Community & Behavioral Health

Program Directors

Career Progression

Entry Level

Social & Human Services Assistant

Mid Level

Program Director

Senior Level

Pathway Category

Mid-Level: These positions are the best entry points for someone with little experience or education, as they typically require only a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) or a technical certification/ training and little to no prior related work experience. Many workers enter this industry through the Direct Patient and Therapeutic Care families. Although these careers start with lower wages, they are often a great starting point with huge potential for promotion and advancement with hard work, dedication, and planning.

What does a person in this career do?

As a program director you remove barriers! People come to you with problems or concerns and you help put together a plan to help directly or connect them with the right people, services, and other community resources to get things done. Your patience, empathy, and passion for helping others makes your community a better place to live.

Occupations in the Community & Behavioral Health family specialize in mental health care, rehabilitation services, and overall social or public wellness. They strive to improve not only physical health, but also the hearts, spirits, and minds of those in their communities through a wide range of social and human services, often focusing on strategies for counseling, treatment, and preventative care maintenance.

While much of the work in these occupations is conducted directly with patients within a community, a large portion of time is often also spent organizing events or sessions, collaborating with other public and private support agencies, advocating for patient rights and access, and educating members of the community about available goods, services, and assistance programs.

These occupations are good for someone who enjoys helping others, is comfortable around a wide range of people, and wants to make a positive impact on their community. Patience, empathy, and communication skills are very important in these occupations, some of which may also involve travel and working outside.

Description of duties

Plan, direct, and coordinate the overall management of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee budgets and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits or impact on a community, ensuring compliance with all appropriate compliance and regulatory rules, regulations, and laws. Assist with the hiring, firing, and training of new or current staff.

Quick Facts

Wage/Salary Range

Education & Training

Typical Work Environments

Personality Traits

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Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Community and Social Services
  • Management and Leadership
  • Personnel and Human Resources
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Active Listening and Communication
  • Government and Regulatory Law

Other Job Titles

  • Social and Community Services Manager
  • Social Services Director
  • Clinical Services Director
  • Director of Social Services
  • Community Programs Director
  • Community Outreach Program Director