Behavioral Health Support Specialist
Listed compensation
$62k-$63k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Behavioral Health Support Specialist
Oak Orchard Health
Join a mission-driven healthcare organization dedicated to improving the health of our communities. As a Behavioral Health Support Specialist, you'll play a vital role in helping patients navigate behavioral health challenges while working alongside an interdisciplinary team dedicated to improving lives throughout Western New York.
Why Join Oak Orchard Health?
- Competitive salary
- Flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan with company match
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
- Company-paid life insurance
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
Position Summary
The Behavioral Health Support Specialist serves as a key member of Oak Orchard Health's integrated care team. This role supports patients with behavioral health, substance use, social service, and care coordination needs while collaborating closely with medical providers, therapists, nurses, and community partners.
The ideal candidate is compassionate, patient-focused, and committed to helping individuals overcome barriers to care and achieve improved health outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with primary care and behavioral health providers to support patient care
- Conduct behavioral health, substance use, and social needs screenings
- Provide brief interventions, education, and follow-up support
- Participate in daily team huddles and facilitate warm handoffs from medical providers
- Respond to behavioral health crises and complete safety assessments as needed
- Develop safety plans and coordinate urgent referrals
- Assist patients in accessing community resources and support services
- Support care management activities and maintain an active patient caseload
- Provide follow-up outreach to improve engagement and treatment adherence
- Support maternal, pediatric, and family behavioral health initiatives
- Coordinate referrals to mental health, substance use, developmental, and community-based services
- Accurately document patient interactions and care plans within the electronic health record
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Associate's degree with at least two years of direct human services experience, or bachelor's degree in psychology, Human Services, Social Work, or a related field
- Experience working with individuals experiencing behavioral health and/or substance use challenges
- Strong communication, assessment, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team
- Preferred
- Master's degree in a behavioral health or human services field
- Experience in integrated healthcare, care management, or community mental health
- Training in motivational interviewing, SBIRT, crisis intervention, or other evidence-based practices
Bilingual English/Spanish
Join Our Team If you're passionate about improving access to behavioral health services and making a meaningful impact in your community, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Oak Orchard Health team.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Behavioral Health Career Context
Behavioral Health pay on WeekdayDoc is up 14.7% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
The cost-of-living index for New York is 107.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$63k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $58k in an average-cost state. 64.6% of New York clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
