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Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bond Health

Behavioral Health Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

$67K/yr

Behavioral Health Specialist Needed Full-time, IMT Position Program/Department Description: Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) is an innovative, creative, trauma-informed mobile practice model designed ...

Clarvida

Behavioral Health Specialist

Wenatchee, WA

$24 - $29/hr

Description Behavior Health Specialist I (Bachelor's Level) About the Role Clarvida is seeking a Behavior Support Specialist I to work with adults age 18 and older who have been discharged from ...

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How much do behavioral health specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health specialist in the United States is $27.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $33.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree do you need to be a behavioral health specialist?

A behavioral health specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Some positions may require a master's degree or additional certification, depending on the specific role and state licensing requirements.

What is the role of a behavioral health specialist?

A behavioral health specialist assesses, diagnoses, and provides treatment for mental health and behavioral issues. They often work with clients in clinical or community settings, utilizing counseling techniques and evidence-based interventions, and may require certification or licensure depending on the state or organization.

What is a behavioral health specialist?

A Behavioral Health Specialist is a professional who provides support, counseling, and treatment to individuals dealing with mental health issues, emotional problems, or substance abuse. They may work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or community organizations, helping clients develop coping strategies and improve their overall well-being. Their duties often include conducting assessments, creating treatment plans, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. Behavioral Health Specialists play a crucial role in promoting mental health and supporting recovery.

What are some common challenges behavioral health specialists face when working with diverse client populations?

Behavioral Health Specialists often work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, each with unique needs and cultural perspectives. A common challenge is building trust and rapport with individuals who may have different beliefs about mental health or may be hesitant to seek support. Specialists must also navigate language barriers, varying levels of family involvement, and systemic barriers to care. Ongoing cultural competence training and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are essential for addressing these challenges and providing effective, individualized care.

What does a behavioral health specialist do?

A behavioral health specialist is a mental health professional that specializes in working with people that have behavioral disorders. In this career, you may work with children with developmental disorders, those on the autism spectrum, or those suffering from severe behavioral problems. You may also help adults with developmental disabilities or addiction issues. Your responsibilities as a behavioral health specialist are to provide support for your patients and assist them in managing their mental health disorders. Your duties depend upon the type of patients you are seeing. You may plan an intervention for an addict, help a patient with a development disorder transition into functioning adult life, or evaluate the symptoms of your patient’s disorder and help plan coping mechanisms for functioning with the disorder.

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

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Specialist, you need a background in psychology or social work, mental health assessment skills, and typically a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), behavioral intervention plans, and crisis management tools is important. Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills help build rapport with clients and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are essential for providing effective support, promoting mental wellness, and ensuring positive outcomes for individuals facing behavioral health challenges.
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Behavioral Health Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,657 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Behavioral Health Specialist

Heritage Behavioral Health Center

Decatur, IL • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Job description

Heritage Behavioral Health Center

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic

Serving Macon and DeWitt Counties, Illinois

Behavioral Health Specialist

Residential & Crisis Programs – Decatur, Illinois

Compensation
  • High School Diploma or GED: $18.00/hour + paid wellness day every other Friday
  • Shift Differential: +$2.00/hour for 2nd Shift (3 PM–11 PM) and 3rd Shift (11 PM–7 AM)

Additional compensation available for candidates with professional licensure or certifications.

Schedule

Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day) | Every other weekend required | Holidays required

Available Shifts (24/7 Programs):

  • 1st Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (+$2.00/hour shift differential)
  • 3rd Shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (+$2.00/hour shift differential)


Looking for a career where your work truly matters?

Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals!

About Heritage Behavioral Health Center

We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois, dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care for individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care – regardless of the position they hold.

Why You’ll Love Working Here
  • Collaborative, mission-driven work environment
  • Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
  • Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
  • Loan forgiveness eligibility through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff’s needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!

Where You’ll Work

Behavioral Health Specialists are placed in one of three residential or crisis program settings based on organizational need and candidate fit:


  • Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) – Mental Health Treatment

Short-term, intensive stabilization support in a structured inpatient-level setting for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises.

  • Residential Rehabilitation Unit (RRU) – Substance Use Treatment

Residential recovery support for individuals addressing substance use disorders in a structured, therapeutic living environment.

  • Group Homes – Supervised Residential Mental Health

Longer-term supported community living for adults with persistent mental health needs, focused on stability and independence.


Your Role

Behavioral Health Specialists provide compassionate, paraprofessional support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges in a recovery-oriented, person-centered environment. Similar in function to a psychiatric technician, this role delivers direct care, skills coaching, safety monitoring, and daily living support that help individuals stabilize, build independence, and thrive in the community.

This role is ideal for candidates who are reliable, teachable, and committed to trauma-informed care — even in fast-paced or crisis settings.


Support Daily Living & Recovery

  • Coach residents in activities of daily living (meal prep, hygiene, housekeeping, laundry) and independent living skills (medication routines, budgeting, time management).
  • Promote healthy routines including sleep hygiene, nutrition, movement, and community participation.

Client Engagement & Skills Coaching

  • Use motivational, strength-based approaches to build rapport and engagement.
  • Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational groups covering coping skills, wellness, relapse prevention, and community integration.

Crisis & Safety Support

  • Maintain therapeutic milieu and conduct scheduled safety checks.
  • Apply de-escalation techniques and follow crisis protocols; promptly seek clinical support when risk increases.
  • Support transitions between the CSU, RRU, Group Homes, and community settings.

Medication & Health Support (Non-Clinical)

  • Support medication routines per program protocol (e.g., reminders, observation, and documentation when applicable).
  • Encourage adherence to medical and behavioral health appointments and care plans; assist with transportation as needed.

Documentation & Communication

  • Complete timely, accurate progress notes, checklists, incident reports, and shift handoffs in accordance with policy.
  • Communicate effectively with clinical team members including nurses, therapists, prescribers, and case managers.

Environment, Safety, & Compliance

  • Uphold trauma-informed, culturally responsive, recovery-oriented care principles.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe environments; follow infection control and HIPAA confidentiality standards.
  • Participate in required trainings, drills, and quality improvement activities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

  • Understanding of mental health and substance use conditions, recovery principles, and social determinants of health.
  • Awareness of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and person-centered practices.

Skills

  • Communication: Clear, compassionate verbal and written communication; active listening; professional boundaries.
  • De-Escalation: Calm presence under pressure; ability to use verbal intervention and follow safety protocols.
  • Engagement & Coaching: Motivational approaches to build skills and confidence; group facilitation basics.
  • Organization & Documentation: Reliable follow-through, attention to detail, accurate records and shift handoffs.
  • Teamwork: Collaborative, respectful, and responsive across multidisciplinary teams and shifts.

Abilities

  • Work in 24/7 settings including nights, weekends, and holidays; adapt to changing priorities and client needs.
  • Assist with physical tasks such as standing, walking, and light cleaning; help with safe transportation.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries; use sound judgment to escalate concerns to clinical staff.
  • Build trust with diverse populations; demonstrate empathy, cultural humility, and non-judgment.
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum of 21 years of age
  • A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance
Heritage Also Offers
  • Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
  • Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off (paid), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
  • Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
  • Retirement: 401(k) and Roth retirement plans
  • Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
  • Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

Ready to make a difference?

Apply today and join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve!