Program Director INpt Behavioral Health

Program Director Of Inpatient Behavioral Health

Note : The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees. Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum $96,137.00 - $110,510.00 - $130,728.00.

The Program Director of Inpatient Behavioral Health is responsible for overseeing the quality, appropriateness, and delivery of social services within the Adult Psychiatric Treatment Unit (APTU). Reporting to the Program Director of Patient Care Services, this role ensures services align with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.

The Program Director monitors and evaluates the quality and appropriateness of social services furnished. The services must be furnished in accordance with accepted standards of practice and established policies and procedures. Social service staff responsibilities must include, but are not limited to, participating in discharge planning, arranging for follow-up care, and developing mechanisms for exchange of appropriate information with sources outside the hospital.

The Program Director leads a multidisciplinary team of LMHCs, LCSWs, LICSWs, and HROs (Human Rights Officer), and collaborates closely with the APTU Nurse Manager to drive clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial performance. This role also supports discharge planning, utilization review, group therapy compliance, and coordination of follow-up care.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Leadership & Quality Outcomes
• Serve as a clinical resource and role model for trauma-informed, patient-centered, recovery-focused care.
• Collaborate with the Nurse Manager to develop and implement quality-driven, cost-effective initiatives.
• Lead performance improvement efforts and ensure compliance with state, federal, and local mental health regulations.
• Human Resources & Staff Development
• Foster a positive, inclusive work environment that promotes staff engagement and professional growth.
• Provide clinical supervision to master's-level staff and support licensure eligibility.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, performance evaluations, and corrective actions.
• Partner with the Behavioral Health Nurse Educator to develop training and staff meeting agendas.
• Patient Care Environment
• Coordinate multidisciplinary discharge planning and ensure smooth transitions of care.
• Collaborate with Risk Management and Quality teams to address compliance and regulatory concerns.
• Develop educational programming to support patient safety and clinical outcomes.
• Financial Stewardship
• Collaborate with the Medical Program Director and Nurse Manager to develop budgets and business plans.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure timely insurance authorizations and reviews.
• Promote cost-effective care delivery while maintaining high standards of service.
• Operational Planning & Compliance
• Lead strategic planning and implement best practices to enhance patient care and team performance.
• Maintain program statistics, performance indicators, and clinical documentation in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Ensure optimal use of the electronic medical record system and promote documentation excellence.
• External Relations & Collaboration
• Build and maintain relationships with external agencies, professional organizations, and academic institutions.
• Coordinate with community resources to support post-discharge care and information exchange.
• Participate in hospital-wide and system-wide behavioral health initiatives as assigned.
• Other Duties
• Adhere to all compliance policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Required Education

Master's Degree in a Social Work

Required Experience

A current, unencumbered license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is required. Minimum of 3 years in hospital-based, multi-disciplinary mental health setting; 1 year of supervisory experience

Preferred Experience

3 years of management experience

Skills / Competencies

Individual, group, and family therapy with individuals experiencing acute psychiatric disorders; ability to provide clinical supervision; ability to work in a team-oriented multidisciplinary arena recognizing the importance of promoting optimum team coordination and functioning. The clear understanding of insurance and utilization practices and discharge planning.

Education :

Master of Social Work (Required)

Certifications :

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Other

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.