Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Chicago, IL
Behavioral Health Specialist jobs in Chicago are concentrated across the city's South Side community health corridors, the Near North Side, and Bronzeville, with strong demand from hospital networks, community mental health centers, and social services agencies. Employers actively hiring include Humboldt Park Health, SAINT MARY OF NAZARETH HOSPITAL, and Hartgrove Behavioral Health. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 133+ Behavioral Health Specialist jobs
Looking for a new educational environment and personal challenge as an educator? Join our dedicated interdisciplinary team of professionals and make a difference in improving children's and teen's lives as they navigate their road to recovery.
Full and part-time opportunities available at Hartgrove and Garfield park Behavioral Hospitals!
Hartgrove Behavioral Hospital is a 160-bed leading psychiatric hospital dedicated to providing quality behavioral health services for a diverse population of all ages. Hartgrove is a flagship behavioral health facility within Universal Health Services, Inc. and throughout Illinois. Hartgrove is a state-of-the-art facility offering some of the most advanced technologies and programs found in the behavioral health field.
Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital is an 88-bed facility which provides inpatient psychiatric and partial hospitalization treatment for children and adolescents, ages 3 to 17.
THE TEACHER/EDUCATOR:
- Participates in ongoing educational assessments of patients and completes patient lesson plans.
- Provides instruction to patients while maintaining an orderly and disciplined structure in the classroom.
- Develops special interventions for patients unable to function within the classroom setting.
- Assists in curriculum development.
- Participates in patient treatment planning and staffing when necessary.
- Completes and maintains all records as required.
- Maintains an adequate supply of appropriate instructional materials relative to patient’s age and functioning level.
- Participates in case management activities as required.
- Assures the maintenance of a safe and sanitary environment.
REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, Masters preferred.
Experience: One year teaching ED/BD children and/or adolescents preferred.
Licensure/Certification: Valid Illinois teaching certificate (PEL) required; certification in Special Education preferred.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
- Effective teaching skills and educational strategies with a special education population.
- Individual and group management skills.
- Therapeutic relationships and processes.
- Limit setting; crisis and behavior management.
- Basic growth and development milestones with appropriate interventions specific to the age and population served.
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Looking for a new educational environment and personal challenge as an educator? Join our dedicated interdisciplinary team of professionals and make a difference in improving children's and teen's lives as they navigate their road to recovery.
Full and part-time opportunities available at Hartgrove and Garfield park Behavioral Hospitals!
Hartgrove Behavioral Hospital is a 160-bed leading psychiatric hospital dedicated to providing quality behavioral health services for a diverse population of all ages. Hartgrove is a flagship behavioral health facility within Universal Health Services, Inc. and throughout Illinois. Hartgrove is a state-of-the-art facility offering some of the most advanced technologies and programs found in the behavioral health field.
Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital is an 88-bed facility which provides inpatient psychiatric and partial hospitalization treatment for children and adolescents, ages 3 to 17.
THE TEACHER/EDUCATOR:
- Participates in ongoing educational assessments of patients and completes patient lesson plans.
- Provides instruction to patients while maintaining an orderly and disciplined structure in the classroom.
- Develops special interventions for patients unable to function within the classroom setting.
- Assists in curriculum development.
- Participates in patient treatment planning and staffing when necessary.
- Completes and maintains all records as required.
- Maintains an adequate supply of appropriate instructional materials relative to patient’s age and functioning level.
- Participates in case management activities as required.
- Assures the maintenance of a safe and sanitary environment.
REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, Masters preferred.
Experience: One year teaching ED/BD children and/or adolescents preferred.
Licensure/Certification: Valid Illinois teaching certificate (PEL) required; certification in Special Education preferred.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
- Effective teaching skills and educational strategies with a special education population.
- Individual and group management skills.
- Therapeutic relationships and processes.
- Limit setting; crisis and behavior management.
- Basic growth and development milestones with appropriate interventions specific to the age and population served.
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 133+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBehavioral Health Specialist Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- Humboldt Park Health33
- SAINT MARY OF NAZARETH HOSPITAL29
- Hartgrove Behavioral Health8
- Trellus4
- Culinour4C
Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a behavioral health specialist job in Chicago?
Focus your search on Chicago's federally qualified health centers, Cook County Health facilities, and the dense cluster of nonprofits operating on the South and West Sides. Candidates with experience in crisis intervention, substance use disorder counseling, or trauma-informed care move fastest in this market. Bilingual fluency, particularly in Spanish, gives applicants a concrete edge across many Chicago community health employers.
Which companies hire behavioral health specialists in Chicago?
Companies currently hiring behavioral health specialists in Chicago include Humboldt Park Health, SAINT MARY OF NAZARETH HOSPITAL, and Hartgrove Behavioral Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's hiring is driven by a mix of large hospital systems, county-funded community mental health programs, and nonprofit social services organizations embedded in specific neighborhoods.
Are there remote behavioral health specialist jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though remote availability is limited given how much of this work involves direct client interaction and on-site care delivery. About 16% of behavioral health specialist openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with the most remote-eligible roles concentrated in care coordination, case management documentation, and telehealth counseling.
How can I get a behavioral health specialist job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through community health technician or behavioral health technician roles at Cook County Health, community mental health centers, or the city's network of residential treatment programs. Many Chicago nonprofits on the West and South Sides also hire entry-level case aide positions that build direct clinical hours. A relevant bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field and a willingness to work in underserved communities significantly improves your chances.
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