Entry Level Mental Health Specialist Jobs
New grad mental health specialist jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a practicum placement can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Government & Public Sector, with employers like WVU Medicine, Rutgers University, and Meharry Medical College hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 6+ Entry Level Mental Health Specialist jobs
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist IV
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare
Department UBHC - Acute Psychological Ser
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 IV within the Acute Psychological Services of Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare.
The Mental Health Specialist IV participates as a member of the unit team providing care to assigned patients under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Assists the Registered Nurse in planning patient care.
- Provides care based on the patient’s established care plan, under the supervision of the registered nurse.
- Observes patient’s behaviors and when necessary notifies appropriate staff.
- Assists in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment that respects patients’ rights.
- Assists the patients with activities of daily living, encouraging independent behavior, when appropriate.
- Collects routine urine specimens, takes vital signs including blood pressure and weighs patients as directed by the registered nurse.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 147
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 22.610
Mid Range Salary 23.110
Maximum Salary 23.800
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 provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- 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 (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Rotating
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
- Successful completion of a one (1) year training program as a Mental Health Specialist Trainee or one (1) year of similar full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent) in a mental health field.
- At least two (2) years of college, preferably in a related field, including twelve (12) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, counseling may be substituted for the minimum requirements of this position.
Certifications/Licenses
- Valid driver’s license.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Position requires standing 2/3 of the time, walking to 2/3 of the time, requires sitting 1/3 of the time, use of hands to finger, handle or feel 2/3 of the time, reach with hands and arms, 1/3 of the time, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl 1/3 of the time, talk or hear over 2/3 of the time.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic.)
- Subject to unpredictable situations, patient crises, both medical and psychiatric.
- Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors.
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens that requires use of personal protective equipment.
- May be exposed to varying or extreme temperatures.
Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST1602
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 (*).
- Do you have successful completion of a one (1) year training program as a Mental Health Specialist Trainee or one (1) year of similar full-time paid experience? (Part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent in a mental health field).
- Yes
- No
-
N/A
-
Do you have at least two (2) years of college, preferably in a related field, including twelve (12) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, or counseling that may be substituted for the minimum requirements of this position?
- Yes
- No
-
N/A
-
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Certifications/Licenses
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist IV
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare
Department UBHC - Acute Psychological Ser
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 IV within the Acute Psychological Services of Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare.
The Mental Health Specialist IV participates as a member of the unit team providing care to assigned patients under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Assists the Registered Nurse in planning patient care.
- Provides care based on the patient’s established care plan, under the supervision of the registered nurse.
- Observes patient’s behaviors and when necessary notifies appropriate staff.
- Assists in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment that respects patients’ rights.
- Assists the patients with activities of daily living, encouraging independent behavior, when appropriate.
- Collects routine urine specimens, takes vital signs including blood pressure and weighs patients as directed by the registered nurse.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 147
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 22.610
Mid Range Salary 23.110
Maximum Salary 23.800
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 provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- 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 (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Rotating
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
- Successful completion of a one (1) year training program as a Mental Health Specialist Trainee or one (1) year of similar full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent) in a mental health field.
- At least two (2) years of college, preferably in a related field, including twelve (12) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, counseling may be substituted for the minimum requirements of this position.
Certifications/Licenses
- Valid driver’s license.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Position requires standing 2/3 of the time, walking to 2/3 of the time, requires sitting 1/3 of the time, use of hands to finger, handle or feel 2/3 of the time, reach with hands and arms, 1/3 of the time, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl 1/3 of the time, talk or hear over 2/3 of the time.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic.)
- Subject to unpredictable situations, patient crises, both medical and psychiatric.
- Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors.
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens that requires use of personal protective equipment.
- May be exposed to varying or extreme temperatures.
Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST1602
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 (*).
- Do you have successful completion of a one (1) year training program as a Mental Health Specialist Trainee or one (1) year of similar full-time paid experience? (Part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent in a mental health field).
- Yes
- No
-
N/A
-
Do you have at least two (2) years of college, preferably in a related field, including twelve (12) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, or counseling that may be substituted for the minimum requirements of this position?
- Yes
- No
-
N/A
-
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Certifications/Licenses
See All 6 Entry Level Mental Health Specialist Jobs
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Find JobsEntry Level Mental Health Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Government & Public Sector
Entry Level Mental Health Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level mental health specialist job?
Employers at this level look for candidates with a relevant degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, plus hands-on experience from a practicum, internship, or volunteer crisis line work. Certification in first aid or Mental Health First Aid strengthens your application. Tailoring your resume to highlight client-facing hours, assessment skills, and any supervised clinical experience gives you a clear edge over candidates with coursework alone.
Which companies hire entry level mental health specialists?
Companies hiring entry level mental health specialists right now include WVU Medicine, Rutgers University, and Meharry Medical College, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a mix of community mental health centers, behavioral health nonprofits, hospital systems, and school districts, many of which actively recruit new graduates into supervised roles.
Are there remote entry level mental health specialist jobs?
Yes, though on-site and hybrid roles make up the majority at this stage. About 0% of entry level mental health specialist openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, concentrated in telehealth platforms and crisis support services where client sessions are conducted entirely by video or phone.
Are these new grad mental health specialist jobs?
Yes, this page includes new grad, recent graduate, and junior mental health specialist roles alongside other entry level openings. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or practicums toward the requirement, or asks for a portfolio of supervised client work rather than independent clinical hours. These roles are specifically designed for candidates starting out.
Which industries hire the most entry level mental health specialists?
Entry Level mental health specialist roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Government & Public Sector, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they operate high caseload environments, rely on supervised staff to extend clinical capacity, and maintain steady demand for intake, assessment, and case coordination support.