Behavioral Health Specialist
Listed compensation
Compensation Range: $18–$22 /hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
What You’ll Do
The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) plays a vital, hands-on role in shaping the daily experience of adolescent and young adult patients in Newport Healthcare’s behavioral health programs. As a frontline team member, you’ll create a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where patients feel supported, seen, and empowered throughout their healing journey.
This role isn’t just important; it’s foundational. BHS team members are the heart of our care model, offering meaningful connection and stability that make a lasting difference in young people’s lives. Key responsibilities include:
Creating a safe and supportive space by offering consistent, compassionate care and supervision that ensures patients’ emotional and physical well-being
Guiding and encouraging patients as they move through their daily schedule—including therapy, group activities, meals, and moments of transition in between
Leading or supporting experiential activities (such as mindfulness practices, recreation, and group experiences) that promote healing and connection
Modeling calm, respectful behavior and healthy coping strategies in a way that builds trust and emotional safety
Staying grounded and responsive during high-stress or emotionally charged situations, helping restore calm through established strategies
Collaborating and communicating with team members to support a connected, unified care environment
What Makes You a Great Fit
A patient-first mindset that inspires you to reach the highest standards in supporting the young people in your care
Flexibility within a fast-paced, changing environment—schedules may include day, evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts, and you may need to respond to urgent or unexpected conditions during your shift
Ability to remain calm and composed, and to make good decisions using a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment
- The capacity to listen attentively and actively, with patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity
- A collaborative team player who can find common ground, build trust with colleagues, and communicate effectively
- A problem-solver who digs deep and uses all the information available to craft skillful solutions
- Must be at least 21 years old, with a valid driver’s license
- High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s in psychology, counseling, or sociology preferred
- Compensation Range: $18-$22 per hour based on education and experience.
Key Responsibilities
The Behavioral Health Specialist provides consistent, compassionate care and supervision to ensure the emotional and physical well-being of adolescent patients. They also guide patients through daily schedules and lead experiential activities that promote healing and connection.
Requirements
Candidates must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license and a high school diploma or GED. A bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or sociology is preferred.
Qualifications
- Education
- Bachelor degree
Key Skills
Healthcare Administration Career Context
Of the 40 active Healthcare Administration listings this role was benchmarked against, 15% are remote, 40% have no call, 70% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$42k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $38k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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