Entry Level Behavioral Health Case Manager Jobs
New grad behavioral health case manager jobs are open to recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong internship, field placement, or practicum can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Non-Profit & Social Services, and Consulting & Professional Services, with employers like Optum, Vynca, and Merakey hiring at this level now.
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POSITION SUMMARY:
The Behavioral Health Specialist/Case Manager will promote Catholic Charities' mission and values and build effective relationships that inspire others to action inside and outside the organization. Knowledge and experience in treating trauma using trauma-informed care are essential. This role requires someone adaptable, self-reflective, and an empathetic team player with strong interpersonal skills and a desire to support the needs of children, families, adults, and older adults.. The Behavioral Health Specialist will bring an understanding of cultural competency, conflict resolution, self-initiative, and a genuine interest in professional and personal growth..
The Behavioral Health Specialist/Case Manager will provide, intake, case management, and supportive services for children, families, adults, and older adults. The Behavioral Health Division serves clients under multiple programs:
School Based Outpatient Program (SBOP)
Older Adult and Adult Outpatient Program
Nurturing Families-Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
Pathway Forward-CBT-focused services for adults on probation
Community Health Workers (CHW)
Enhanced Care Management (ECM)
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE CLINICAL SERVICES PROGRAM:
- Conduct client outreach, intake interviews, eligibility screenings, and enrollment activities for assigned programs.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation per Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Division and Catholic Charities standards in the AWARDS data system.
- Works with children, families, adults, and older adults dealing with trauma, behavioral and mental health issues, including dual diagnosis, addictions, and cognitive disabilities.
- Facilitate groups for adults involved with the Criminal Justice System
- Assist clients with basic living needs (shelter, clothing, etc.)
- Consult with individual clients or families about community knowledge, needed resources, and their strengths in accessing services, including utility discounts and other essential services.
- Collaborate with the probation department and other criminal justice partners to support client engagement and service coordination.
- Assist clients in identifying and accessing basic needs resources, including housing, food, clothing, transportation and other essential services.
- Assist clients in resolving crises and help create safety plans.
- Collaborate with therapists, schools, and other agencies to access additional resources.
- Attend weekly supervision meetings.
- Attend all necessary staff meetings to facilitate coordination and collaboration in client services.
- Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Maintain a caseload of a minimum of 25-30 cases, subject to program needs and funding requirements
- Meet with clients at a minimum of a weekly basis, in-person/telephone, and telehealth
- Must meet a minimum standard of 100-110 hours of direct clinical service per month
- Complete all progress notes within three business days of service
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
Minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, counseling, and two years’ experience in human services or Behavioral Health
- Good oral and written English and Spanish Skills
- Excellent cross-cultural, inter-generational, and interpersonal skills to address the needs of diverse, ethnic, and homeless community clients.
- Knowledge of community resources, organizations, and supports.
- Knowledge of mental health and alcohol, substance abuse, and recovery treatment services
- Knowledge of working with different age groups
- High energy and patience in working with clients facing multiple challenges. ·
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, strength-based, and motivational interviewing skills.
- Availability to work flexible hours, e.g., evening until 7:00 pm, and Saturdays.
- CPR and First Aid Certification, or the ability to obtain the certification as indicated.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to travel to clients or community agencies as necessary through own vehicle or public transport.
- Reliable transportation required. If using a personal vehicle for work-related travel, you must maintain a valid California driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and automobile insurance that meets agency requirements.
- Successful results from a criminal background check, including fingerprint clearance.
- Demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States.
MANDATED REPORTER STATUS
This position requires you to work with adults and children, and your profession qualifies you as "mandated reporters" of Elder abuse or neglect. Child abuse or neglect, which is found in California Penal Code Section 11164-11174.3 and Welfare and Institution Code 15610-15610.70. In addition, you are required to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect and Elder abuse and neglect.
Behaviors
Required- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Motivations
Preferred- Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
- Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
- Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
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Find JobsEntry Level Behavioral Health Case Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Optum1
- Vynca1
- Merakey1
- Ascension1
- MaineHealth1

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services3
- Non-Profit & Social Services2
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Law & Legal Services1
Entry Level Behavioral Health Case Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level behavioral health case manager job?
Employers hiring at the entry level typically look for a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, plus any hands-on experience from internships, field placements, or volunteer work with at-risk populations. Candidates who can show familiarity with care coordination, crisis support, or community resource navigation have a real edge, even with minimal paid experience. Certifications like QMHA or Mental Health First Aid can also strengthen an application at this stage.
Which companies hire entry level behavioral health case managers?
Companies hiring entry level behavioral health case managers right now include Optum, Vynca, and Merakey, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from community mental health centers, nonprofit social service agencies, and large health systems with structured onboarding programs for new staff.
Are there remote entry level behavioral health case manager jobs?
Yes, though most openings in this field are on-site given the hands-on nature of the work. About 50% of entry level behavioral health case manager openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with telehealth platforms and larger managed care organizations most likely to offer those arrangements to newer staff.
Are these new grad behavioral health case manager jobs?
Yes, the openings on this page include new grad, recent graduate, and junior behavioral health case manager roles. A posting is generally new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or supervised practicum hours, or explicitly mentions training and supervision for early-career candidates. If a role lists preferred rather than required experience, that is also a strong signal for new grads.
Which industries hire the most entry level behavioral health case managers?
Entry Level behavioral health case manager roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Non-Profit & Social Services, and Consulting & Professional Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Those sectors drive entry level hiring because they rely on case management teams to deliver frontline support, and they tend to build pipelines by bringing on new graduates and training them within their own service models.