Mental Health Specialist Jobs
Mental Health Specialist jobs are open across healthcare systems, community agencies, schools, and government settings, from entry-level clinician roles to senior program leads, with specializations in crisis intervention, substance use counseling, and trauma-informed care. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 1,035+ Mental Health Specialist jobs
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist II
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare
Department UBHC - Emergency Screening Psy
Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Mental Health Specialist II for the Acute Psychiatric Services within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
The primary purpose of the Mental Health Specialist II is to provide services which support the delivery of clinical services in the Unit.
Among the key duties of the position are the following:
- Documents all telephone calls in the Acute Psychiatric Services (APS) telephone log or Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Conducts initial triage of consumers and families when they arrive onsite five (5) minutes after arrival and provides immediate report to the Program Coordinator.
- Assists Public Safety in their search for consumers and belongings when they are admitted to the Extended Care Evaluation Bed (ECEB) area.
- Provides direct, in-person observation for individuals at risk as directed by the physician.
- Maintains appropriate client records in a timely manner as mandated by Center policy.
- Assumes responsibility for managing the transfer of consumers into and out of the Unit.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 187
Salary Details A range of $28.30 - $29.66 per hour.
Minimum Salary 28.300
Mid Range Salary 28.800
Maximum Salary 29.660
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discounts programs
For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Evening
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description Teamsters 97
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility PERS
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- Four (4) years of relevant full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent) in a mental health field or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant mental health, social or human services field.
Certifications/Licenses
- Valid driver’s license.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must possess adequate written and verbal skills to perform the job duties.
- Ability to document in an Electronic Medical Record and in Microsoft Word.
Preferred Qualifications
- One (1) year of experience in an inpatient or crisis setting.
- Ability to enter information into a database and to use the Rutgers UBHC registration software to enter needed information with accuracy.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Frequent prolonged sitting. Observe, converses with patient. Frequent talking and listening in groups as well as on the telephone. Frequently walks, bends, stretches, and pulls. Manual dexterity and mobility for charting. Drives to offsite work locations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Varied work settings include office and community setting. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Handles emergency or crisis situations. May be exposed to clients exhibiting assaultive or aggressive behaviors. Generally pleasant working conditions in a clean, well-lighted, and quiet to moderately loud setting.
Special Conditions
- Ability to work weekends, holidays and off hours.
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST1302
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Piscataway (RBHS)
City Piscataway
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Are you able to work weekends, holidays, and off hours?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have four (4) years of relevant full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent) in a mental health field or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant mental health, social or human services field?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist II
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare
Department UBHC - Emergency Screening Psy
Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Mental Health Specialist II for the Acute Psychiatric Services within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
The primary purpose of the Mental Health Specialist II is to provide services which support the delivery of clinical services in the Unit.
Among the key duties of the position are the following:
- Documents all telephone calls in the Acute Psychiatric Services (APS) telephone log or Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Conducts initial triage of consumers and families when they arrive onsite five (5) minutes after arrival and provides immediate report to the Program Coordinator.
- Assists Public Safety in their search for consumers and belongings when they are admitted to the Extended Care Evaluation Bed (ECEB) area.
- Provides direct, in-person observation for individuals at risk as directed by the physician.
- Maintains appropriate client records in a timely manner as mandated by Center policy.
- Assumes responsibility for managing the transfer of consumers into and out of the Unit.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 187
Salary Details A range of $28.30 - $29.66 per hour.
Minimum Salary 28.300
Mid Range Salary 28.800
Maximum Salary 29.660
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discounts programs
For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Evening
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description Teamsters 97
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility PERS
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- Four (4) years of relevant full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent) in a mental health field or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant mental health, social or human services field.
Certifications/Licenses
- Valid driver’s license.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must possess adequate written and verbal skills to perform the job duties.
- Ability to document in an Electronic Medical Record and in Microsoft Word.
Preferred Qualifications
- One (1) year of experience in an inpatient or crisis setting.
- Ability to enter information into a database and to use the Rutgers UBHC registration software to enter needed information with accuracy.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Frequent prolonged sitting. Observe, converses with patient. Frequent talking and listening in groups as well as on the telephone. Frequently walks, bends, stretches, and pulls. Manual dexterity and mobility for charting. Drives to offsite work locations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Varied work settings include office and community setting. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Handles emergency or crisis situations. May be exposed to clients exhibiting assaultive or aggressive behaviors. Generally pleasant working conditions in a clean, well-lighted, and quiet to moderately loud setting.
Special Conditions
- Ability to work weekends, holidays and off hours.
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST1302
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Piscataway (RBHS)
City Piscataway
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Are you able to work weekends, holidays, and off hours?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have four (4) years of relevant full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent) in a mental health field or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant mental health, social or human services field?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
See All 1,035+ Mental Health Specialist Jobs
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Find Mental Health Specialist JobsMental Health Specialist Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Youth Villages65
- Eliot Community Human Services36
- Preferred Family Healthcare35
- Rutgers University35
- Sanford Health33
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services748
- Education159
- Non-Profit & Social Services70
- Government & Public Sector30
- Insurance14
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field
- Active state licensure or license eligibility such as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT
- Experience conducting mental health assessments and developing individualized treatment plans
- Proficiency with electronic health records platforms used in behavioral health settings
- Knowledge of evidence-based treatment modalities including CBT, DBT, or motivational interviewing
- Crisis intervention training and familiarity with risk assessment protocols
Tips for Your Mental Health Specialist Job Search
Align your licensure to each posting
Employers list specific licensure requirements, like LCSW, LPC, or LMFT, so confirm yours matches before applying. A near-match, such as an associate license, can still qualify if the posting lists supervised hours as acceptable experience.
Quantify caseload size on your resume
Hiring managers want to know how many clients you managed concurrently and in what setting. Replace vague phrases like 'provided therapy' with specifics like 'maintained a caseload of outpatient and crisis clients across individual and group formats.'
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists mental health specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter for population-specific openings
Many postings are written for specialists who work with a defined population, such as children, veterans, or adults with severe mental illness. Targeting roles where your clinical population experience matches the employer's focus sharply improves callback rates.
Prepare a clinical vignette for interviews
Behavioral interview questions in this field often ask you to walk through a real case without disclosing identifying details. Prepare two or three de-identified examples that show your assessment process, intervention choices, and outcomes so you can answer confidently under pressure.
Negotiate supervision hours into your offer
If you're still working toward full licensure, the quality and quantity of clinical supervision built into the role matters as much as salary. Ask directly about supervision frequency, supervisor credentials, and whether the employer pays for licensure exam fees before you accept.
Mental Health Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most mental health specialists?
The companies hiring the most mental health specialists right now include Youth Villages, Eliot Community Human Services, and Preferred Family Healthcare, with the largest share of openings in Massachusetts, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Community mental health centers and integrated healthcare systems consistently drive the highest volume of openings nationwide.
How many mental health specialist jobs are remote?
About 7% of mental health specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with availability varying significantly by clinical function. Roles focused on telehealth counseling, care coordination, and utilization review tend to be the most remote-friendly, while crisis intervention and school-based positions almost always require in-person presence.
How do you become a mental health specialist?
You typically start by earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, then complete a master's program in clinical mental health counseling, social work, or a comparable discipline. After graduation, you accumulate supervised clinical hours, sit for your state licensure exam, and apply for your license before practicing independently. Some entry-level roles hire candidates who are still accruing supervision hours under an associate or provisional license.
Can you get hired as a mental health specialist with little experience?
Yes, many employers hire entry-level mental health specialists who are completing or have recently finished their graduate practicum or internship hours. Community mental health centers, residential programs, and school districts often have the most openings for candidates early in their careers. Highlighting your supervised clinical hours, population experience from your training, and any crisis line or volunteer counseling work strengthens your application when paid experience is limited.
What does the mental health specialist interview process look like?
Most hiring processes start with a phone screen focused on your licensure status and clinical background, followed by one or two in-person or video interviews with a clinical supervisor or department lead. Expect behavioral questions asking you to walk through real case scenarios, as well as questions about your theoretical orientation and how you approach documentation. Some employers also include a brief written assessment or ask you to review a mock case and describe your clinical thinking before a final offer is made.
Where can I find and apply to mental health specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to mental health specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your licensure, clinical population experience, and preferred setting, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 1,035+ Mental Health Specialist Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any mental health specialist role that fits.
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