Behavioral Health Manager Jobs for OPT Students

INTRODUCTION

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role, Behavioral Health Manager. Grounded in the organization's Core Values—Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration, Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence, Expertise, Advocacy, and Learning—the Operations Manager of Community Living is accountable for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of all residential programs within the organization. This position ensures that each residential site operates with the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, while maintaining fidelity to the organization’s mission and values. The Operations Manager is directly responsible for operational oversight, staff performance, fiscal management, and the consistent delivery of person-centered supports. This role demands a strong balance of strategic leadership and hands-on management to ensure that individuals served experience safety, dignity, and meaningful community engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, Oversight, and Accountability

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to all Community Living programs, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, person-centered services.
• Oversee day-to-day operations including staffing, scheduling, and program management to ensure efficiency, compliance, and fiscal responsibility.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics to ensure accountability at every level of program operations.
• Conduct regular program audits, site visits, and documentation reviews to ensure compliance with agency policy, Department of Mental Health (DMH) regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Manage investigations, grievances, and incident follow-up with professionalism, timeliness, and transparency.

Program Quality and Compliance

• Ensure all programs meet or exceed internal quality benchmarks and state/federal requirements.
• Lead the development and implementation of quality improvement plans based on data trends, feedback, and performance metrics.
• Maintain a strong understanding of regulatory updates and proactively adjust policies and procedures accordingly.
• Serve as a key liaison during licensing reviews, audits, and external inspections.

Operational Excellence and Resource Management

• Manage program budgets, monitor expenses, and ensure sound financial stewardship across all sites.
• Implement standardized operational systems and processes to enhance efficiency and consistency.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring safety, continuity, and responsiveness in all programs.
• Participate in on-call rotation and provide crisis response leadership when needed.

Collaboration, Advocacy, and Communication

• Partner with organizational leadership, Human Resources, Clinical Services, and other departments to ensure coordinated and effective service delivery.
• Engage families, guardians, and external stakeholders to promote transparency, trust, and collaboration.
• Advocate for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of individuals served through active participation in community and organizational initiatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work performed primarily within residential and office environments with periodic travel to program sites.
• May involve exposure to individuals exhibiting challenging behaviors or emotional distress.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Healthcare Administration, or related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive management and supervisory experience.
• At least two (2) years of experience in quality assurance, compliance, or operations within a residential, healthcare, or human services setting preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs strongly preferred.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated leadership and team development expertise with a focus on accountability and performance outcomes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with diverse audiences.
• Proven capacity for crisis management, de-escalation, and complex problem-solving.
• Competence in managing budgets, staffing models, and operational systems.
• Professional demeanor with empathy, discretion, and cultural humility.
• Requires physical ability to implement Professional Crisis Management (PCM) techniques as trained.
• Occasional exposure to moderate noise levels and emotionally charged situations.