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Behavioral Health Science Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Healthcare Instructor

Davenport, IA · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

The Healthcare Instructor will be primarily responsible for student instruction and certifications ... Maintains standards of appropriate behavior through fair and just progressive corrective actions

... health sciences field * Experience working with psychiatric and/or chemically dependent patients. * Experience providing behavioral healthcare services care to patient populations Physical ...

Science Instructor

Des Moines, IA

$54K - $82K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care ... STS offers a holistic social, behavioral, psychiatric, academic, and vocational program that ...

... healthy behaviors, holistic well-being, and a commitment to providing an environment where every ... Bachelor's degree in health sciences, public health, exercise science, or related field required ...

... healthy behaviors, holistic well-being, and a commitment to providing an environment where every ... Bachelor's degree in health sciences, public health, exercise science, or related field required ...

... healthy behaviors, holistic well-being, and a commitment to providing an environment where every ... Bachelor's degree in health sciences, public health, exercise science, or related field required ...

... healthy behaviors, holistic well-being, and a commitment to providing an environment where every ... Bachelor's degree in health sciences, public health, exercise science, or related field required ...

Showing results 41-60

Behavioral Health Science information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do behavioral health science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health science in Iowa is $23.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $28.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you do with a behavioral health science degree?

A behavioral health science degree prepares individuals for roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, counselor, or research assistant. Graduates often work in mental health clinics, hospitals, or community organizations, utilizing skills in assessment, intervention, and data collection, sometimes requiring certification or licensure depending on the position.

What are some typical challenges behavioral health science professionals face when working with diverse client populations?

Behavioral Health Science professionals often encounter clients from various cultural, socioeconomic, and age groups, each with unique perspectives on mental health and treatment. Navigating these differences requires cultural competence, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Professionals may also face challenges in building trust with clients who are hesitant to seek help or have experienced stigma. Ongoing training and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are crucial strategies for effectively addressing these challenges and providing tailored support.

What is behavioral health science?

Behavioral health science is the study of how human behavior affects overall well-being, focusing on mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Professionals in this field research, prevent, and treat issues like addiction, anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health problems. Careers in behavioral health science can include working as counselors, case managers, or behavioral health technicians, often in settings such as hospitals, clinics, or community organizations. The field combines elements of psychology, counseling, social work, and public health to improve individual and community health outcomes.

What jobs can you get with a BS in behavioral health?

A Bachelor of Science in behavioral health prepares graduates for roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, mental health technician, or substance abuse counselor. These positions often involve working directly with clients, require strong communication skills, and may need certification or licensing depending on the state or organization.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Science vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectBehavioral Health ScienceMental Health Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Behavioral Health, Psychology, or related fieldsMaster's in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community health centers, research settingsPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, schools
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare organizations, research institutions, public health agenciesPrivate practices, mental health clinics, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonBehavioral Health Science vs Mental Health Counselor

Behavioral Health Science focuses on understanding and applying scientific principles to improve mental health through research and program development. Mental Health Counselors provide direct therapy and support to clients. While both roles aim to improve mental well-being, Behavioral Health Science emphasizes research and program design, whereas Mental Health Counselors focus on individual treatment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health science professional, and why are they important?

To excel as a Behavioral Health Science professional, you need a solid background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with assessment tools, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and emotional intelligence help professionals build trust and effectively support clients. These abilities are crucial for delivering effective interventions, ensuring ethical practice, and improving client outcomes in mental health settings.

What can I do with a career in behavioral health science?

A career in behavioral health science involves working to understand and improve mental health and behavioral issues through research, therapy, or program development. Professionals in this field may work in clinical settings, research institutions, or community organizations, often requiring knowledge of psychology, counseling, or social work, and sometimes certification or licensure. The role typically involves applying scientific methods to develop interventions and support mental well-being.

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Science jobs in Iowa?

For Behavioral Health Science jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Science job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,416 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Substance Use and Behavioral Health Specialist

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:
Substance Use and Behavioral Health Specialist
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 3 years of related experience
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Are you passionate about creating a holistic student experience that supports mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing? Are you interested in an opportunity where you get to engage with students and help them reach their full potential-academically and beyond?
If so, Student Wellness with the Division of Student Affairs at Iowa State University is currently seeking applicants for a Substance Use and Behavioral Health Specialist! This individual plays a key role in advancing student health and wellbeing through strategic communication, data-informed storytelling, and health promotion initiatives. This position will be hired as a Wellness Program Specialist II.
This position will focus on alcohol, substance use, and process/behavioral addiction prevention, recovery, and education.
What You'll Do:
  • Develop and deliver substance use prevention, recovery, and harm reduction programs for students.
  • Coordinate and support the Collegiate Recovery Program, including student outreach, recovery coaching, and community-building initiatives.
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion and educational programs related to alcohol, substance use, and behavioral addictions.
  • Facilitate BASICS and CASICS interventions for self-referred students.
  • Collaborate with campus and community partners to advance prevention, recovery, and wellness initiatives.
  • Lead campus-wide substance use prevention and recovery projects and training programs.
  • Coordinate naloxone education, distribution, and evaluation efforts.
  • Develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and educational content for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Collect, analyze, and report program data to support compliance, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Collaborate on marketing and communication strategies that promote wellness and recovery resources.
  • Support broader Student Wellness initiatives, including mental health, violence prevention, basic needs, and other public health initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with university policies and applicable confidentiality, privacy, and risk management requirements.

Occasional weekend/evening hours will be involved in this role.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Specialized training or coursework in substance use prevention or recovery support (i.e. Alcohol, substances and/or behavioral addictions).
  • Training or certification in Recovery Coaching, Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), or similar prevention credential.
  • Experience facilitating workshops, presentations and health promotion training.
  • Experience applying motivational interviewing techniques.
  • Experience using tools such as Smartsheet and/or Qualtrics.

Department Description:
Student Wellness at Iowa State University provides leadership in university strategy for health promotion and provides support programs aimed at creating a campus culture of wellbeing so that all students can thrive. Student Wellness plans, implements, and evaluates health education and prevention strategies that focus on health and wellness issues that directly affect student success, higher learning, and personal development such as: violence prevention, suicide, mental health, substance use, and more. To learn more, please visit Student Wellness.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted before August 17th, 2026.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS807
Original Posting Date:
August 3, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19709
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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