Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Minnesota
Behavioral Health Specialist jobs in Minnesota are concentrated in the Twin Cities metro, Duluth, and Rochester, where large systems like Allina Health, Hennepin Healthcare, and Mayo Clinic drive consistent hiring from entry-level to senior clinician roles. Demand runs highest in crisis intervention, co-occurring disorder treatment, and community-based case management, reflecting Minnesota's strong network of county-funded mental health programs and integrated care initiatives. Openings exist across inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, and school-linked services statewide. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Join Our Passionate Team as a Mental Health Specialist II – Make a Lasting Impact Every Day!
At Dungarvin, we are more than a provider of support services—we’re a mission-driven team rooted in respect, response, and choice. Since 1976, we’ve been dedicated to meeting people where they are, working alongside them to provide person-centered supports that allow people to live independently as possible. You’ll work directly with people in need of assistance, and/or living with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or other complex medical needs.
With services in 17 states, our team is united by a shared commitment to making a real difference—one person, one voice, one choice at a time. We encourage you to embrace this opportunity to impact someone’s life.
Why Dungarvin?
As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a range of exciting benefits and opportunities:
- Fixed Starting Rate: $24/hr.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance (for FT employees), Supplemental Insurance, Life Insurance, and more!
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) with up to a 3% employer match
- Paid Time Off that increases with tenure; Including PTO Donation options
- Employee Perks: National Brand Discounts, Employee Referral Program, and access to Tapcheck (get 50% of your pay before payday)
- Growth & Development: Access to career growth opportunities, paid training, and mentorship
- Mileage Reimbursement for travel
- Paid Training and Orientation: Training provided to ensure you’re equipped to handle challenging behaviors.
Job Description
About the Program:
Our Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes support individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs. Many of the people we serve have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, or legal involvement. They may have a history of failed placements and need a highly structured environment to succeed.
Our homes are specially designed for safety, and our approach is consistent, person-centered, and focused on helping individuals reach their goals while maintaining safety for everyone. Due to the challenging nature of this work, staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including the use of manual restraints when necessary.
What You’ll Do:
- Provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental‑health needs, using person‑centered approaches focused on safety, skill‑building, and positive engagement.
- Support individuals in accordance with behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and manual restraint procedures as trained.
- Maintain a clean, safe, structured living environment; assist with daily living skills, household tasks, activities, transportation, and community engagement.
- Accurately document services, behavioral observations, health concerns, and program activities using electronic systems (T‑logs, Therap, health tracking).
- Monitor behavioral changes, identify escalation indicators, and communicate proactively with supervisors and team members during crisis or safety situations.
- Support family and personal contacts, assist with appointments, medication administration tasks (as allowed), and follow all medical and nutrition plans.
- Participate in team meetings, provide feedback on individuals’ needs, and assist in training new staff while modeling positive, professional behavior.
- Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and ensure compliance with protocols and individual support plans.
Qualifications
Required (Must-Have)
- High school diploma or GED
- 3 years minimum of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness OR a degree in a mental-health–related field
- Must be at least 18 years of age; some programs require employees to be 21 years of age or older
- Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance
- Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic documentation systems
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to safely manage physically demanding situations
Skills & Abilities
- Follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, functional assessments, and person-centered plans
- Use crisis prevention, de-escalation, redirection, and manual restraints as trained
- Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, including documentation
- Work effectively in crisis situations and exercise sound judgment
- Collaborate with team members and external partners (case managers, law enforcement, mental health professionals)
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving, consistency, time-management, and independent prioritization skills
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we want to hear from you! At Dungarvin, we support one another and provide the training and tools you need to succeed. Join our team and help us empower individuals to lead their best lives.
Apply Today—Be Part of Something Truly Special!
Additional Information
We believe in supporting not only those we serve but also each other, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment for all. Dungarvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status per federal and/or state law.
Retention Bonus:
The retention bonus is not applicable for current Dungarvin employees.
10/26
#DMNJ
Join Our Passionate Team as a Mental Health Specialist II – Make a Lasting Impact Every Day!
At Dungarvin, we are more than a provider of support services—we’re a mission-driven team rooted in respect, response, and choice. Since 1976, we’ve been dedicated to meeting people where they are, working alongside them to provide person-centered supports that allow people to live independently as possible. You’ll work directly with people in need of assistance, and/or living with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or other complex medical needs.
With services in 17 states, our team is united by a shared commitment to making a real difference—one person, one voice, one choice at a time. We encourage you to embrace this opportunity to impact someone’s life.
Why Dungarvin?
As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a range of exciting benefits and opportunities:
- Fixed Starting Rate: $24/hr.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance (for FT employees), Supplemental Insurance, Life Insurance, and more!
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) with up to a 3% employer match
- Paid Time Off that increases with tenure; Including PTO Donation options
- Employee Perks: National Brand Discounts, Employee Referral Program, and access to Tapcheck (get 50% of your pay before payday)
- Growth & Development: Access to career growth opportunities, paid training, and mentorship
- Mileage Reimbursement for travel
- Paid Training and Orientation: Training provided to ensure you’re equipped to handle challenging behaviors.
Job Description
About the Program:
Our Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes support individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs. Many of the people we serve have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, or legal involvement. They may have a history of failed placements and need a highly structured environment to succeed.
Our homes are specially designed for safety, and our approach is consistent, person-centered, and focused on helping individuals reach their goals while maintaining safety for everyone. Due to the challenging nature of this work, staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including the use of manual restraints when necessary.
What You’ll Do:
- Provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental‑health needs, using person‑centered approaches focused on safety, skill‑building, and positive engagement.
- Support individuals in accordance with behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and manual restraint procedures as trained.
- Maintain a clean, safe, structured living environment; assist with daily living skills, household tasks, activities, transportation, and community engagement.
- Accurately document services, behavioral observations, health concerns, and program activities using electronic systems (T‑logs, Therap, health tracking).
- Monitor behavioral changes, identify escalation indicators, and communicate proactively with supervisors and team members during crisis or safety situations.
- Support family and personal contacts, assist with appointments, medication administration tasks (as allowed), and follow all medical and nutrition plans.
- Participate in team meetings, provide feedback on individuals’ needs, and assist in training new staff while modeling positive, professional behavior.
- Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and ensure compliance with protocols and individual support plans.
Qualifications
Required (Must-Have)
- High school diploma or GED
- 3 years minimum of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness OR a degree in a mental-health–related field
- Must be at least 18 years of age; some programs require employees to be 21 years of age or older
- Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance
- Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic documentation systems
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to safely manage physically demanding situations
Skills & Abilities
- Follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, functional assessments, and person-centered plans
- Use crisis prevention, de-escalation, redirection, and manual restraints as trained
- Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, including documentation
- Work effectively in crisis situations and exercise sound judgment
- Collaborate with team members and external partners (case managers, law enforcement, mental health professionals)
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving, consistency, time-management, and independent prioritization skills
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we want to hear from you! At Dungarvin, we support one another and provide the training and tools you need to succeed. Join our team and help us empower individuals to lead their best lives.
Apply Today—Be Part of Something Truly Special!
Additional Information
We believe in supporting not only those we serve but also each other, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment for all. Dungarvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status per federal and/or state law.
Retention Bonus:
The retention bonus is not applicable for current Dungarvin employees.
10/26
#DMNJ
See All 61 Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBehavioral Health Specialist Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Specialist Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sanford Health10
- CentraCare6
- Essentia Health5
- Dungarvin4
- Northstar behavioral health network4N
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Technology & Software
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health specialist jobs across Minnesota.
- Active Minnesota licensure such as LICSW, LPCC, or LP preferred or required
- Bachelor's or master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field
- Experience conducting mental health assessments and developing individualized treatment plans
- Knowledge of evidence-based practices including CBT, motivational interviewing, or DBT
- Ability to work with adults or youth experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
- Valid Minnesota driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based or mobile positions
Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health specialist in Minnesota?
Most Minnesota employers require at minimum a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field, with a master's degree preferred for clinical roles. Licensure through the Minnesota Board of Social Work or the Minnesota Board of Psychology is expected for positions that include assessment or therapy. Entry-level specialist roles may accept candidates who hold, or are actively working toward, licensure as a licensed professional clinical counselor or licensed graduate social worker.
Which companies hire behavioral health specialists in Minnesota?
Companies currently hiring behavioral health specialists in Minnesota include Sanford Health, CentraCare, and Essentia Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Minnesota's dense network of nonprofit community mental health centers, county human services departments, and integrated health systems means openings are distributed well beyond a single employer type.
Which Minnesota cities have the most behavioral health specialist jobs?
Saint Paul, Bemidji, and Saint Cloud have the most behavioral health specialist openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities anchor the market through a high concentration of health systems, county mental health programs, and nonprofit agencies, while Rochester's presence reflects Mayo Clinic's behavioral health expansion and Duluth's role as the regional hub for northern Minnesota's community services network.
Are there remote behavioral health specialist jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're limited. Telehealth has expanded remote options for certain assessment, case management, and care coordination tasks, though most positions still require in-person contact with clients. About 33% of behavioral health specialist openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with fully remote roles most common in utilization review, care coordination, and telehealth counseling for established patients.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health specialist in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a mental health practitioner or behavioral health technician role, which Minnesota employers like Allina Health and county human services agencies regularly fill with candidates holding a bachelor's degree and no prior clinical experience. Hennepin Healthcare and North Memorial Health run structured new-graduate onboarding for behavioral health support staff. Completing a supervised internship through a Minnesota-accredited program and obtaining a licensed graduate social worker credential gives candidates a clear hiring edge over applicants without any credential.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current Minnesota openings updated regularly. Search for roles that match your credentials and experience level, then apply directly to the positions that fit. No signup is needed to see the listings.
See All 61 Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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