Behavioral Health Manager Jobs in Kentucky
Behavioral Health Manager jobs in Kentucky are in steady demand, concentrated in community mental health centers, hospital-based behavioral health units, substance use treatment programs, and state-contracted social services agencies. Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green are the primary hiring markets, with established employers such as Baptist Health, University of Kentucky HealthCare, and Seven Counties Services maintaining consistent openings. The most sought-after specialties in Kentucky are substance use disorder program management, crisis services leadership, and integrated care coordination. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Summary: Provides structured, goal-oriented, evidence-based therapy for children and families on identified caseloads. Provides comprehensive clinical assessments to include, comprehensive psychosocial and individualized treatment plan. Completes all documentation that supports the provision and progression of therapy services, to include compliance with documentation expectations for the purpose of financial billing.
Essential Functions:
- Provides behavioral health therapy services to clients on caseload in individual, family or group format.
- Provides clinical feedback and modeling to treatment team members through leading treatment and program meetings and in informal consultation.
- Prepares a detailed comprehensive diagnostic assessment of each child referred in a timely fashion.
- Is responsible for the development of a comprehensive Individual Treatment Plan, as well as subsequent revisions of the ITP, by leading a collaborative treatment team meeting focused on identifying client goals/objectives and assessing progress on goals.
- Identifies and helps coordinate community resources for children and families. If opportunity arises, will participate in professional or community child advocacy setting.
- Remains informed of current clinical research and treatment approaches and adjusts his/her practice accordingly.
- Leads treatment team meetings and case conferences/staffing’s, as appropriate, to facilitate treatment planning for identified clients.
- Maintains certification/licensing continuing education requirements and renewals in timely manner.
- Offers training to families on issues related to behavioral/emotional difficulties, therapy interventions, de-escalation, and other topics as identified.
- Maintains and completes service documentation such as diagnostic assessments, treatment plans, therapy notes, court reports, letters, etc., in accordance with program policies.
- Collaborates with external agents including CHFS, school officials, family members, physicians, health agencies, and other social service agencies.
- Provides clinical support to the program in the absence of the Director of Clinical Services.
- Participates in providing on-call emergency crisis support to clients/families on a rotating basis as assigned.
- Is responsible for obtaining twenty-four (24) clock hours of required staff development/training as set forth by St. Joseph Children’s Home Policy and Procedures, by COA, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Ten hours of which must be completed in adoption services. Must implement and use the tools acquired during education sessions.
Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):
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CULTURAL SENSITIVITY
- Appreciates differences between others in thought as well as style and shows respect for their ideas.
- Demonstrates responsiveness to the racial, ethnic, and cultural needs of individuals while maintaining respect for those differences.
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EMPOWERMENT
- AS APPROPRIATE TO ROLE: Recognizes and works to eliminate situations that may lead to re-traumatization; Understands and allows for mutual self-help to occur among trauma survivors by utilizing their lived experience to promote recovery and healing.
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JOB KNOWLEDGE (Essential Functions)
- Has a clear understanding of the position.
- Demonstrates proficiency in the necessary common and technical knowledge areas required for the position.
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MODELING
- AS APPROPRIATE TO ROLE: Uses appropriate voice, is aware of development levels of clients served, encourages independence and self-help, and reinforces positive behavior.
- For those who provide direct care to clients, has the ability to anticipate problems, redirect behavior using positive practices, handle transitions well and develop goals for observation.
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PEER SUPPORT & COLLABORATION
- Communicates and interacts well with others among teams, across departments, and/or with clients to ensure a respectful, and inclusive service/work environment.
- Encourages and supports skill development of colleagues and/or direct reports, clients and/or families, and external stakeholders.
- Builds/maintains trust and exhibits healthy boundaries with colleagues and/or direct reports, clients and/or families, and external stakeholders.
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PROFESSIONALISM
- Is visible with a positive presence, ethical, and highly professional.
- Expresses accountability for actions.
- Shows respect towards others, serves as an appropriate role model during interactions and while performing job responsibilities, and is responsive to the needs of others.
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QUALITY OF WORK
- Reliably completes work according to organization standards.
- Exhibits strong judgment and problem-solving skills.
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SAFETY
- Creates and maintains a safe, welcoming, physical and service environment.
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TIME MANAGEMENT
- Is consistently at work, on time, and conforms to scheduled work hours.
- Possesses the ability to effectively manage projects, timelines, and team goals without constant oversight.
Education and Experience:
- Master's Degree from an accredited university in a human services field required.
- Must have basic knowledge of psychotherapy, human behavior, treatment modes, community resources and services.
- Must have working knowledge of diagnostic criteria and manuals and community’s mental health system.
- General knowledge of PC with a basic competency in Word, Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Experience working with children, youth and families preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- Must be certified/licensed as a behavioral health professional or a behavioral health professional under supervision.
- Must become certified in CPR, First Aid, and Defensive Driver’s training.
- Valid and current driver’s license with insurable driving record required in order to assist in transporting clients when necessary.
Physical Factors (those checked apply):
x
Sitting at a desk for up to 8 hours
x
Office Environment
Entering data / keystroke
x
Driving
x
Standing for up to 8 hours
x
Reaching above shoulder level
x
Walking
x
Bending
x
Lifting/Carrying 25 max lbs
x
Pushing / Pulling 25 max lbs.
Using feet for repetitive action
Using hands for repetitive action
See All 31 Behavioral Health Manager Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBehavioral Health Manager Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Manager Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health manager jobs across Kentucky.
- Active Kentucky license in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related clinical field
- Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or behavioral health field
- Minimum of three to five years of direct clinical or behavioral health service experience
- Prior supervisory or program management experience in a behavioral health setting
- Familiarity with Kentucky Medicaid requirements and behavioral health billing practices
- Knowledge of accreditation standards such as CARF or The Joint Commission
Behavioral Health Manager Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health manager in Kentucky?
Most behavioral health manager roles in Kentucky require a master's degree in social work, counseling, or psychology along with an active Kentucky clinical license. The Kentucky Board of Social Work, the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, or the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology issues the relevant credentials depending on your discipline. Employers typically expect several years of direct clinical experience before moving into a management role, and credentials such as the Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor designation are commonly required.
Which companies hire behavioral health managers in Kentucky?
Companies currently hiring behavioral health managers in Kentucky include Ephraim McDowell Health, Baptist Health System KY & IN, and CVS Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Kentucky's network of community mental health centers, regional hospital systems, and state-contracted substance use providers rounds out the broader employer landscape.
Which Kentucky cities have the most behavioral health manager jobs?
Louisville, Lexington, and Danville account for the largest share of behavioral health manager openings in Kentucky. Louisville drives the most volume as the state's largest metro, anchored by major hospital systems and a dense network of community behavioral health agencies, while Lexington's university-affiliated medical center and regional treatment providers sustain consistent demand, and Bowling Green's growing healthcare infrastructure supports openings in the south-central part of the state.
Are there remote behavioral health manager jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're relatively limited given that behavioral health management typically involves overseeing clinical teams and on-site program operations. About 60% of behavioral health manager openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with telehealth program coordination and utilization management being the functions most likely to offer remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health manager in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a team lead or senior clinician role at a Kentucky community mental health center before applying for management positions. Employers such as Seven Counties Services, LifeSkills, and Comprehend offer pathways where experienced clinicians take on supervisory responsibilities that build toward management. Holding an active Kentucky clinical license, completing a quality improvement or leadership training through the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, and gaining exposure to Medicaid billing and compliance strengthens a candidate's profile considerably before making the leap.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health manager jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to behavioral health manager jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings. Search the listings for roles that match your experience, credentials, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 31 Behavioral Health Manager Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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