Behavioral Health Manager

JOB SUMMARY(overview of job):
Under the supervision of Chief Nursing Officer, the Behavioral Health Unit Manager shares responsibility for the overall operations, coordination of patient flow and services delivered to patients in the Behavioral Health Unit. The Unit Manager is an administrative leader who is responsible for overseeing and working collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to support the organizational and departmental mission, vision, values and goals.

The Unit Manager is responsible for all aspects of staff management, departmental management and for creating a professional and supportive practice environment. The Unit Manager works to model patient safety, patient advocacy, teamwork, respect and efficiency. The Unit Manager will create and sustain a valued, cohesive, collaborative, and consistently engaged team. The Unit Manager is provided innovative and progressive mental health services both inpatient and with a community based approach.

The Unit Manager will optimize operations, quality, and fiscal department accountability and will effectively lead patient, guest, and community experiences and outcomes. The Unit Manager will work with the CNO and the Behavioral Health Psychosocial Services Supervisor to support the organization’s strategic plan through business planning, and resource management decisions. Included in these responsibilities are:
1) the development and maintenance of a high-quality treatment program;
2) strategic planning;
3) budget preparation;
4) performance reviews;
5) quality improvement programs;
6) Professional developmental programs for staff; and
7) preparation and maintenance of regulatory and accreditation requirements. This position will provide direct supervision to clinical and administrative staff; and perform in an advisory capacity to staff supporting the Behavioral Health Unit. This position develops, implements and updates all policies and procedures for the program. The Unit Manager, in coordination with the hospital, ensures the program meets and maintains all federal, state, local and accrediting bodies’ regulations and standards.

The Unit Manager defines the philosophy, goals and objectives of the treatment program in conjunction with the Medical Director.

Necessary DIRECTOR skills and Aptitudes :

Exhibits a positive attitude and empathy towards others.

Ability to be flexible and adapt to multiple and changing priorities.

Effective interpersonal skills.

Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

A bility to manage conflict ensuring everyone is heard and respected while negotiating a mutually beneficial solution.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and promote trust.

Willingness to serve key constituents, including patients, coworkers, peers, other leaders, and physicians.

Open to customer feedback and acknowledgement of mistakes. Ability to collaborate within department and with other departments.

Ability to problem solve, be creative, and think “outside of the box.”

Values integrity above all else, communicates ideas openly and directly, and welcomes openness and honesty from others.

Follows through to foster the growth and development of staff and self.

Ability to provide clear feedback, coach, mentor, lead, and provide positive reinforcement.

Ability to inspire, motivate, and build a strong team.

Ability to obtain and maintain regulatory compliance and quality.

Ability to be a change agent through process improvement, innovation, staying current with healthcare practices, and just culture.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:
Minimum 5 years of management/leadership experience in Behavioral Health setting is required. Demonstrates progressive leadership abilities through team building, mentoring and coaching. Experience with EPIC preferred.

EDUCATION: BSN Required. Post Graduate Degree preferred.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: BLS required. SECURE certification or equivalent required. Mental Health First Aid certification required. RN Licensure in state of Montana required.

Aptitudes :
Ability to achieve cognitive, organization and emotional maturity to deal effectively with multiple tasks, stresses, deadlines, difficult situations and/or customers. Possesses interpersonal/communication skills necessary for effective, non-judgmental, and empathetic patient care and customer relations. Open to feedback and open to a changing environment, which requires flexibility in scheduling and department assignments. Proficiency in applicable software applications, including Microsoft Office. Displays above average organizational skills.

• Job Identification 23744
• Job Category Leadership
• Posting Date 01/30/2026, 06:10 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations St. Peter's Hospital, Helena, MT, 59601, US