typically report to the director. The nurses, counselors, therapists, activity coordinators and patient care associates also report in a chain of command to the center’s director. As the manager, the person may be responsible for the hiring, discipline and dismissal of staff members. In some behavioral health centers, this is done through the human resources department or as a part of a management team with managers from other sections of the facility.
Organizer of Behavioral Health Policies and Procedures
Behavioral health directors are organizers of the policies and procedures for the facility. These may be determined or passed by the facility’s CEO or board of directors. For example, if the behavioral health center is part of a large hospital system, the behavioral health director may be responsible for writing the draft policy and procedure list, which will then be shared with the board of directors and CEO or president of the organization. Behavioral health directors also write the employee rules and handbook that governs expectations for staff behavior, actions and duties. They may also organize the response or actions that take lace when new laws, rules or guidelines around behavioral health are passed by federal or state governments or other authorities.
Administrator of Budgets
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a behavioral health director is also an administrator of budgets. They have to put together a budget for the whole facility, clinic or department. This includes budgeting for personnel, training, supplies, equipment repairs, marketing, operating expenses and advertising. In addition to administering budgets, a director of behavioral health also functions as an administrator of scheduling and departmental records.
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Understanding what a behavioral health director is makes it easier for a person to choose a career path. This knowledge gives a person time to decide whether or not they want to attain the advanced education and earn the right work experience in order to become a director of a behavioral health center. Familiarity with the answer to, “What is a behavioral health director?” makes it easier for a person to plan for their future.