Behavioral Health Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the focus on behavioral health specialists has never been more important.

As our understanding of mental health expands, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our behavioral health framework escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a behavioral health specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of behavioral health,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable behavioral health specialist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Behavioral Health Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Behavioral Health Specialists provide support and care for individuals dealing with a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

They play a key role in the treatment and recovery of patients, and their responsibilities often include:

• Assessing, diagnosing, and treating a range of behavioral health issues
• Creating individualized treatment plans for patients
• Conducting individual, group, or family therapy sessions
• Monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment plans as necessary
• Providing crisis intervention and managing emergencies
• Collaborating with other healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, to coordinate patient care
• Documenting and maintaining patient records in accordance with privacy regulations
• Advocating for mental health awareness and education in the community
• Referring patients to other resources and services as needed

 

Behavioral Health Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Specialist to join our team.

The Behavioral Health Specialist will be responsible for providing guidance, counseling, and support to individuals struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, and other behavioral conditions.

The ideal candidate will have experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care and a deep understanding of behavioral health disorders and treatment methods.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to evaluate patients’ mental health conditions
• Create individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s needs
• Provide therapy and counseling services to patients
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care
• Monitor and document patient progress
• Provide crisis intervention as needed
• Refer patients to additional resources and services
• Adhere to all professional, ethical, and legal regulations

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field
• Valid state license to practice as a mental health counselor or therapist
• Proven work experience as a Behavioral Health Specialist, Psychologist, or Therapist
• Experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of confidentiality and ethical standards for counselors

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Behavioral Health Specialist
• Work Environment: Typically hospital, clinic or community health centers. May involve visiting patients’ homes or community outreach programs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Behavioral Health Director or Clinical Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $48,500 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Behavioral Health Specialist Do?

Behavioral Health Specialists work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, or private practices.

They may also provide services in schools, prisons, or through community outreach programs.

They work with clients who are struggling with mental health disorders, substance abuse issues, behavioral problems, or other psychological distress.

They provide therapy and counseling services to these individuals, using evidence-based approaches and interventions to help them improve their behaviors and overall mental health.

Their primary role is to assess the client’s mental and behavioral health, often utilizing diagnostic tools and tests.

Based on these assessments, they develop and implement treatment plans tailored to the client’s unique needs and goals.

Behavioral Health Specialists also work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and physicians, to ensure a comprehensive approach to the client’s care.

They may also provide education to family members and caregivers about the client’s condition and ways to support their loved one’s recovery and maintain their wellbeing.

Apart from individual therapy, they may facilitate group therapy or support groups for individuals facing similar issues.

In addition, they are also responsible for maintaining accurate and confidential client records, monitoring their progress, and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.

Often, Behavioral Health Specialists play an instrumental role in helping clients understand their behaviors, emotions, and thought processes, empowering them to make significant changes towards healthier lives.

 

Behavioral Health Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Behavioral Health Specialist should possess a range of qualifications and skills to provide adequate and empathetic care to clients.

These include:

• Strong understanding of human behavior, mental health disorders, and counseling strategies to assist a range of clients with their unique behavioral health needs.
• Excellent communication skills to empathetically listen and respond to client concerns, effectively explain treatment plans, and provide emotional support.
• Problem-solving skills to identify the root cause of a client’s distress and create suitable solutions or interventions.
• Knowledge of group dynamics and therapy techniques to facilitate group counseling sessions and encourage open, supportive dialogue.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in accordance with professional standards.
• Patience and resilience for dealing with emotionally charged situations and ability to manage stress effectively.
• Experience or training in crisis intervention, as behavioral health specialists often work with individuals who are in acute distress or crisis situations.
• Knowledge of various therapeutic methodologies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, etc.
• Strong record-keeping skills to accurately document client progress and treatment plans.

 

Behavioral Health Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Behavioral Health Specialists typically require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with relevant internships or part-time roles in mental health settings.

They may gain experience in roles such as mental health counselors, social workers, or case managers.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience often have completed a Master’s program and have obtained a license to practice in their state.

They usually have hands-on experience in providing direct care to patients, conducting assessments, and developing treatment plans.

They may also have experience in group and individual therapy sessions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have supervisory or managerial experience and are typically licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or similar.

They may have a specialization in a particular area of behavioral health, such as addiction, child and adolescent mental health, or trauma.

These seasoned professionals are often ready to take on roles as program directors or clinical supervisors.

In addition to these, continual professional development through workshops, seminars, and courses is also a crucial part of the experience requirement to ensure that the Behavioral Health Specialist is updated with the latest research and practices in their field.

 

Behavioral Health Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Behavioral Health Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

This foundational education must cover areas such as human behavior, mental health disorders, and therapeutic interventions.

Many roles demand a master’s degree in counseling, clinical psychology, or social work, and some positions may require a doctoral degree.

In addition to formal education, Behavioral Health Specialists need supervised clinical experience, often gained through internships or residencies.

Almost every state necessitates licensure to practice as a Behavioral Health Specialist.

The licensing requirements vary from state to state but generally involve a minimum amount of supervised clinical experience and passing a state-recognized exam.

Continuing education is important in this field to stay updated with the latest advancements in behavioral health.

Specialists may opt to obtain additional certifications in specific therapeutic techniques or treatment modalities.

Being a Behavioral Health Specialist also requires strong communication skills, empathy, and patience, as they will often be dealing with individuals in distress or crisis situations.

 

Behavioral Health Specialist Salary Expectations

A Behavioral Health Specialist earns an average salary of $46,325 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on the level of experience, education, and the region in which they are employed.

Depending on the employing organization, additional benefits may also be included.

 

Behavioral Health Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Behavioral Health Specialist need?

Behavioral Health Specialists need excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as they often need to build relationships with patients, families and other healthcare staff.

They also require problem-solving skills, patience, and empathy, as they deal with complex and challenging behavior.

An understanding of mental health disorders and their treatment is crucial, along with knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.

 

What are the educational requirements for a Behavioral Health Specialist?

Most Behavioral Health Specialist positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

Many positions also require a master’s degree and licensure, such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

In addition, they need to have some experience in mental health or substance abuse counseling.

 

What should you look for in a Behavioral Health Specialist resume?

A resume for a Behavioral Health Specialist should highlight their educational background in mental health-related fields.

It should also demonstrate their experience in counseling, crisis intervention, and care coordination, among others.

Look for any specialized experience in areas such as substance abuse or specific mental health disorders.

Also, take note of their licensure and any additional training or certifications they’ve received.

 

What qualities make a good Behavioral Health Specialist?

A good Behavioral Health Specialist is empathetic and patient, as they often work with individuals facing difficult situations.

They have strong communication skills, enabling them to effectively counsel individuals and families.

They are also detail-oriented, as they need to accurately record and track patients’ progress.

Additionally, they have the ability to work under stress and manage crises effectively.

 

Is it difficult to hire Behavioral Health Specialists?

Hiring Behavioral Health Specialists can be challenging due to the specific educational requirements and the need for licensure.

Additionally, the job is emotionally demanding, which may deter some potential candidates.

Therefore, it’s crucial to provide a supportive work environment and competitive benefits to attract and retain these professionals.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the realities behind being a Behavioral Health Specialist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about diagnosing and treating mental health issues.

It’s about shaping the future of mental health care, one patient at a time.

Our comprehensive Behavioral Health Specialist job description template and real-world examples have you covered for your next move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to meticulously designed listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with a patient is a part of the larger narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Behavioral Health Specialist (Complete Guide)

Strange Success: The Weirdest Jobs That Actually Exist

Income Insight: The Least Paying Jobs That Could Impact Your Financial Future

The Elation Occupation: Jobs That Bring Nothing but Joy

Go Remote, Get Rich: High-Paying Jobs You Can Do from Your Living Room!