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Mental health program manager vs assistant program director

The differences between mental health program managers and assistant program directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a mental health program manager and an assistant program director. Additionally, a mental health program manager has an average salary of $74,778, which is higher than the $51,138 average annual salary of an assistant program director.

The top three skills for a mental health program manager include social work, behavioral health and mental health. The most important skills for an assistant program director are mental health, oversight, and social work.

Mental health program manager vs assistant program director overview

Mental Health Program ManagerAssistant Program Director
Yearly salary$74,778$51,138
Hourly rate$35.95$24.59
Growth rate28%8%
Number of jobs136,59877,761
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4740
Years of experience66

What does a mental health program manager do?

A mental health program manager is in charge of creating and overseeing mental health programs in their organization. They are tasked with following up with patients, designing programs, monitoring program progress, working with other health professionals to ensure patient concerns are addressed, and meeting with patients' families to offer emotional and logistical support. They need to develop strict guidelines to help with mental health, develop policies with other company leaders to ensure patient needs are met, and manage the databases and patient charts.

What does an assistant program director do?

An assistant program director is responsible for assisting the program director in organizing events and outreach services to support the organization's business functions and operations. Assistant program directors coordinate with other institutions, suppliers, and third-party vendors to deliver the program goals and objectives successfully. They also perform administrative and clerical duties as needed, delegating tasks, and ensuring that the program stays within the budget goals. An assistant program director must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on allocating resources and creating reports regarding the project's progress.

Mental health program manager vs assistant program director salary

Mental health program managers and assistant program directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Mental Health Program ManagerAssistant Program Director
Average salary$74,778$51,138
Salary rangeBetween $50,000 And $111,000Between $28,000 And $93,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyFraser LtdSoutheastern Lifestyle Fitness Center Lumberton
Best paying industryNon ProfitsEducation

Differences between mental health program manager and assistant program director education

There are a few differences between a mental health program manager and an assistant program director in terms of educational background:

Mental Health Program ManagerAssistant Program Director
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborNorthwestern University

Mental health program manager vs assistant program director demographics

Here are the differences between mental health program managers' and assistant program directors' demographics:

Mental Health Program ManagerAssistant Program Director
Average age4740
Gender ratioMale, 28.6% Female, 71.4%Male, 41.3% Female, 58.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 7.6% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 6.4% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage12%14%

Differences between mental health program manager and assistant program director duties and responsibilities

Mental health program manager example responsibilities.

  • Conduct daily clinical documentation audits, manage consumer financial accounts, provide oversight and approval for all treatment and discharge planning.
  • Conduct billing and coding through agency reimbursement funding through Medicaid.
  • Develop and maintain close liaison with local providers and drug rehabilitation facilities.
  • Chair and direct interdisciplinary teams in the development and evaluation of individualize habilitation, rehabilitation and treatment plans.
  • Coordinate and provide qualitative and quantitative review of all documentation to insure billing accuracy for Medicaid compliance and federal guidelines.
  • Implement process improvements and Medicare department reorganization that establish a foundation for improve member outcomes and satisfaction and increase product margins.
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Assistant program director example responsibilities.

  • Manage direct support professionals serving adult populations for persons with mental health, developmental disabilities and children with autism.
  • Provide direct oversight of all program operations to ensure contract compliance, revenue enhancement, program development and quality assurance.
  • Perform first aid and CPR when necessary
  • Direct training classes for aides to become CPR certify.
  • Organize enrichment programs to service working families including a supplementary kindergarten and after-school care program.
  • Provide quality management oversight, auditing records to ensure regulatory compliance and the provision of quality services.
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Mental health program manager vs assistant program director skills

Common mental health program manager skills
  • Social Work, 20%
  • Behavioral Health, 9%
  • Mental Health, 9%
  • Substance Abuse, 5%
  • Family Therapy, 4%
  • Rehabilitation, 4%
Common assistant program director skills
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Oversight, 8%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • CPR, 7%
  • Professional Development, 5%
  • Alumni, 5%

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