Early Childhood Behavioral Health Specialists Cuyahoga County, OH

Where New Paths Begin

OhioGuidestone is the state’s leader in community behavioral health care, serving around 26,000 Ohioans each year. We focus on the needs of the whole person by providing telehealth and in-person prevention services, as well as mental health and substance use treatment. As we help people navigate the most difficult times in their lives—with compassion and respect—we ultimately empower them to take steps towards a healthier future.


OhioGuidestone is seeking to fill full-time Behavioral Health Specialist positions to help our multicultural clients navigate a diverse range of mental and behavioral health needs. Candidates must have, at minimum, a high school diploma and 3+ years of relevant experience.

Pay: $18.00 -20.00 an hour Depending on experience, license, knowledge and education.

Positions are located in

Watch what it means to be a Behavior Health Specialist

Job Summary:

The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) will develop a service relationship with each client to help them develop insight into themselves and their relationships. The BHS provides cognitive-behavioral therapy to assist individuals struggling with a range of issues related to their emotional and behavioral health, such as relationship and family issues, substance use and addiction, difficulty coping with stress, and grief and loss issues.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor client symptoms as well as response to treatment; communicate changes with treatment team to ensure immediate and appropriate interventions
• Develop and maintain a service relationship with client, family, and caregivers to provide them support as appropriate.
• Coordinate community resources including school, referral sources and outpatient behavioral health providers to ensure continuity of care; acts as an advocate for the client as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention consultation in times of emergencies for coordination and assistance in crisis management and stabilization as needed.
• Facilitate appointments to ensure overall physical well-being including basic, mental health and substance use needs.
• Review Diagnostic Evaluation and additional assessments, to aid in the ongoing development and implementation of a client’s individualized treatment plan (ITP).
• Attend and participate in agency/ team/clinical meetings, including mandatory trainings, and treatment coordination.
• Perform related administrative responsibilities; maintain client information, reports, records, and other documents; respond timely to emails and phone calls; attend and participate in various trainings and meetings; communicate with other agencies, departments, and vendors regarding required paperwork, contract compliance and consult with other county agencies and/or supportive services as necessary.
• Accurately and promptly, document and maintain the confidentiality of client and family interactions including, legal, financial, and clinical documentation within agency guidelines.
• Meet with Supervisor for weekly supervision.
• Maintain ongoing frequent contact with other assigned OhioGuidestone professionals, parents or outside agency professionals assigned to case.

• Promote an inclusive work environment and present the Agency in the most positive light with all internal and external contacts.
• Exhibit positivity, flexibility and a willingness to take on new responsibilities as requested or required.

* Therapeutic Behavioral Service (TBS) service activities include, but are not limited to the following:

(a) Consultation with a licensed practitioner or an eligible provider, to assist with the individual's needs and service planning for individualized supports or care coordination of healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and non-healthcare services and development of a treatment plan;

(b) Referral and linkage to other healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and non-healthcare services to avoid more restrictive levels of treatment;

(c) Interventions using evidence-based techniques;

(d) Identification of strategies or treatment options;

(e) Restoration of social skills and daily functioning; and,

(f) Crisis prevention and amelioration.

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Three years relevant experience and able to demonstrate competencies in basic behavioral health skills, for example:



• understanding of human behavior, mental illness, psychiatric symptoms, and impact on functioning and behavior;
• understanding how to therapeutically engage a mentally ill person, concepts of recovery/resiliency
• understanding of the mental health system; de-escalation techniques
• Understanding of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of emotional and mental dysfunctions.
• Understanding of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, and cultures and their history and origins.

• Relevant experience or course of study in behavioral healthcare is helpful.

Qualifications:

• Must have a high school diploma with 3 years of mental health or related experience*, an Associate’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field with 1 year of mental health or related experience*.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, LSW/LPC preferred.
• Experience could include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:



• Service/treatment planning, care coordination, and/or referral and linkage for healthcare, behavioral healthcare, or non-healthcare services
• Intervention using evidence-based techniques
• Identification of strategies or treatment options
• Restoration of social skills and daily functioning
• Crisis prevention and amelioration
• Establishment of trust and rapport, active listening, empathy and goal-setting
• Social, spiritual, educational, and/or other supportive, relational activities
• Must have a valid Ohio Driver’s License with a safe driving record and valid insurance.

• Ability to take and pass a physical exam, tuberculosis test and drug screening.
• Employment is contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.
• *Funding sources may require OhioGuidestone to hire an advanced degree

Benefits include:

• NEW higher pay rates
• Clear career ladder for development path in various roles
• Competitive medical benefits including a zero-cost monthly option for employee or employee + children !
• Free CEU trainings
• 10 paid holidays; three are exchangeable
• Flexible work schedules to support work/life balance
• Flexible work opportunities to support varying career paths, job roles, intern to hire, and locations
• 401(k) with employer match option
• Employment Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Free licensure supervision
• Recognition and rewards

At OhioGuidestone we care about the health and safety of our employees. OhioGuidestone requires applicants to complete a pre-employment screening process upon receipt of an offer of employment. We require and cover the cost of a fingerprint background screening, physical, Tuberculosis test, and drug screen after an employment offer is made. Any employment offer is contingent upon receipt of all satisfactory pre-employment screenings.

Committed to creating a more diverse community, we encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply. EEO/M/F/H/V

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.