Behavioral Health Specialist - Residential

Behavioral Health Specialist – Heritage Behavioral Health Center – Decatur, Illinois

Salary

High School or GED: $18.00/hour + Every other Friday off (paid wellness day)

Schedule: Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day)

Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals!

About Heritage Behavioral Health Center

We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care – regardless of the position they hold.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Collaborative mission-driven work environment
• Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
• Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff’s needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!

Your Role

Behavioral Health Specialist

Location: Heritage Behavioral Health Center (Crisis Stabilization Unit, Residential Rehabilitation

Unit, and/or Group Homes)

Schedule: 24/7 programs with multiple shifts (days/evenings/nights; weekends and holidays required; rotating/alternative schedules available)

Overview of the Position

Behavioral Health Specialists provide compassionate, paraprofessional support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges in a recovery‑oriented, person‑centered environment.

Working within our Crisis Stabilization Unit, Residential Rehabilitation Unit, or Group Homes, you’ll deliver direct care, skills coaching, safety monitoring, and daily living support that help individuals stabilize, build independence, and thrive in the community.

This role is ideal for candidates who are reliable, teachable, and committed to trauma‑informed care, even in fast‑paced or crisis settings.

Core Responsibilities

Support Daily Living & Recovery

• Coach residents in ADLs (meal prep, hygiene, housekeeping, laundry) and independent living skills (medication routines, budgeting, time management).
• Promote healthy routines: sleep hygiene, nutrition, movement, and community participation.

Client Engagement & Skills Coaching

• Use motivational, strength-based approaches to build rapport and engagement.
• Facilitate or co‑facilitate psychoeducational groups (coping skills, wellness, relapse prevention, community integration).

Crisis & Safety Support

• Maintain therapeutic milieu and conduct scheduled safety checks.
• Use de‑escalation techniques and follow crisis protocols; promptly seek clinical support when risk increases.
• Support transitions between CSU, RRU, Group Homes, and community settings.

Medication & Health Support (non-clinical)

• Support medication routines per program protocol (e. g., reminders, observation/ documentation when applicable).
• Encourage adherence to medical/behavioral health appointments and care plans; assist with transportation as needed.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete timely, accurate progress notes, checklists, incident reports, and shift handoffs in accordance with policy.
• Communicate effectively with clinical teams (nurses, therapists, prescribers, case managers) and follow care plans.

Environment, Safety, & Compliance

• Uphold trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, recovery‑oriented care principles.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe environments; follow infection control and confidentiality standards (HIPAA).
• Participate in trainings, drills, and quality improvement activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Foundational Knowledge

• Understanding of mental health and substance use conditions, recovery principles, and social determinants of health.
• Awareness of trauma‑informed care, harm reduction, and person‑centered practices.

Core Skills

• Communication: Clear, compassionate verbal/written communication; active listening; professional boundaries.
• De‑escalation: Calm presence under pressure; ability to use verbal intervention and follow safety protocols.
• Engagement & Coaching: Motivational approaches to build skills and confidence; group facilitation basics.
• Organization & Documentation: Reliable follow‑through, attention to detail, accurate records and handoffs.
• Teamwork: Collaborative, respectful, and responsive across multidisciplinary teams and shifts.

Abilities

• Work in 24/7 settings, including nights/weekends/holidays; adapt to changing priorities and client needs.
• Assist with physical tasks (standing, walking, light cleaning); help with safe transportation.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries; use judgment to escalate concerns to clinical staff.
• Build trust with diverse populations; demonstrate empathy, cultural humility, and non‑judgment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.

Heritage Also Offers the Following with This Position

• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off paid, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
• Retirement: 401k and Roth
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve!