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 SAINT MARY OF NAZARETH HOSPITAL, Ascension, and Metropolitan Family Services. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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- Location: Chicago, IL
- Facility: Ascension Saint Joseph
- Department: Adult Psychiatry Unit
- Schedule: Day shift | PRN | 7:00 am - 7:30 pm
- Retirement: 403(b) plan
- Well-being support: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
- Assist patients with performing activities of daily living.
- Provide or assist with providing direct patient care, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions.
- Observe and record patient behavior and activities.
- Report any changes in condition and suggest modifications to the treatment plan.
Licensure / Certification / Registration
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Required Credential(s):
- BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
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Preferred Credential(s):
- Certification specializing in Crisis Prevention credentialed from the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).
- Nurse Aide credentialed from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
- High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Technical degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.
Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
Equal employment opportunity employer
Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.
Fraud prevention notice
Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process, our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.
E-Verify statement
Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.
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Find JobsBehavioral Health Specialist Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- SAINT MARY OF NAZARETH HOSPITAL23

- Ascension14

- Metropolitan Family Services9

- Trellus5
- ComPsych5

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
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 SAINT MARY OF NAZARETH HOSPITAL, Ascension, and Metropolitan Family Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 61% of behavioral health specialist openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of November 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.
Which industries hire the most behavioral health specialists in Chicago?
Most behavioral health specialist openings in Chicago sit in Healthcare & Medical Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's large public health infrastructure, combined with its extensive network of community benefit organizations and integrated hospital systems, makes these sectors the dominant employers for behavioral health roles in the city.
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