Mental Health Specialist Jobs in Alaska
Mental Health Specialist jobs in Alaska concentrate in community behavioral health, tribal health corporations, and state-operated psychiatric facilities, with steady demand at the entry, associate, and licensed clinician levels. Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau account for the largest share of openings, where employers such as Southcentral Foundation, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and the State of Alaska Department of Health maintain consistent hiring. Sub-specialties drawing the most interest include substance use disorder counseling, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Watch Alaska DOC HARS video here:
What You Will Be Doing:
Under the supervision of the Mental Health Clinician 3, this position will:
- Develop, implement, and maintain treatment plans for inmates assigned to caseload.
- Respond to referrals from staff and make appropriate recommendations, including conducting mental status examinations, clinical interviews, suicide assessments and risk assessments.
- Prepare, schedule, and facilitate psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic groups for inmates in open population
The HARS Mission Statement: To provide timely access to essential care through an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach. We are committed to a culture of professionalism, quality and safety.
Benefits of Joining Our Team:
Join a multidisciplinary team of professionals who are dedicated to providing quality care to Alaska’s incarcerated population. The Department of Corrections is the state’s largest behavioral health provider, we offer unique professional development opportunities, while helping to build stronger communities.
Full time employment with the State of Alaska includes competitive benefits such as: medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 12 paid holidays, monthly personal leave accrual, 2 retirement plans and other optional benefits. For other information regarding these benefits, please visit the Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits website (https://drb.alaska.gov/employee/).
The Working Environment You Can Expect:
This position is located at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, a secure facility for incarcerated offenders. This position will work closely with a team of correctional officers, mental health clinicians and medical staff.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:
- Psychology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of human behavior and performance in various contexts, mental processes, or the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
- Oral and Written Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Minimum Qualifications
Competency Based Minimum Qualifications Instructions
This job class uses competency based minimum qualifications. Please ensure your application (through work history, volunteer experience (duties summary), training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports how you have gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors (competencies) and that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.
Competency Description
The competency description(s) listed below have been designed to promote a common understanding of the essential elements of the job class. They highlight the more general and customary knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), tasks, and behaviors used to describe the competency. They typically list expectations, as opposed to specific tasks, and are to be used only as parameters and guidelines. A competency’s description is not intended to exclusively define every KSA, task, and behavior needed to successfully meet the competency, but rather to provide the manager/agency with a broad reference of options as to how an applicant can meet the job expectation.
Master’s degree from an accredited college in counseling, psychology, social work, child guidance, vocational rehabilitation, or a closely related field.
AND
Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities in
- Analysis and Assessment: Uses information technology in accessing, collecting, analyzing, maintaining, and disseminating data and information.
- Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
- Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
- Psychology: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of human behavior and performance in various contexts, mental processes, or the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental ailments, and career guidance.
Equivalent to those typically gained by:
Professional experience performing psychotherapeutic casework.
“Professional experience” means work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment.
"Training" and "education" in this guidance are synonyms for the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction. It includes instruction through formal and informal methods (such as classroom, on-line, self-study, and on-the-job), from accredited and unaccredited sources, and long-duration (such as a post-secondary degree) and short-duration (such as a seminar) programs.
"Typically gained by" means the prevalent, usual method of gaining the competencies expected for entry into the job.
Special Note:
Additional Required Information
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
- Official or unofficial transcripts from the highest level of education completed
- Three professional references
SPECIAL NOTICE
Must be available to work one weekend day.
RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTIES
LEGAL EMPLOYMENT
EDUCATION
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of the interview.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
MULTIPLE VACANCIES
PREA NOTIFICATION
The Department of Corrections follows and maintains federal and state requirements standards including, but not limited to, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards which apply to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders. PREA standards preclude the department from hiring or promoting anyone who has engaged in, or been convicted of any conduct which would violate PREA standards related to sexual assault including:
- Sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institutions.
- Convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or
- Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above.
CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS/APSIN/ACOMS
Please be aware – this position requires the use of the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN). A security clearance issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is necessary to use APSIN. DPS will deny security clearance for any applicant who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in this state or another jurisdiction, or who may be a fugitive from justice. Additionally, security clearance will be withdrawn if DPS discovers that material information was falsified or omitted at the time of the initial application for security clearance.
FINGERPRINT NOTICE
All Department of Corrections employees are required to be fingerprinted. The successful candidate must pass a criminal history check.
DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at the address above. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For applicant password assistance, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
Contact Information
Chris McMichael
Mental Health Clinician 3
907-269-4242
christopher.mcmichael@alaska.gov
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits
- Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
- AVTEC
- Confidential
- Correctional Officers
- Marine Engineers
- Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
- Supervisory
- Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
- Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
- The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
- General Government
- Labor, Trades and Crafts
- Public Safety Employees Association
- Masters, Mates & Pilots
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
- Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
- Group-based insurance premiums for
- Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
- Long-term and short-term disability
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
- Supplemental Survivor Benefits
- Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Retirement Benefits
- Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
- Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
- Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
- Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
- Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
- Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
- Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
- Twelve (12) paid holidays a year
See All 34 Mental Health Specialist Jobs in Alaska
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Find Mental Health Specialist JobsMental Health Specialist Jobs by City in Alaska
Where Alaska roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mental Health Specialist Job Market in Alaska
A snapshot from current Alaska openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Providence14

- US Department of Veterans Affairs5

- State of Alaska4

- Aspire3652

- US Defense Health Agency2U
Top Industries Hiring
- Agriculture & Farming
What Alaska Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health specialist jobs across Alaska.
- Active Alaska license or registration through the Board of Professional Counselors or equivalent Alaska licensing board
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related clinical field
- Experience delivering individual and group therapy in a behavioral health or community mental health setting
- Familiarity with trauma-informed care models and evidence-based treatment approaches such as CBT or DBT
- Ability to maintain complete and accurate clinical documentation in an electronic health record system
- Valid Alaska driver's license and willingness to travel to remote or rural community sites as required
Mental Health Specialist Jobs in Alaska: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health specialist in Alaska?
Becoming a mental health specialist in Alaska typically requires a master's degree in counseling, clinical psychology, or social work, followed by supervised postgraduate hours and passage of a national clinical exam. Licensure is issued by the Alaska Board of Professional Counselors for licensed professional counselors or the Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners for clinical social workers, depending on your credential path. Completing supervised hours with an Alaska-approved supervisor is the critical step most candidates plan around.
Which companies hire mental health specialists in Alaska?
Companies currently hiring mental health specialists in Alaska include Providence, US Department of Veterans Affairs, and State of Alaska, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Alaska's tribal health systems and state-operated community behavioral health centers account for a significant portion of ongoing openings across the state.
Which Alaska cities have the most mental health specialist jobs?
Anchorage, Alaska, and Juneau have the most mental health specialist openings in Alaska. Anchorage dominates the market as the state's largest city and home to major behavioral health systems and tribal health organizations, while Fairbanks and Juneau generate consistent demand through regional medical centers, state agency offices, and community mental health programs serving their surrounding areas.
Are there remote mental health specialist jobs in Alaska?
Yes, and more than many clinical fields, because Alaska's geography makes telehealth a practical necessity for reaching rural and remote communities. About 18% of mental health specialist openings tied to Alaska are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the state's strong investment in telehealth infrastructure. Individual therapy, case management, and crisis counseling roles are the most likely to carry a telehealth or hybrid component.
How can I get hired as a mental health specialist in Alaska with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a behavioral health aide or mental health technician role, which Alaska employers such as Southcentral Foundation and regional tribal health corporations actively recruit for without requiring full licensure. Completing a Community Health Aide or Behavioral Health Aide certification recognized in Alaska strengthens a candidate's profile significantly. Lateral moves from case management assistant, psychiatric rehabilitation specialist, or peer support specialist roles also open doors, and pursuing Alaska-supervised clinical hours while working in one of these positions puts you on the direct path to full licensure.
Where can I find and apply to mental health specialist jobs in Alaska?
You can find and apply to mental health specialist jobs in Alaska on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings, identify the roles that fit your credentials and experience level, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 34 Mental Health Specialist Jobs in Alaska
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