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Behavioral Health Entry Level Jobs in Connecticut

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Behavioral Health Entry Level information

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$12

$21

$34

How much do behavioral health entry level jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health entry level in Connecticut is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $26.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health entry level job?

Behavioral health entry level jobs are positions that provide support to individuals with mental health or substance use challenges, typically under the supervision of licensed professionals. Examples include behavioral health technicians, mental health aides, peer support specialists, and case management assistants. These roles often involve monitoring clients, assisting with daily activities, documenting progress, and supporting treatment plans. Entry requirements vary, but many positions require a high school diploma or associate degree, along with strong communication and empathy skills. These jobs offer valuable experience for those interested in pursuing advanced behavioral health careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health entry level professional?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Entry Level professional, you need foundational knowledge in psychology or social work, typically supported by a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree and sometimes a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and behavioral assessment tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and emotional resilience help you support clients and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for providing effective client care, maintaining accurate documentation, and fostering a supportive therapeutic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by behavioral health entry level professionals, and how can they be managed?

Behavioral Health Entry Level professionals often encounter challenges such as managing emotionally intense situations, adapting to varied client needs, and maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients. It’s common to feel overwhelmed at first, but seeking regular supervision, participating in team debriefings, and utilizing institutional support resources can help. Building resilience through self-care and ongoing training also supports success in this role, while collaboration with more experienced colleagues provides valuable guidance and perspective.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Entry Level vs Behavioral Health Technician?

AspectBehavioral Health Entry LevelBehavioral Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community health centersHospitals, residential facilities, outpatient clinics
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles in mental health and social servicesSupport roles in behavioral health settings
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Behavioral Health Entry Level positions typically require minimal experience and serve as an entry point into mental health careers. Behavioral Health Technicians often work directly with clients, providing support under supervision. Both roles are essential in behavioral health settings, with similar credentials and work environments, but the Technician role may involve more direct client interaction and specific job duties.

How to get into the behavioral health entry level?

To enter a behavioral health entry-level position, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a certification such as CPR or first aid. Relevant skills include strong communication, empathy, and basic knowledge of mental health concepts; some employers may prefer prior volunteer or related experience. Obtaining relevant certifications and demonstrating a compassionate attitude can improve job prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Connecticut?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Connecticut are:

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Behavioral Health Entry Level jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Behavioral Health Entry Level job openings:

Behavioral Health Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Entry Level job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,128 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Patient Care Technician (PCT) - ED Behavioral Health

Hartford HealthCare at Home

Norwich, CT • On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Work where every moment matters.
Every day, more than 40,000 Hartford HealthCare colleagues come to work with one thing in common: Pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut's most comprehensive healthcare network.
Join us at Backus Hospital as we live our values every day. As part of Hartford HealthCare we create a better future for healthcare in Connecticut and beyond. By embodying these values we have become nationally respected for patient care and most trusted for personalized coordinated care.
Job Summary:
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the Behavioral Health Emergency Department plays a vital role in supporting patients experiencing acute psychiatric or behavioral health crises. Working in a fast-paced, team-driven environment, the PCT provides direct patient care, assists with clinical tasks, and supports the interdisciplinary team in ensuring a safe, therapeutic, and compassionate care experience. The role requires strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to engage patients of all ages in crisis. This entry level position performs in a high activity work environment with multiple priorities and necessitates flexibility in scheduling.
Key Responsibilities:
Direct Patient Care
  • Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, hygiene, eating, and mobility.
  • Provide supportive care to children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients with varying behavioral health needs.
  • Support fall prevention efforts, including monitoring, safe ambulation, and environmental safety checks.
  • Assist patients experiencing substance use or withdrawal, offering observation, engagement, and support as directed by clinical staff.
Clinical Support
  • Perform and assist with clinical skills such as:
    • Venipuncture
    • Specimen and laboratory collection
    • Point-of-care testing as required
  • Document patient observations and care activities accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record.
Behavioral Health Support
  • Utilize Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) techniques to safely manage escalating behaviors through:
    • Verbal de-escalation
    • Therapeutic engagement
    • Nonphysical intervention methods
  • Provide ongoing patient observation, including performing 1:1 safety checks or continuous monitoring for high-risk patients.
  • Build rapport with patients to encourage trust, cooperation, and participation in care.
Safety & Team Collaboration
  • Actively support the Behavioral Health Emergency Department's mission to provide safe and compassionate care to individuals in crisis.
  • Collaborate closely with nurses, providers, social workers, and security personnel.
  • Participate in rapid response and emergency situations following unit protocols.

Qualifications:
Skills & Qualities
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced emergency environment
  • Strong communication, empathy, and active listening skills
  • Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations
  • Physical ability to assist with patient mobility, safety interventions, and continuous monitoring
  • Respectful, patient-centered approach with understanding of trauma-informed care principles
  • Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and co-workers.
  • Must be able to read and understand oral and written instructions, and effectively communicate information in English.
  • Flexibility to respond to changes in work schedules as necessary or as requested.
Preferred:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Some relevant experience
  • Current certified BLS Provider credentialed from the American Heart Association (AHA)
  • Current CNA or EMT certification

We take great care of careers.
Hartford HealthCare provides eligible employees with an extensive benefits package and all the benefits of working with a top notch organization:
  • Medical and dental benefits
  • 401(k) plan with company match up to 7%
  • Generous paid time off with accrual starting on the date of hire
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Discounts on services, products and optional coverages - movie tickets, pet insurance, travel and more!

With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge - helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees-- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.
Hartford HealthCare at Home logo

About Hartford HealthCare at Home

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hartford HealthCare at Home, based in Wethersfield, Connecticut, US, is a premier provider in the healthcare industry, specifically in home-based care services. Their official website can be accessed at hartfordhealthcareathome.org. They offer a wide range of services including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, and home health aid. The company was established with the mission to enhance the capability of people to achieve optimal health and wellbeing through its home care services. They maintain a patient-centric approach and belief in making a real difference in people's lives. As an integral part of Hartford HealthCare, they share the vision to be “most trusted for personalized coordinated care”.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Wethersfield, CT, US

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