Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Virginia
Behavioral health specialist jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, concentrated in community mental health centers, veterans services, state-operated facilities, and nonprofit behavioral health agencies, with openings at every level from entry-level case associate through senior clinician and program supervisor. The busiest hiring markets are Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, where employers such as Inova Health System, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and Bon Secours Mercy Health maintain consistent openings. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia include substance use disorder treatment, crisis intervention, and co-occurring disorders. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 121+ Behavioral Health Specialist jobs
About the Job:
The Farley Center is looking for Behavioral Health Techs to join our team!-$18 -$20 Base Pay + Shift differentials
- Full-time Mid shift (3pm-11:30pm)
- Complimentary Continued Education
- $3000 per year Tuition Assistance
- Flex Pay-Daily pay option
- PTO package
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Behavioral Health Associate I serves as an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment team and is responsible for monitoring and reporting of client behaviors; providing continuous client care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling; assisting in client data collection, recording, and maintenance; and responding in crisis situations and medical emergencies as needed.
Roles and Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Ensures the wellbeing of clients and provides a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment. Maintains a constant awareness and supervision of clients.
- Conducts safety checks, ensuring that supervision is conducted at intervals in accordance with individualized supervision guidelines.
- Checks clients for contraband and manages the client’s valuables and belongings.
- Interacts routinely with clients, observes behaviors and communicates significant observations to supervisor. Encourages attendance at group therapy and promotes client participation in unit activities.
- Engages with clients in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.
- Facilitates client educational-rehabilitative groups which cover a variety of topics including social skills, coping skills and independent living skills.
- Takes and records vital signs properly and communicates significant changes in client’s condition to the charge nurse.
- Charts in client records timely, accurately, and appropriately.
- Applies de-escalation techniques to help manage client’s emotions, behavior and participation in treatment.
- Assists with unit cleaning, organization of new admits charts, discharge process, filing, etc. Initiates client/employee incident reports.
- Receives report from previous shift to utilize information in planning for shift and then provides an accurate and thorough report to oncoming shift.
- Serves as a resource for new clients introducing them to other clients and staff, explaining programs and encouraging participation. Orients clients to the activities program, explaining the benefits of activities.
- Maintains an awareness of client's needs and individual goals while motivating clients towards activities which are beneficial to them. Observes clients’ interest levels and behaviors.
- Assists with activity planning by offering new activity ideas and diverse therapeutic recreation program.
- Organizes and sets up the equipment that is used in recreational activities. Provides clients with activity resources and supplies, as needed.
- Enforces safety rules to prevent injury and modifies activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
- Helps to develop and maintain departmental resources, sharing the responsibility to monitor equipment and supplies.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- Six months or more experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.
- Knowledge of common psychiatric disorders and/or dual diagnosis and various treatment modalities of the population served preferred.
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:
- CPR certification and de-escalation training required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
- First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.
WORK LOCATION:
This position is onsite at the facility and is not a remote position.
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:
This position is an Individual Contributor.
Why The Farley Center?The Farley Center offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. The Farley Center is an EOE.Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.
About the Job:
The Farley Center is looking for Behavioral Health Techs to join our team!-$18 -$20 Base Pay + Shift differentials
- Full-time Mid shift (3pm-11:30pm)
- Complimentary Continued Education
- $3000 per year Tuition Assistance
- Flex Pay-Daily pay option
- PTO package
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Behavioral Health Associate I serves as an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment team and is responsible for monitoring and reporting of client behaviors; providing continuous client care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling; assisting in client data collection, recording, and maintenance; and responding in crisis situations and medical emergencies as needed.
Roles and Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Ensures the wellbeing of clients and provides a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment. Maintains a constant awareness and supervision of clients.
- Conducts safety checks, ensuring that supervision is conducted at intervals in accordance with individualized supervision guidelines.
- Checks clients for contraband and manages the client’s valuables and belongings.
- Interacts routinely with clients, observes behaviors and communicates significant observations to supervisor. Encourages attendance at group therapy and promotes client participation in unit activities.
- Engages with clients in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.
- Facilitates client educational-rehabilitative groups which cover a variety of topics including social skills, coping skills and independent living skills.
- Takes and records vital signs properly and communicates significant changes in client’s condition to the charge nurse.
- Charts in client records timely, accurately, and appropriately.
- Applies de-escalation techniques to help manage client’s emotions, behavior and participation in treatment.
- Assists with unit cleaning, organization of new admits charts, discharge process, filing, etc. Initiates client/employee incident reports.
- Receives report from previous shift to utilize information in planning for shift and then provides an accurate and thorough report to oncoming shift.
- Serves as a resource for new clients introducing them to other clients and staff, explaining programs and encouraging participation. Orients clients to the activities program, explaining the benefits of activities.
- Maintains an awareness of client's needs and individual goals while motivating clients towards activities which are beneficial to them. Observes clients’ interest levels and behaviors.
- Assists with activity planning by offering new activity ideas and diverse therapeutic recreation program.
- Organizes and sets up the equipment that is used in recreational activities. Provides clients with activity resources and supplies, as needed.
- Enforces safety rules to prevent injury and modifies activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
- Helps to develop and maintain departmental resources, sharing the responsibility to monitor equipment and supplies.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- Six months or more experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.
- Knowledge of common psychiatric disorders and/or dual diagnosis and various treatment modalities of the population served preferred.
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:
- CPR certification and de-escalation training required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
- First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.
WORK LOCATION:
This position is onsite at the facility and is not a remote position.
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:
This position is an Individual Contributor.
Why The Farley Center?The Farley Center offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. The Farley Center is an EOE.Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.
See All 121+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBehavioral Health Specialist Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Specialist Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Inova Health System12
- Connections Health Solutions11
- Sentara6
- Bon Secours5
- HealthTrust Workforce Solutions5
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health specialist jobs across Virginia.
- Active Virginia license or registration through the Board of Counseling or DBHDS
- Bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, social work, or counseling
- Experience with evidence-based practices such as CBT or motivational interviewing
- Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation systems
- Ability to pass a Virginia criminal background check and child protective services screening
- Valid Virginia driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based assignments
Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health specialist in Virginia?
Virginia requires behavioral health specialists to obtain credentials through the Board of Counseling or register with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, depending on the role. Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, with master's-level licensure preferred for clinical roles. Candidates pursuing licensure typically work toward a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential through the Board of Counseling.
Which companies hire behavioral health specialists in Virginia?
Employers hiring behavioral health specialists in Virginia right now include Inova Health System, Connections Health Solutions, and Sentara, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Virginia's large integrated health systems and state-funded community services boards are among the most consistent sources of full-time openings across the commonwealth.
Which Virginia cities have the most behavioral health specialist jobs?
Richmond, Leesburg, and Fairfax have the most behavioral health specialist openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's concentration of veterans services and large health systems drives volume there, Richmond's role as the state capital brings state agency and nonprofit hiring, and Virginia Beach's dense military and community health infrastructure supports consistent demand in the Hampton Roads region.
Are there remote behavioral health specialist jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since much of the work involves direct client contact, crisis response, and on-site documentation. About 28% of behavioral health specialist openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with telehealth counseling and care coordination roles being the most likely to offer flexible or fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health specialist in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a behavioral health technician or mental health associate role, which Virginia community services boards and large health systems such as Inova and Bon Secours regularly fill without requiring prior clinical experience. Completing a Virginia DBHDS-approved direct support training or a crisis intervention certification strengthens applications significantly. Lateral moves from case management, social services aide, or peer support specialist roles are a recognized stepping stone toward a full behavioral health specialist title in Virginia.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings from employers across the commonwealth. Find roles that fit your experience and credentials and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 121+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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