Behavioral Health Entry Level Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

The Centers | Cleveland, Ohio | Full-Time | Onboarding begins July 2026

At The Centers, meaningful work is grounded in a culture where people feel valued. As a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces winner — recognized nationally based entirely on employee feedback — we are an organization built on trust, purpose, and care. When you join us, you join a mission-driven team committed to transforming lives across the communities we serve.

We are proud to be opening the Glick Recovery Campus (GRC) — Cuyahoga County's first 24/7, walk-in behavioral health urgent care and stabilization center — in partnership with Cuyahoga County and the ADAMHS Board. The GRC will include a Crisis Receiving Center, the Rosary Hall Withdrawal Management Unit, and a Crisis Stabilization Unit, offering individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use crises a safe, welcoming alternative to emergency rooms, jail, or the streets.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC), The Centers provides comprehensive care to medically underserved individuals — particularly those navigating mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

We are currently recruiting Behavioral Health Technicians I (BHT I) to join our founding team at this landmark facility.

The Behavioral Health Technician I serves as a frontline advocate for the individuals we serve, delivering person-centered, trauma-informed, and judgment-free care that honors each person's dignity, strengths, and recovery goals. Through empathic listening, skilled de-escalation, and hands-on support, the BHT I plays a critical role in creating a recovery environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and empowered to heal.

Direct Care & Monitoring

• Provide continuous monitoring and direct care to individuals experiencing psychiatric crises, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions in a respectful, non-judgmental manner

• Observe, assess, and document client behaviors, symptoms, and vital signs; communicate changes promptly to clinical staff

• Collect blood and other specimens as ordered

• Assist clients with activities of daily living — including hygiene, grooming, nutrition, and self-care — in ways that promote dignity and independence

Safety & Crisis Response

• Utilize therapeutic communication and verbal de-escalation techniques to promote safety, trust, and stabilization

• Implement safety protocols and trauma-informed interventions to prevent harm

• Participate in physical intervention and restraint procedures when required, following established safety and care standards

• Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies and behavioral crises

• Maintain a clean, safe, and therapeutic milieu through environmental rounds and safety checks

Recovery Support & Engagement

• Facilitate and support therapeutic activities and groups that strengthen coping skills, emotional regulation, and recovery partnerships

• Provide consistent emotional support and encouragement, reinforcing hope, autonomy, and self-efficacy

• Teach recovery and life skills using recovery-oriented tools

• Transport individuals to community resources as needed

Collaboration & Documentation

• Support admission and discharge processes, including client orientation, belongings inventory, and transition planning

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record

• Collaborate with nurses, clinicians, peer support specialists, and other team members to support coordinated, whole-person care

• Adhere to The Centers' compliance standards, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policies

Education & Credentials

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or related field preferred

• Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) preferred, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

• CPR and First Aid certification required (or obtainable within 30 days of hire)

• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification (may be completed within 60 days of hire)

Experience

• 1 year of experience in behavioral health, mental health, or crisis services preferred

• Experience with individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities preferred

• Hospital, residential, or crisis stabilization experience a plus

• Entry-level candidates with a strong interest in behavioral health and recovery-oriented work are encouraged to apply

Additional Requirements

• Minimum age of 18 years

• Valid driver's license preferred

• Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

• Must pass background check, credentialing, and tuberculosis screening

• Demonstrated emotional stability, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical, respectful care

• Willingness to participate in ongoing training in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, restraint reduction, and safety procedures, as well as mandatory staff meetings and clinical supervision

This role is performed in a fast-paced, high-intensity crisis care facility. You will regularly work with individuals experiencing acute mental health and/or substance use crises. The role requires physical stamina — including the ability to stand and remain active for extended periods, respond quickly to crisis situations, and safely assist with patient management during behavioral emergencies per established training protocols. Emotional resilience is essential, and clinical supervision and peer support are provided to help staff process challenging experiences and sustain their wellbeing.

Standard precautions, personal protective equipment, and infection control measures apply. Potential exposure to communicable diseases should be expected.

Joining the GRC at launch is a rare opportunity to help shape the culture, standards, and practices of a first-of-its-kind facility in Cuyahoga County. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team — nurses, clinicians, peer support specialists, and community partners — united by a shared commitment to meeting people where they are and helping them on the path to recovery.

If you are passionate about recovery-oriented care and want to be part of something transformative, we encourage you to apply. Onboarding begins July 2026.

Must be physically capable and willing to participate in all levels of deescalation with people present in Glick Recovery Campus crisis services.

The Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.