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Behavioral Health Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Keywords: ABA, Applied Behavioral Analysis, CNA, Certified nurse assistant, behavioral health, RBT, Registered Behavioral Tech, Mental Health, Entry Level, Aid, Respite Care, Caregiver ...

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Behavioral Health Entry Level information

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$13

$22

$35

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

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health entry level in the United States is $22.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Health Entry Level professional, and why are they important?

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 are behavioral health entry level jobs?

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 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.

More about Behavioral Health Entry Level jobs
What cities are hiring for Behavioral Health Entry Level jobs? Cities with the most Behavioral Health Entry Level job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs are:
What states have the most Behavioral Health Entry Level jobs? States with the most job openings for Behavioral Health Entry Level jobs include:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Entry Level job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,439 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Behavioral Health Technician

Promises Behavioral Health, LLC

Nunnelly, TN • On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 hours ago


Promises Behavioral Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides oversight and support services to clients and staff in a residential treatment facility for adults with co-occurring diagnoses. BHT are responsible for around-the-clock supervision of the client milieu and helping to create and maintain a therapeutic milieu for treatment initiatives. The BHT position is an entry-level position.


Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Provides services necessary to maintain a functioning milieu, which includes but is not limited to:
    • Transportation/pick up of clients
    • Safety cleans and adherence to OSHA safety protocols
    • Stocking and keeping inventory of client items (i.e., literature, hygiene items, etc.)
    • Providing access to hygiene items/necessities to clients (i.e., phones, computer time, etc.)
    • Administrative functions necessary to client success (i.e., faxing, ordering, maintenance of client medical records or physical charts, etc.)
    • Organizes client belongings and administers access
  • Maintain active awareness of clients’ locations and attendance of programming.
  • Observe, monitor, intervene upon, and document client behaviors and presentations.
  • Completes medication observations, collection and documentation of vitals, and assist medical/nursing team.
  • Maintain high quality documentation using appropriate forms in appropriate clinical language.
  • Facilitates non-clinical group sessions effectively within skill set and scope of practice.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

  • Minimum of one year experience in the addition or mental health fields, preferred.
  • High school diploma (or equivalent), preferred.
  • Valid Driver’s License, required.
  • Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listen and get clarification; responds well to questions.
  • Knowledge of organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgement, be attentive to detail, and maintain positive work attitude.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
  • Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Ability to understand and utilize program knowledge, such as the disease model, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed approaches, experiential approaches, CBT, self-help approaches, and evidence based practices in client care.
  • Ability understanding of how to utilize medical knowledge, complete medication observations, observe and assess detox clients, and complete and document vitals.
  • Ability to document thoroughly in an electronic medical record.
  • Ability to professionally interact and communicate with clients, client family members, referral sources, and vendors.
  • Knowledge of MS Office and office equipment such as copiers and scanners.
  • Must meet pre-employment and maintain all applicable state and job related guidelines for background screening, fingerprinting, drug test, health screening, DMV, insurance, CPR/Basic First Air, and license/credential verifications.