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Behavioral Health Entry Level Jobs in Seattle, WA

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Behavioral Health Entry Level information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$25

$40

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health entry level in Seattle, WA is $25.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $32.26 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Behavioral Health Entry Level jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Behavioral Health Entry Level job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Entry Level job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,987 per year, or $26 per hour.

Behavioral Health Technician I

Seattle, WA • On-site


The Emily Program
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 501 - 1,000 employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers


$22 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Our vision is a world of peaceful relationships with food, weight, and body image, where everyone with an eating disorder can experience recovery. We believe that exceptional, individualized care leads to lasting recovery from eating disorders. That's why our teams are comprised of compassionate, dedicated professionals from a variety of backgrounds who collaborate to provide the very best evidence-based care for our clients at all levels of care.
Position Overview
The Behavioral Health Technician supports the residential and inpatient milieu by facilitating therapeutic activity groups, assisting clients in acquiring skills to manage their eating disorder, maintaining a recovery-oriented environment, and providing general support and assistance.
Compensation Range:
  • Behavioral Health Technician: $22.00 - $28.00

Final compensation offered will be within pay range based on qualifications/experience met for position.
Schedule
  • Full Time - 32 hours/week
  • Must have weekend availability

How Behavioral Health Technicians Empower Recovery:
  • Facilitates therapeutic activity groups which may include art activities, music, journaling, mindfulness, relaxation, games etc.)
  • Participates in therapeutic supported meals and snacks
  • Provides milieu support including escorting clients to on-site provider appointments
  • Ability to engage, coach, and support residents as needed
  • Participates in scheduled supervision and seeks supervision when needed
  • Completes clinical documentation in compliance with The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative policies and regulatory standards
  • Maintains at all times the confidentiality of former and current clients' protected health information, as directed by state and federal law, and Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative policy. Additionally, maintain confidentiality in any position with access to employee personal information.
  • Maintains at all times the confidentiality of proprietary information, which includes but is not limited to, trade secrets, sensitive company information, and generally any company information not made available to the public.
  • Completes all assigned mandatory trainings
  • Performs additional duties as assigned

Qualifications
Education Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Associate degree or higher or at least 2 years of healthcare experience in a similar position/ related field preferred. (i.e. Paraprofessional, Mental Health Technician, Behavior Specialist, Recovery Coach).
  • Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, behavioral health, or a related field; a relevant certification or licensure preferred.

Professional Qualifications:
  • This is an entry-level position; however, 6+ months of direct client care / milieu experience in a mental/behavioral health or healthcare setting, particularly with eating disorders is preferred.
  • Completion of Preceptor Program preferred.

Other Qualifications:
  • Employees at Residential sites must have a valid driver's license and be authorized to drive.
  • Employees at Residential are required to have a current Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.
  • Employees at Residential sites are required to have a current First Aid certification within 30 days of hire.
  • Employees at Residential site in Washington are required to have a Washington State Department of Health Food Handler permit within 30 days of hire.

What we offer:
Employee Benefits: We understand the importance of a well-rounded benefits package. That's why we're dedicated to providing a range of plans to meet your needs.
For full-time employees, we offer:
  • HSA and PPO insurance with HSA or FSA options (Blue Cross Blue Shield)
  • Dental insurance (Delta Dental)
  • Vision insurance (EyeMed)
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • 401(k) plan available two months after start date
  • Company 401(k) matching for up to 50% of your contribution, up to 6% of your compensation

Paid time off is a crucial part of maintaining work and life balance. Our generous PTO plan accrues annually and begins with your first whole pay period. Eligible employees enjoy seven paid holidays and one floating holiday in addition to their regular PTO.


What The Emily Program employees say

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