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Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Behavior Highway

Behavior Interventionist

Claremont, CA · On-site

$20 - $29/hr

... work, Behavioral Health, Behavior Specialist jobs, ABA Therapist, Childcare, Teacher Assistant, Teacher's aide, Preschool Teacher, Paraprofessional, Youth Programs, Direct Support Professionals ...

Silence Aloud Inc

Behavior Specialist

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Behavioral Specialist Duties: Provide non-therapy mental health services which include: Utilizing creative and evidenced based behavior interventions to residents; Implement behavior programs ...

Silence Aloud Inc

Behavior Specialist

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Behavioral Specialist Duties: Provide non-therapy mental health services which include: Utilizing creative and evidenced based behavior interventions to residents; Implement behavior programs ...

Silence Aloud Inc

Behavior Specialist

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Behavioral Specialist Duties: Provide non-therapy mental health services which include: Utilizing creative and evidenced based behavior interventions to residents; Implement behavior programs ...

Silence Aloud Inc

Behavior Specialist

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Behavioral Specialist Duties: Provide non-therapy mental health services which include: Utilizing creative and evidenced based behavior interventions to residents; Implement behavior programs ...

Essc

Behavior Interventionist

Santa Ana, CA

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

... work, Behavioral Health, Behavior Specialist jobs, ABA Therapist, Childcare, Teacher Assistant, Teacher's aide, Preschool Teacher, Paraprofessional, Youth Programs, Direct Support Professionals ...

Essc

Behavior Interventionist

Irvine, CA

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

... work, Behavioral Health, Behavior Specialist jobs, ABA Therapist, Childcare, Teacher Assistant, Teacher's aide, Preschool Teacher, Paraprofessional, Youth Programs, Direct Support Professionals ...

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Behavioral Health Specialist information

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$45

How much do behavioral health specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health specialist in Riverside, CA is $28.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.
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Behavioral Health Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Specialist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,109 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Behavioral Health Specialist

Newport Healthcare

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Newport Healthcare rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

825th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

What You'll Do
The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) plays a vital, hands-on role in shaping the daily experience of adolescent and young adult patients in Newport Healthcare's behavioral health programs. As a frontline team member, you'll create a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where patients feel supported, seen, and empowered throughout their healing journey.
This role isn't just important; it's foundational. BHS team members are the heart of our care model, offering meaningful connection and stability that make a lasting difference in young people's lives. Key responsibilities include:
  • Creating a safe and supportive space by offering consistent, compassionate care and supervision that ensures patients' emotional and physical well-being
  • Guiding and encouraging patients as they move through their daily schedule-including therapy, group activities, meals, and moments of transition in between
  • Leading or supporting experiential activities (such as mindfulness practices, recreation, and group experiences) that promote healing and connection
  • Modeling calm, respectful behavior and healthy coping strategies in a way that builds trust and emotional safety
  • Staying grounded and responsive during high-stress or emotionally charged situations, helping restore calm through established strategies
  • Collaborating and communicating with team members to support a connected, unified care environment

What Makes You a Great Fit
  • A patient-first mindset that inspires you to reach the highest standards in supporting the young people in your care
  • Flexibility within a fast-paced, changing environment-schedules may include day, evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts, and you may need to respond to urgent or unexpected conditions during your shift
  • Ability to remain calm and composed, and to make good decisions using a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment
  • The capacity to listen attentively and actively, with patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity
  • A collaborative team player who can find common ground, build trust with colleagues, and communicate effectively
  • A problem-solver who digs deep and uses all the information available to craft skillful solutions
  • Must be at least 21 years old, with a valid driver's license
  • High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's in psychology, counseling, or sociology preferred

Compensation Range: $18-$22 per hour based on education and experience.

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