Behavioral Health Specialist

Behavioral Health SpecialistHeritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals! We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois, dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care for 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.Looking for a career where your work truly matters?Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals!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!Behavioral Health Specialists are placed in one of three residential or crisis program settings based on organizational need and candidate fit:Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) – Mental Health TreatmentResidential Rehabilitation Unit (RRU) – Substance Use TreatmentGroup Homes – Supervised Residential Mental HealthBehavioral Health Specialists provide compassionate, paraprofessional support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges in a recovery-oriented, person-centered environment. This role delivers 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.Support Daily Living & RecoveryCoach residents in activities of daily living (meal prep, hygiene, housekeeping, laundry) and independent living skills (medication routines, budgeting, time management).Promote healthy routines including sleep hygiene, nutrition, movement, and community participation.Client Engagement & Skills CoachingUse motivational, strength-based approaches to build rapport and engagement.Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational groups covering coping skills, wellness, relapse prevention, and community integration.Crisis & Safety SupportMaintain therapeutic milieu and conduct scheduled safety checks.Apply de-escalation techniques and follow crisis protocols; promptly seek clinical support when risk increases.Support transitions between the CSU, RRU, Group Homes, and community settings.Medication & Health Support (Non-Clinical)Support medication routines per program protocol (e.g., reminders, observation, and documentation when applicable).Encourage adherence to medical and behavioral health appointments and care plans; assist with transportation as needed.Documentation & CommunicationComplete timely, accurate progress notes, checklists, incident reports, and shift handoffs in accordance with policy.Communicate effectively with clinical team members including nurses, therapists, prescribers, and case managers.Environment, Safety, & ComplianceUphold trauma-informed, culturally responsive, recovery-oriented care principles.Maintain clean, organized, and safe environments; follow infection control and HIPAA confidentiality standards.Participate in required trainings, drills, and quality improvement activities.KnowledgeUnderstanding 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.SkillsCommunication: Clear, compassionate verbal and 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 shift handoffs.Teamwork: Collaborative, respectful, and responsive across multidisciplinary teams and shifts.AbilitiesWork in 24/7 settings including nights, weekends, and holidays; adapt to changing priorities and client needs.Assist with physical tasks such as standing, walking, and light cleaning; help with safe transportation.Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries; use sound judgment to escalate concerns to clinical staff.Build trust with diverse populations; demonstrate empathy, cultural humility, and non-judgment.QualificationsHigh School Diploma or equivalentMinimum of 21 years of ageA valid driver's license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insuranceHeritage Also OffersGenerous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leaveWellness Benefits: Every other Friday off (paid), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursementInsurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.Retirement: 401(k) and Roth retirement plansProfessional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunitiesLoan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)Ready to make a difference?Apply today and join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve!