Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Missouri
Behavioral Health Specialist jobs in Missouri are concentrated in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield, where organizations like Compass Health Network, BJC HealthCare, and CenterPointe Hospital maintain large behavioral health workforces. Demand runs from entry-level community support roles to licensed clinical positions, with the strongest need in crisis intervention, substance use treatment, and community mental health. Missouri's state-funded mental health system and its dense network of federally qualified health centers keep hiring active across both urban and rural counties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 115+ Behavioral Health Specialist jobs
It's more than a career, it's a calling.
MO-SSM Health Mission HillWorker Type:
RegularJob Summary:
Provides direct patient care to behavioral health patients in accordance with the established policies and procedures of the facility.Job Responsibilities and Requirements:
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Completes admitting and shift assessments on assigned patients including behaviors; accurately and within time-frame set in policy and procedures.
- Utilizes critical thinking skills and judgement to analyze patient assessment data and notify physician of changes in condition.
- Participates in the development, review and evaluation of multidisciplinary treatment plans as per policies and procedures.
- Documents all nursing care given and adheres to nursing standards and ministry policies and procedures.
- Consistently and accurately implements and records physicians orders.
- Assesses and monitors patients and environment for safety within the unit.
- Serves as a clinical resource and supervises care delivered by LPN's and techs.
- Educates patients and families based on assessed needs and documents education provided in the Electronic Health Record.
- Applies the existing body of evidence-based practice and scientific knowledge in health care to nursing practice, ensuring that nursing care is delivered based on patient’s age-specific needs and clinical needs as described in the department's Scope of Service.
- As an SSM Health nurse, I will demonstrate the professional nursing standards defined in the professional practice model. Uses the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses to guide his/her response to the current and evolving health and nursing needs of our patients and our patient populations.
- Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
- Graduate of accredited school of nursing or education equivalency for licensing
EXPERIENCE
- One year registered nurse experience (Ministry Float) or two years' registered nurse experience (Regional Float)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Constant use of speech to share information through oral communication.
- Constant standing and walking.
- Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
- Frequent sitting, reaching and keyboard use/data entry.
- Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
- Frequent use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
- Frequent use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
- Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
- Occasional lifting/moving of patients.
- Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, gripping and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
- Occasional driving.
- Rare crawling and running.
REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
State of Work Location: Illinois
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
State of Work Location: Missouri
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
State of Work Location: Oklahoma
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN)
State of Work Location: Wisconsin
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Work Shift:
Day Shift (United States of America)Job Type:
Department:
8452000130 STL Regioal Float PoolScheduled Weekly Hours:
36Benefits:
SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.
Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.
It's more than a career, it's a calling.
MO-SSM Health Mission HillWorker Type:
RegularJob Summary:
Provides direct patient care to behavioral health patients in accordance with the established policies and procedures of the facility.Job Responsibilities and Requirements:
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Completes admitting and shift assessments on assigned patients including behaviors; accurately and within time-frame set in policy and procedures.
- Utilizes critical thinking skills and judgement to analyze patient assessment data and notify physician of changes in condition.
- Participates in the development, review and evaluation of multidisciplinary treatment plans as per policies and procedures.
- Documents all nursing care given and adheres to nursing standards and ministry policies and procedures.
- Consistently and accurately implements and records physicians orders.
- Assesses and monitors patients and environment for safety within the unit.
- Serves as a clinical resource and supervises care delivered by LPN's and techs.
- Educates patients and families based on assessed needs and documents education provided in the Electronic Health Record.
- Applies the existing body of evidence-based practice and scientific knowledge in health care to nursing practice, ensuring that nursing care is delivered based on patient’s age-specific needs and clinical needs as described in the department's Scope of Service.
- As an SSM Health nurse, I will demonstrate the professional nursing standards defined in the professional practice model. Uses the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses to guide his/her response to the current and evolving health and nursing needs of our patients and our patient populations.
- Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
- Graduate of accredited school of nursing or education equivalency for licensing
EXPERIENCE
- One year registered nurse experience (Ministry Float) or two years' registered nurse experience (Regional Float)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Constant use of speech to share information through oral communication.
- Constant standing and walking.
- Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
- Frequent sitting, reaching and keyboard use/data entry.
- Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
- Frequent use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
- Frequent use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
- Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
- Occasional lifting/moving of patients.
- Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, gripping and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
- Occasional driving.
- Rare crawling and running.
REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
State of Work Location: Illinois
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
State of Work Location: Missouri
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
State of Work Location: Oklahoma
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN)
State of Work Location: Wisconsin
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Work Shift:
Day Shift (United States of America)Job Type:
Department:
8452000130 STL Regioal Float PoolScheduled Weekly Hours:
36Benefits:
SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.
Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.
See All 115+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Missouri
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Find JobsBehavioral Health Specialist Jobs by City in Missouri
Where Missouri roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Specialist Job Market in Missouri
A snapshot from current Missouri openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Burrell Behavioral Health20
- University Health KC17
- SSM Health11
- Mercy6
- Compass Health Network6
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Missouri Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health specialist jobs across Missouri.
- Active Missouri license or certification aligned with scope of practice and employer requirements
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related behavioral health field
- Experience conducting behavioral health assessments and developing individualized treatment plans
- Familiarity with electronic health records systems used in community mental health settings
- Valid Missouri driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based case management
- Ability to pass Missouri Family Care Safety Registry and background screening prior to hire
Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Missouri: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health specialist in Missouri?
The path in Missouri typically begins with a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a closely related field, followed by registration with the Missouri Division of Professional Registration if you pursue licensure as a licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker. Many behavioral health specialist roles are pre-licensure positions that count toward supervised hours for the LPC or LCSW credential. Employers in Missouri's community mental health centers often hire candidates who are actively pursuing licensure and provide on-site supervision.
Which companies hire behavioral health specialists in Missouri?
Companies currently hiring behavioral health specialists in Missouri include Burrell Behavioral Health, University Health KC, and SSM Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Missouri's large community mental health center network, anchored by organizations like Compass Health Network and Places for People, also generates consistent openings across the state.
Which Missouri cities have the most behavioral health specialist jobs?
Kansas City, St. Louis, and Columbia have the most behavioral health specialist openings in Missouri. Kansas City and St. Louis drive the bulk of listings given their large hospital systems, federally qualified health centers, and regional headquarters for nonprofit behavioral health organizations, while Springfield's role as southwest Missouri's healthcare hub supports a strong secondary market.
Are there remote behavioral health specialist jobs in Missouri?
Yes, but they are limited. About 13% of behavioral health specialist openings tied to Missouri are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the largely in-person nature of direct client care. Telehealth case management, care coordination, and utilization review roles are the most likely to allow remote or hybrid arrangements within this field.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health specialist in Missouri with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a community support specialist or behavioral health technician role at a Missouri community mental health center, where formal clinical experience is not required. Organizations like Compass Health Network and Burrell Behavioral Health regularly hire people without direct behavioral health backgrounds and provide structured on-the-job training. Candidates who hold or are pursuing a Certified Peer Specialist credential through the Missouri Department of Mental Health have a concrete edge. Related experience in case management, residential care, or crisis hotline work also translates well and opens the door to advancement.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Missouri?
You can find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Missouri on Migrate Mate, which lists current Missouri openings from employers across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and credentials and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 115+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Missouri
Find roles in Missouri that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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