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Behavioral Health Entry Level Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Patient Care Technician Trainee

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Summary The Patient Care Technician Trainee is a temporary entry-level position. The position ... Employees who will be taking a position in a behavioral health unit, resource pool or Alpena ...

HIM Specialist

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$92K - $93K/yr

... behavior. * Support GLBHC's mission and values by exhibiting professional standards through ... Education: Entry-Level: High school graduate or equivalent. Mid-Level: Associate degree in health ...

HIM Specialist

Saginaw, MI

$92K - $93K/yr

... behavior. * Support GLBHC's mission and values by exhibiting professional standards through ... None * Experience: * Entry-Level: No experience, however preference for experience in a health ...

Be Seen First

Are you looking for meaningful, rewarding work in an entry-level role with no experience required ... Company Description We are a Michigan-based healthcare agency specializing in providing excellent ...

HIM Specialist

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$92K - $93K/yr

... behavior. * Support GLBHC's mission and values by exhibiting professional standards through ... None * Experience: * Entry-Level: No experience, however preference for experience in a health ...

HIM Specialist

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$92K - $93K/yr

... behavior. * Support GLBHC's mission and values by exhibiting professional standards through ... None * Experience: * Entry-Level: No experience, however preference for experience in a health ...

Patient Access Representative

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... Health Mission, Values, Vision, Actions & Promise in behaviors, practices & decisions. Work Focus ... Functional Role (not inclusive of titles or advancement career progression) PAR I Entry level ...

Showing results 41-60

Behavioral Health Entry Level information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$19

$31

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health entry level in Michigan is $19.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $24.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 and relevant certifications such as CPR or first aid. Gaining experience through volunteer work or internships and developing strong communication and empathy skills can improve job prospects; some roles may require a background check or additional training.

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.

What jobs fall under behavioral health?

Jobs under behavioral health include roles such as mental health counselor, substance abuse counselor, psychiatric technician, case manager, and behavioral health technician. These positions typically involve providing support, therapy, or assistance to individuals with mental health or substance use issues and often require relevant certifications or training. They are commonly found in clinics, hospitals, community health centers, and outpatient facilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Entry Level job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,348 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Per Diem - NEW Sign-on Bonus Included!

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Cost Center
168 Activity Therapy
Scheduled Weekly Hours
0
Work Shift
Shift & Status
$1000 sign-on bonus for new per diem Rec Therapists!
Who Are We?
We at Pine Rest believe in the power of healing and that everyone in our community has the right to expert care for mental health and substance use disorders. We are much more than just the third largest non-profit behavioral health system in the country, our 220-acre main campus, and our network of clinical sites across Michigan. We are a tight-knit community of healers who witness the impact of our life-changing work each day.
Each day, we are closing the gaps in access to care. We are innovating through leading-edge research, testing, programs, and treatment modalities that others replicate across the country. Our services include a state-of-the-art psychiatric urgent care center and a soon-to-be-built pediatric behavioral health center, outpatient, inpatient, partial hospitalization (day programs), assessment and testing, residential, addiction treatment and specialty services such as crisis response, employee assistance programs, forensic psychiatry and psychology, and neuromodulation. On-the-job educational programs for nurses, psychologists, advanced practice providers, psychiatrists, and chaplains are equipping the next generation of care providers.
We are passionate about serving and are honored to be a part of this incredible work.
What Will You Do?
As an Activity Therapist at Pine Rest, you'll be part of tight-knit team that believes in the healing power of your expertise and compassion. A member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, the Activity Therapist utilizes clinical skills associated with current training in area of expertise, the expressive arts therapies, recreation or occupational therapies and psycho-educational interventions, to plan, organize and implement educational programming. Assesses patients' capabilities, needs, interests, and goals and engages patients in group-based programming consistent with interdisciplinary team's goals. Our Activity Therapists are driven to make an impact in the lives of those we serve and are motivated by the healing they witness first-hand each day. They are dedicated to excellent customer service, enthusiastic about the care we offer, and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment in a diverse workplace.
Who Are We?
We at Pine Rest believe in the power of healing and that everyone in our community has the right to expert care for mental health and substance use disorders. We are much more than just the third largest non-profit behavioral health system in the country, our 220-acre main campus, and our network of clinical sites across Michigan. We are a tight-knit community of healers who witness the impact of our life-changing work each day.
Each day, we are closing the gaps in access to care. We are innovating through leading-edge research, testing, programs, and treatment modalities that others replicate across the country. Our services include a state-of-the-art psychiatric urgent care center and a soon-to-be-built pediatric behavioral health center, outpatient, inpatient, partial hospitalization (day programs), assessment and testing, residential, addiction treatment and specialty services such as crisis response, employee assistance programs, forensic psychiatry and psychology, and neuromodulation. Our on-the-job educational programs for nurses, psychologists, advanced practice providers, psychiatrists and chaplains are equipping the next generation of care providers.
We are passionate about serving and are honored to be a part of this incredible work.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Complete individualized patient assessment within the first 72 hours of admission; plan, implement, and facilitate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Informed (DBT-I) and psychoeducational programming; documentation on patient interactions; participation and communication surrounding interdisciplinary team treatment planning. Identify project and process improvement in coordination with unit and departmental goals.
What Does This Role Require?
• Bachelor's in Recreational Therapy.
• Registered as a therapist or certification as a CTRS.
• A minimum of three months of relevant psychiatric/medical/clinical experience necessary in order to gain entry-level abilities in planning and implementing therapeutic activities.
• Knowledge of current therapy principles in area of expertise, therapeutic expressive arts activities, recreation or occupational therapies, psycho-educational interventions and group counseling techniques at a level normally acquired through completion of degree in area of expertise with successful completion of clinical training at a university affiliated Hospital.
What Benefits Do We Offer?
  • Medical, dental, vision & life insurance plans
  • 403(b) retirement match contribution by Pine Rest
  • Generous PTO for full and part time employees
  • Tuition assistance & loan forgiveness
  • Employee Assistance Program offering many free and discounted services for therapy, legal, accounting, gym membership, etc.
  • Partnership with Davenport University provides generous discount on tuition for employees and family members.

Notice:
Pine Rest provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
All new employees are subject to a criminal background check and education verification which may include sending a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts.
Successful completion of a drug screen prior to employment is also part of our background process.
#IND789
The equivalent base pay range for this position is $20.75 - $31.13. Your interview and offer letter will specify whether the role is hourly or salaried. Please note that this range does not include potential shift differentials, incentives, or bonuses, which may be part of the total compensation package. Final base pay will be determined based on location, experience, education, certifications, and FTE status.

What Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services employees say

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