Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Tennessee
Behavioral health specialist jobs in Tennessee are active across community mental health centers, hospital systems, substance use treatment programs, and state-contracted social services agencies, with openings ranging from entry-level case aide positions through senior clinician and program director roles. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville generate the largest share of postings, where established employers like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Centerstone, and Frontier Health maintain ongoing hiring pipelines. The most in-demand specialties in Tennessee right now are substance use disorder counseling, crisis intervention, and dual-diagnosis case management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Haven Nashville is opening soon and will be a brand-new inpatient dual-diagnosis treatment center dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. We are seeking dependable, patient-focused Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) to help create a safe, structured, and supportive healing environment.
Schedules Available: Part-Time Weekends
Saturday & Sunday 7:00am - 7:30p or 7:00pm - 7:30am
Responsibilities
- Provide direct supervision and support to clients throughout the treatment day.
- Conduct patient safety observations and complete accurate documentation.
- Assist with admissions, discharges, and client orientation.
- Support clients with daily living activities and encourage participation in programming.
- Utilize de-escalation techniques and respond appropriately during crisis situations.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and therapeutic treatment environment.
- Communicate changes in client behavior or condition to the clinical and nursing teams.
- Assist with transportation and other operational duties as needed.
- Uphold confidentiality and comply with all company policies and regulatory standards.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in psychology, behavioral health, or a related field is a plus.
- Previous experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, mental health, healthcare, or direct patient care preferred.
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Strong communication, observation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate in fast-paced environments.
- Must be able to pass background screening and drug screening.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- BHT: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- drivers license (Required)
Work Location: In person
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Find JobsBehavioral Health Specialist Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Specialist Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health specialist jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee licensure such as LPC, LCSW, or LADAC for clinical positions
- Bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field
- Experience conducting mental health or substance use assessments with diverse populations
- Familiarity with evidence-based practices including CBT, motivational interviewing, or DBT
- Ability to maintain clinical documentation within electronic health record systems
- Valid Tennessee driver's license for community-based or mobile crisis outreach roles
Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health specialist in Tennessee?
Most behavioral health specialist roles in Tennessee require at minimum a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or human services, with clinical positions requiring a master's degree. Licensure through the Tennessee Department of Health is required for clinical practice, with common credentials including the Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. Candidates pursuing substance use roles should also look into the Tennessee Certification Board for certification pathways.
Which companies hire behavioral health specialists in Tennessee?
Employers hiring behavioral health specialists in Tennessee right now include Optum, Vanderbilt Health, and Clarvida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Tennessee's community mental health center network, along with large integrated health systems and state-funded behavioral health programs, represents the most consistent source of full-time openings across the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most behavioral health specialist jobs?
Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis have the most behavioral health specialist openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its concentration of large hospital systems, nonprofit behavioral health agencies, and state government contracts, while Memphis and Knoxville support strong demand through regional medical centers and established community mental health networks serving underserved urban and Appalachian populations.
Are there remote behavioral health specialist jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields because the role often involves in-person client contact, crisis response, and community outreach. About 30% of behavioral health specialist openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with telehealth counseling and care coordination roles being the positions most frequently offered in a remote or hybrid format.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health specialist in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a behavioral health technician, case manager aide, or mental health associate role, which large Tennessee employers like Centerstone and Volunteer Behavioral Health use as direct pipelines into specialist positions. Completing a supervised internship or practicum at a community mental health center or state-contracted agency counts toward licensure hours and signals readiness to hiring managers. Obtaining a Tennessee Certification Board peer recovery specialist credential is a concrete advantage for candidates coming from adjacent roles in social services or residential care.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your experience and credentials, and apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 67 Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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