Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Behavioral health specialist jobs in Illinois are among the most active in the Midwest, with steady demand from community mental health centers, hospital systems, and state-funded human services programs at every level from entry-level case support through senior clinician roles. Chicago, Rockford, and Springfield anchor most of the hiring, where established employers such as Advocate Health Care, Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare, and the Illinois Department of Human Services maintain consistent openings. Crisis intervention, substance use disorder treatment, and school-based behavioral health are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 121+ Behavioral Health Specialist jobs
Pay Range:
$31.03 - $46.54A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications and education.
Established at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese in 2005, Senior Renewal has become a valued resource for seniors and families in our community. Our program provides compassionate support and meaningful connections to help patients navigate life changes and improve their overall well-being.
Position Specifics:
o Department: Behavioral Health & Social Services - Senior Renewal
o Core Function: Behavioral Health/Social Work
o Schedule: PRN, Days 8am-430pm, no weekends, no holidays, no on call responsibilites
o Facility: St Joseph's Hospital
o Location: Breese, IL
o Compensation that aligns with your experience
For more questions regarding this position, please contact Lauren Aman at lauren.aman@hshs.org.
Education
- Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling is required.
Experience
- 1 year of experience in Behavioral Health is preferred.
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations
- Licensed in state of Illinois as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is required if working in outpatient setting (state of IL only)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is required within 18 months of hire if working in the inpatient setting in Illinois.
- Licensed in the state of WI as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and family Therapy (LMFT) , or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is required (state of WI only). *Training License in the state of WI as an APSW (Advanced Practice Social Worker) , LMFT-IT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy-In Training), or LPC-IT (Licensed Professional Counselor-In Training) will be considered. Once state required hours of supervised practice is complete, colleague will have 90 days to apply for licensure. Flexibility meeting exam/testing will be allowed if successful completion of exam requires more than one testing date.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention Certification is preferred
- Substance Use Certificate is preferred.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
0Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day.
Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a healthcare system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments.
Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient.
Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits.
- Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need.
-
Retirement benefits including HSHS
contributions. - Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period.
- Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more!
- Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!
Benefits
HSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process
Hospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants.
Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions.
These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS.
Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org
Pay Range:
$31.03 - $46.54A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications and education.
Established at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese in 2005, Senior Renewal has become a valued resource for seniors and families in our community. Our program provides compassionate support and meaningful connections to help patients navigate life changes and improve their overall well-being.
Position Specifics:
o Department: Behavioral Health & Social Services - Senior Renewal
o Core Function: Behavioral Health/Social Work
o Schedule: PRN, Days 8am-430pm, no weekends, no holidays, no on call responsibilites
o Facility: St Joseph's Hospital
o Location: Breese, IL
o Compensation that aligns with your experience
For more questions regarding this position, please contact Lauren Aman at lauren.aman@hshs.org.
Education
- Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling is required.
Experience
- 1 year of experience in Behavioral Health is preferred.
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations
- Licensed in state of Illinois as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is required if working in outpatient setting (state of IL only)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is required within 18 months of hire if working in the inpatient setting in Illinois.
- Licensed in the state of WI as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and family Therapy (LMFT) , or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is required (state of WI only). *Training License in the state of WI as an APSW (Advanced Practice Social Worker) , LMFT-IT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy-In Training), or LPC-IT (Licensed Professional Counselor-In Training) will be considered. Once state required hours of supervised practice is complete, colleague will have 90 days to apply for licensure. Flexibility meeting exam/testing will be allowed if successful completion of exam requires more than one testing date.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention Certification is preferred
- Substance Use Certificate is preferred.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
0Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day.
Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a healthcare system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments.
Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient.
Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits.
- Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need.
-
Retirement benefits including HSHS
contributions. - Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period.
- Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more!
- Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!
Benefits
HSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process
Hospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants.
Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions.
These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS.
Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org
See All 121+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBehavioral Health Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Ascension12
- Northwestern Medicine8
- Carle Health7
- SAINT MARY OF NAZARETH HOSPITAL5
- Touchette Regional Hospital4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois LCPC, LCSW, or CADC credential or eligibility to obtain one
- Bachelor's or master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field
- Experience conducting behavioral health assessments and developing individualized treatment plans
- Familiarity with Illinois Medicaid billing, documentation standards, and compliance requirements
- Ability to work with diverse populations including adults, youth, and families in community settings
- Proficiency in electronic health record systems such as Netsmart or similar platforms
Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health specialist in Illinois?
Most Illinois employers require at minimum a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related human services field, and many prefer a master's degree for clinical roles. Depending on your focus, you may pursue licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which oversees credentials such as the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. For substance use roles, the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association administers the CADC credential, which many Illinois employers require.
Which companies hire behavioral health specialists in Illinois?
Employers hiring behavioral health specialists in Illinois right now include Ascension, Northwestern Medicine, and Carle Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois also has a strong network of federally qualified health centers and county-run mental health boards that are consistent sources of behavioral health specialist openings throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most behavioral health specialist jobs?
Chicago, Springfield, and Hoffman Estates have the most behavioral health specialist openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest share of listings due to its concentration of hospital systems, community mental health organizations, and county health infrastructure, while Rockford and Springfield generate steady demand through regional hospital networks and state government human services agencies.
Are there remote behavioral health specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they represent a smaller share of the market than in purely desk-based fields, since much of the work involves in-person assessment, crisis response, and community outreach. About 47% of behavioral health specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with telehealth counseling and care coordination roles being the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a behavioral health technician, case aide, or mental health associate role, which Illinois community mental health centers and large systems like Sinai Chicago and Thresholds regularly post for candidates without prior clinical experience. Completing a field placement or internship through an Illinois university social work or counseling program gives candidates a concrete edge. A CADC candidate registration through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association also signals commitment and can open doors at substance use treatment providers before full certification is complete.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers across the state. Find roles that fit your experience, credentials, and preferred location, then apply directly through each listing.
See All 121+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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