Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Pennsylvania
Behavioral Health Counselor jobs in Pennsylvania are among the most active in the Mid-Atlantic region, with strong demand across community mental health centers, hospital systems, addiction recovery programs, and school-based services at every level from entry-level counselor through clinical director. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown lead hiring volume, with major employers such as Jefferson Health, UPMC, and Pyramid Healthcare maintaining consistent behavioral health counselor openings across the state. Substance use disorder counseling, trauma-informed care, and school-based mental health are the most in-demand specialties right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This Behavioral Health Counselor is a full-time clinical position responsible for providing individual, family, and parent management treatment in an outpatient multidisciplinary program that targets children/youth with mental health issues and Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSBs) and their families in Washington County, Pennsylvania. This program provides treatment services for these three populations: 1) children/youth have engaged in sexually inappropriate behaviors with intrafamilial victims, 2) children/youth who have engaged in sexually inappropriate behaviors with extrafamilial victims, and 3) children/youth who display self-focused and exhibitionistic problematic sexual behaviors. Effective treatment for children, including children with PSB, actively involve the caregiver(s) in treatment.
Treatment with the children and parents will be provided in the office, located in Washington County, following CDC recommendations at all times, and/or via telehealth (remotely). The program provides evidence-based treatment (Cognitive-Behavioral and skills based) that is developmentally appropriate, and trauma informed as we consider past trauma and current coping mechanisms. Since parental involvement have been shown to have the best outcome in treatment, our treatment actively involves the caregivers in treatment and supports the caregiver’s application of effective strategies to manage the child’s/youth’s behavior.
The clinician will assess, treat, and follow these children/youth and their families. This population varies widely in terms of its levels of identified psychiatric disorders, problematic sexual behaviors, and/or other behavioral problems. Treatment is often directed towards broad targets (e.g., treatment motivation, perceptions of the problematic sexual behaviors, history of trauma, social and relationship skills, affect regulation, and dealing with family’s reactions, family communication etc.) and will require various methods, such as child skills training and individual psychotherapy, parent training and treatment, parent-child/youth sessions, medication, and school consultation. The clinician will conduct diagnostic assessments and gather data via face-to-face interviews, telehealth interviews, phone interviews, and self-report measures from a variety of data sources (e.g., youth, parents, teachers, referral sources, other collateral sources). The clinician will travel to the program’s office in Allegheny County as needed/requested.
The clinician will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with the Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS), Child Advocacy Centers, Victim’s Advocates, Victim’s therapists, and other mental health professionals. The clinician will provide progress report to the Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS), and to the court via court letters or court testimony as requested. The clinician will schedule and organize monthly multidisciplinary treatment progress meetings with WCCYS, victim’s therapists and other providers. The clinician will attend the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center Multidisciplinary Meetings on a monthly basis. The clinician will attend other treatment team meetings as requested by the court and/or WCCYS. The clinician will attend the program weekly treatment meeting. The clinician will work a flexible and hybrid schedule (3 or 4 evenings per week) to meet families’ needs. This program is funded by the Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS) and we do not bill for services. All Cases are referred to the program by the Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS).
This position is funded by the Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS).
Responsibilities:
To assist in the scheduling, preparation, and administration/completion of intake (e.g., screening) and discharge clinical evaluations designed to address the clinical mission of this program.
To conduct direct treatment with an individual, parents, and family basis by conducting specialized parent, parent-child, and/or family interventions, as needed, especially in addressing difficult case targets, issues, or obstacles. To do this, the clinician will work a flexible schedule which may require evening appointments (availability of 3 to 4 evenings per week required).
To develop, document/monitor, and address an individualized treatment plan for each patient that outlines the clinical goals, targets, and services to be provided to the youth and his family, as needed (e.g., based on initial evaluation findings, etc.).
To assist in coordinating, organizing, and continuously developing/revising psychosocial assessment and treatment materials/procedures designed to evaluate and/or change common clinical targets (e.g., reduce deviant sexual behavior/arousal, enhance prosocial skills and community coping, manage aggressive behavior) in both the youth and their parents/families. This includes maintenance of the program protocol binder and dissemination of new materials and identification of needed therapeutic directions/methods.
To assess current and on-going safety concerns and risk. Working to mitigate those concerns with a comprehensive safety planning and crisis management.
To attend the Multidisciplinary Meetings.
To attend treatment team meetings with other providers.
To promote the extension of treatment efforts to the home/community and, where necessary, the school or other service providers, via generalization programming to reach other changes agents (e.g., parents, community teachers, therapists), and, where applicable, to maintain contacts with all involved parties.
To provide, as necessary and/or indicated, court testimony as relevant to case assignments. To do so, the clinician will communicate with WPH legal department and collaborate with caseworkers and probation officers.
To work cooperatively/constructively with the full treatment team in order to enrich the environment, enhance treatment procedures and all related program operations, and improve staff performances via assistance, training, and routine feedback. To do so, the clinician will demonstrate collegiality and provide supervision, instruction, and guidance to affiliated staff/students in the form of an effective leader/educator to assure the integrity of the program and maximize client improvements. This includes helping staff to address emergent clinical problems and treatment obstacles that may require alternative programming.
To provide, as necessary and/or indicated, basic administrative support and liaison with others (program staff, WPH clinics, community agencies/partners). This includes public relations efforts and efforts to procure needed resources, helping to organize all meetings, and raising system or collaboration issues, especially identifying and seeking to resolve any concerns, questions, or interpersonal conflicts/problems, in an appropriate meeting/setting.
To maintain basic case management functions such that all relevant materials, documents, and files are complete, clinical issues evaluated and reviewed in supervision, and identified decisions or solutions implemented effectively. This includes discharge planning and helping to support continued follow-up work. PFE Program Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency Behavioral Health Counselor Position
To monitor/document and enhance the quality and effectiveness of all clinical applications of existing treatment procedures through individual supervision, case reviews, and tape reviews. Feedback based on reports of client outcomes (improvement) will be incorporated in this task.
To prepare for weekly individual clinical supervision and abide by clinical supervision guidelines including readily informing clinical supervisor of issues relating to patient or staff safety and well-being, legal concerns, and limits to confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA laws, UPMC and department policy.
In all of these efforts, there is a need to maintain professional demeanor and good judgment in all contacts with staff, administrators, and clients, and to serve as an appropriate role model for clinic staff.
Masters degree in Psychology; Child Development; Applied Behavior Analysis; Early Intervention; Education; Special Education; Instruction in Learning; Social Work or a related field.
ATTENTION: A COPY OF YOUR OFFICIAL GRADUATE LEVEL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR CONSIDERATION.
One year of clinical experience preferred.
Knowledge of behavior principles, evaluation and assessment process, as well as application of current version of the DSM preferred
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
Behavior Specialist Licensure and/or Certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, National Certified Counselor, Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, Alcohol Highway Safety Schools Instructor, LCSW or other similar Behavioral Health license/certification preferred.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
- Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
- Act 33 with renewal
- Act 34 with renewal
- Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
This Behavioral Health Counselor is a full-time clinical position responsible for providing individual, family, and parent management treatment in an outpatient multidisciplinary program that targets children/youth with mental health issues and Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSBs) and their families in Washington County, Pennsylvania. This program provides treatment services for these three populations: 1) children/youth have engaged in sexually inappropriate behaviors with intrafamilial victims, 2) children/youth who have engaged in sexually inappropriate behaviors with extrafamilial victims, and 3) children/youth who display self-focused and exhibitionistic problematic sexual behaviors. Effective treatment for children, including children with PSB, actively involve the caregiver(s) in treatment.
Treatment with the children and parents will be provided in the office, located in Washington County, following CDC recommendations at all times, and/or via telehealth (remotely). The program provides evidence-based treatment (Cognitive-Behavioral and skills based) that is developmentally appropriate, and trauma informed as we consider past trauma and current coping mechanisms. Since parental involvement have been shown to have the best outcome in treatment, our treatment actively involves the caregivers in treatment and supports the caregiver’s application of effective strategies to manage the child’s/youth’s behavior.
The clinician will assess, treat, and follow these children/youth and their families. This population varies widely in terms of its levels of identified psychiatric disorders, problematic sexual behaviors, and/or other behavioral problems. Treatment is often directed towards broad targets (e.g., treatment motivation, perceptions of the problematic sexual behaviors, history of trauma, social and relationship skills, affect regulation, and dealing with family’s reactions, family communication etc.) and will require various methods, such as child skills training and individual psychotherapy, parent training and treatment, parent-child/youth sessions, medication, and school consultation. The clinician will conduct diagnostic assessments and gather data via face-to-face interviews, telehealth interviews, phone interviews, and self-report measures from a variety of data sources (e.g., youth, parents, teachers, referral sources, other collateral sources). The clinician will travel to the program’s office in Allegheny County as needed/requested.
The clinician will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with the Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS), Child Advocacy Centers, Victim’s Advocates, Victim’s therapists, and other mental health professionals. The clinician will provide progress report to the Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS), and to the court via court letters or court testimony as requested. The clinician will schedule and organize monthly multidisciplinary treatment progress meetings with WCCYS, victim’s therapists and other providers. The clinician will attend the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center Multidisciplinary Meetings on a monthly basis. The clinician will attend other treatment team meetings as requested by the court and/or WCCYS. The clinician will attend the program weekly treatment meeting. The clinician will work a flexible and hybrid schedule (3 or 4 evenings per week) to meet families’ needs. This program is funded by the Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS) and we do not bill for services. All Cases are referred to the program by the Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS).
This position is funded by the Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency (WCCYS).
Responsibilities:
To assist in the scheduling, preparation, and administration/completion of intake (e.g., screening) and discharge clinical evaluations designed to address the clinical mission of this program.
To conduct direct treatment with an individual, parents, and family basis by conducting specialized parent, parent-child, and/or family interventions, as needed, especially in addressing difficult case targets, issues, or obstacles. To do this, the clinician will work a flexible schedule which may require evening appointments (availability of 3 to 4 evenings per week required).
To develop, document/monitor, and address an individualized treatment plan for each patient that outlines the clinical goals, targets, and services to be provided to the youth and his family, as needed (e.g., based on initial evaluation findings, etc.).
To assist in coordinating, organizing, and continuously developing/revising psychosocial assessment and treatment materials/procedures designed to evaluate and/or change common clinical targets (e.g., reduce deviant sexual behavior/arousal, enhance prosocial skills and community coping, manage aggressive behavior) in both the youth and their parents/families. This includes maintenance of the program protocol binder and dissemination of new materials and identification of needed therapeutic directions/methods.
To assess current and on-going safety concerns and risk. Working to mitigate those concerns with a comprehensive safety planning and crisis management.
To attend the Multidisciplinary Meetings.
To attend treatment team meetings with other providers.
To promote the extension of treatment efforts to the home/community and, where necessary, the school or other service providers, via generalization programming to reach other changes agents (e.g., parents, community teachers, therapists), and, where applicable, to maintain contacts with all involved parties.
To provide, as necessary and/or indicated, court testimony as relevant to case assignments. To do so, the clinician will communicate with WPH legal department and collaborate with caseworkers and probation officers.
To work cooperatively/constructively with the full treatment team in order to enrich the environment, enhance treatment procedures and all related program operations, and improve staff performances via assistance, training, and routine feedback. To do so, the clinician will demonstrate collegiality and provide supervision, instruction, and guidance to affiliated staff/students in the form of an effective leader/educator to assure the integrity of the program and maximize client improvements. This includes helping staff to address emergent clinical problems and treatment obstacles that may require alternative programming.
To provide, as necessary and/or indicated, basic administrative support and liaison with others (program staff, WPH clinics, community agencies/partners). This includes public relations efforts and efforts to procure needed resources, helping to organize all meetings, and raising system or collaboration issues, especially identifying and seeking to resolve any concerns, questions, or interpersonal conflicts/problems, in an appropriate meeting/setting.
To maintain basic case management functions such that all relevant materials, documents, and files are complete, clinical issues evaluated and reviewed in supervision, and identified decisions or solutions implemented effectively. This includes discharge planning and helping to support continued follow-up work. PFE Program Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency Behavioral Health Counselor Position
To monitor/document and enhance the quality and effectiveness of all clinical applications of existing treatment procedures through individual supervision, case reviews, and tape reviews. Feedback based on reports of client outcomes (improvement) will be incorporated in this task.
To prepare for weekly individual clinical supervision and abide by clinical supervision guidelines including readily informing clinical supervisor of issues relating to patient or staff safety and well-being, legal concerns, and limits to confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA laws, UPMC and department policy.
In all of these efforts, there is a need to maintain professional demeanor and good judgment in all contacts with staff, administrators, and clients, and to serve as an appropriate role model for clinic staff.
Masters degree in Psychology; Child Development; Applied Behavior Analysis; Early Intervention; Education; Special Education; Instruction in Learning; Social Work or a related field.
ATTENTION: A COPY OF YOUR OFFICIAL GRADUATE LEVEL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR CONSIDERATION.
One year of clinical experience preferred.
Knowledge of behavior principles, evaluation and assessment process, as well as application of current version of the DSM preferred
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
Behavior Specialist Licensure and/or Certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, National Certified Counselor, Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, Alcohol Highway Safety Schools Instructor, LCSW or other similar Behavioral Health license/certification preferred.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
- Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
- Act 33 with renewal
- Act 34 with renewal
- Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
See All 12 Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Pennsylvania
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Find JobsBehavioral Health Counselor Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Counselor Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health counselor jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Active Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential required
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related clinical field
- Experience delivering individual, group, or family therapy in a behavioral health setting
- Familiarity with evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, or motivational interviewing
- Ability to complete clinical documentation accurately within electronic health record systems
- Clear Act 33 and Act 34 Pennsylvania background clearances required prior to hire
Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health counselor in Pennsylvania?
You become a behavioral health counselor in Pennsylvania by earning a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, then pursuing licensure through the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. The most common credential is the Licensed Professional Counselor, which requires completing supervised clinical hours and passing the National Counselor Examination. Many Pennsylvania employers will hire candidates working toward full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate while they complete their supervised hours.
Which companies hire behavioral health counselors in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring behavioral health counselors in Pennsylvania right now include Penn Medicine, UPMC, and The Renfrew Center, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's dense network of nonprofit community mental health organizations, large integrated hospital systems, and state-contracted addiction recovery providers means consistent openings across both urban centers and rural counties.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most behavioral health counselor jobs?
Reading, Philadelphia, and Lebanon have the most behavioral health counselor openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia anchors hiring through its concentration of major hospital systems, community health centers, and behavioral health managed care organizations, while Pittsburgh's UPMC network and Allentown's growing Lehigh Valley health corridor drive steady demand in their respective regions.
Are there remote behavioral health counselor jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they are more limited than in purely desk-based fields, since much of the work involves direct client care. About 33% of behavioral health counselor openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting steady but selective telehealth adoption. Intake coordination, case management, and teletherapy roles covering outpatient or school-based services are the positions most likely to offer remote or hybrid schedules.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health counselor in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate role or a behavioral health technician position while you complete your supervised hours. Large Pennsylvania systems like UPMC Behavioral Health and Jefferson Health, along with nonprofit networks such as Resources for Human Development, regularly hire candidates in these associate or technician titles as a structured entry point. Coming in from adjacent roles such as case manager, psychiatric rehabilitation worker, or crisis line specialist is a recognized route, and Pennsylvania-issued Act 33 and Act 34 clearances completed in advance signal readiness to any employer.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health counselor jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to behavioral health counselor jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings across hospital systems, community mental health centers, addiction recovery programs, and school-based providers. Find roles that fit your credentials and experience, then apply directly to the employer.
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