Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs
Behavioral Health Specialist jobs are open across hospitals, community mental health centers, substance use treatment facilities, school systems, and government agencies, from entry-level to senior and lead roles, with specializations in crisis intervention, substance use counseling, and case management. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Description
DSHS WSH Behavioral Health Specialist 3
Western State Hospital, adult psychiatric hospital, has a full-time opportunity for Behavioral Health Specialist within the Psychiatric Treatment and Recovery Centers. Join us and make a positive impact within our community by becoming a behavioral health advocate while helping shape the future of health services for a safe and therapeutic environment.
Our Behavioral Health Specialist 3 job (formerly called Institution Counselor 3) is an exciting opportunity for a meaningful career where you have the ability to grow and enjoy the work you do. You'll plan, acquire supplies, implement, and review active treatment groups and one-on-one active treatment.
Join our Competency Restoration and Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity team within the Gage Rehabilitation program.
Some of what you'll do:
- Actively engage patients in direct care, leading or co-leading Active Treatment Groups either on-ward and/or within the treatment mall setting
- Complete required active treatment documentation, including progress notes, interventions in treatment plans or addendums, and attendance records
- Develop comprehensive active treatment groups and individual treatment strategies for patient caseload using standard practices and evidence-based treatment for regular occurring events and one-time engagements
- Attend treatment team and daily team meetings to discuss progress, share input, and provide a strategy for patient treatment
- Research evidence-based practices and group preparation
- Order/gather supplies for groups, and escort patients to and from activities and groups
- Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing court-ordered Staff Escorted Community Outings
Who should apply:
Those with a bachelor’s degree, preferably involving a major in sociology, psychology, or another social science
And
Two years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting
Or
One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2
Or
Equivalent combination of education/experience
Employees obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor registration from the Washington State Department of Health within 30 days of employment as a condition of employment. More information can be found here.
Desired:
- Experience with Counseling/Teaching in a group setting
- In-depth working knowledge of group and individual behavior and dynamics
- Knowledge of behavioral health issues and recovery principles
- Knowledge of all hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures
- Ability to work with difficult or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner
- Ability to use good judgment and self-direct under minimal supervision
- Proficient in oral, written, and electronic communication skills
Additional Information: Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 04772.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Description
DSHS WSH Behavioral Health Specialist 3
Western State Hospital, adult psychiatric hospital, has a full-time opportunity for Behavioral Health Specialist within the Psychiatric Treatment and Recovery Centers. Join us and make a positive impact within our community by becoming a behavioral health advocate while helping shape the future of health services for a safe and therapeutic environment.
Our Behavioral Health Specialist 3 job (formerly called Institution Counselor 3) is an exciting opportunity for a meaningful career where you have the ability to grow and enjoy the work you do. You'll plan, acquire supplies, implement, and review active treatment groups and one-on-one active treatment.
Join our Competency Restoration and Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity team within the Gage Rehabilitation program.
Some of what you'll do:
- Actively engage patients in direct care, leading or co-leading Active Treatment Groups either on-ward and/or within the treatment mall setting
- Complete required active treatment documentation, including progress notes, interventions in treatment plans or addendums, and attendance records
- Develop comprehensive active treatment groups and individual treatment strategies for patient caseload using standard practices and evidence-based treatment for regular occurring events and one-time engagements
- Attend treatment team and daily team meetings to discuss progress, share input, and provide a strategy for patient treatment
- Research evidence-based practices and group preparation
- Order/gather supplies for groups, and escort patients to and from activities and groups
- Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing court-ordered Staff Escorted Community Outings
Who should apply:
Those with a bachelor’s degree, preferably involving a major in sociology, psychology, or another social science
And
Two years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting
Or
One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2
Or
Equivalent combination of education/experience
Employees obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor registration from the Washington State Department of Health within 30 days of employment as a condition of employment. More information can be found here.
Desired:
- Experience with Counseling/Teaching in a group setting
- In-depth working knowledge of group and individual behavior and dynamics
- Knowledge of behavioral health issues and recovery principles
- Knowledge of all hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures
- Ability to work with difficult or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner
- Ability to use good judgment and self-direct under minimal supervision
- Proficient in oral, written, and electronic communication skills
Additional Information: Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 04772.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
See All 1,068+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs
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Find JobsBehavioral Health Specialist Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Youth Villages65
- Eliot Community Human Services40
- Rutgers University36
- Preferred Family Healthcare35
- Sanford Health34
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services768
- Education163
- Non-Profit & Social Services70
- Government & Public Sector29
- Insurance15
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related behavioral health field
- State licensure or certification such as LCSW, LPC, LMFT, CADC, or QMHP
- Experience conducting biopsychosocial assessments and developing individualized treatment plans
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems such as Epic, Cerner, or Avatar
- Knowledge of evidence-based practices including CBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care
- Crisis intervention training and experience de-escalating individuals in acute behavioral health situations
Tips for Your Behavioral Health Specialist Job Search
List every licensure and certification clearly
Recruiters filter by credential type before reading anything else. Put your LCSW, CADC, QMHP, or state-specific license in the top section of your resume, not buried in a footer. Spell out both the acronym and the full credential name.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists behavioral health specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Tailor your resume to the population served
Behavioral health employers screen heavily for experience with specific populations. A resume written for a child and adolescent role reads differently than one for adults with co-occurring disorders. Mirror the population language from the job posting in your work history bullet points.
Search by funding source and setting together
Filtering by job title alone misses relevant openings. Pair your search with setting terms like 'community mental health', 'inpatient', or 'school-based' to surface roles that match your clinical experience and preferred work environment.
Prepare scenario answers tied to your modalities
Interviewers in behavioral health routinely ask how you apply a specific modality under pressure. Prepare two or three concrete examples that name the intervention, the population, and the outcome. Vague references to CBT or motivational interviewing without clinical detail rarely satisfy hiring managers.
Negotiate supervision hours into your offer
If you're still accumulating supervised hours toward full licensure, ask about the supervision structure before you accept. Some employers offer regular individual supervision at no cost while others don't. This affects both your professional development timeline and your long-term earnings potential.
Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most behavioral health specialists?
The companies hiring the most behavioral health specialists right now include Youth Villages, Eliot Community Human Services, and Rutgers University, with the largest share of openings in Massachusetts, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Demand is consistently strong at community mental health centers, hospital systems, and government-contracted behavioral health agencies.
How many behavioral health specialist jobs are remote?
About 7% of behavioral health specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with remote availability concentrated in telehealth counseling, care coordination, and utilization review roles. Direct clinical positions involving in-person assessments, crisis response, or residential care remain predominantly on-site.
How do you become a behavioral health specialist?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or counseling as a starting point, with many clinical roles requiring a master's degree. After completing your degree, you pursue state licensure or a relevant certification such as a CADC or QMHP. Supervised clinical hours are required for most licensure tracks, and many specialists gain that experience through internships, practicum placements, or entry-level positions in community mental health or inpatient settings.
Can you get a behavioral health specialist job with little experience?
Yes, entry-level behavioral health specialist roles exist, particularly in community mental health centers, crisis hotlines, residential programs, and school-based settings that hire at the bachelor's level. Employers hiring candidates with limited experience typically look for completed internships or practicum hours, relevant coursework in assessment and counseling theory, and demonstrated comfort working with populations such as youth, adults with serious mental illness, or individuals with substance use disorders.
What does the behavioral health specialist interview process look like?
Most hiring processes include an initial phone screen with HR, followed by a clinical or panel interview with a supervisor and team members. You can expect scenario-based questions about how you handle crisis situations, documentation practices, and your experience with specific populations or treatment modalities. Some employers add a writing sample, a case presentation, or a background and credentialing check before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings to find roles that match your credentials, clinical background, and preferred setting, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 1,068+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any behavioral health specialist role that fits.
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