Behavioral Health Specialist

Behavioral Health Specialist

Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals for Residential & Crisis Programs in Decatur, Illinois.

Compensation

High School Diploma or GED: $18.00/hour + paid wellness day every other Friday. Shift Differential: +$2.00/hour for 2nd Shift (3 PM–11 PM) and 3rd Shift (11 PM–7 AM). Additional compensation available for candidates with professional licensure or certifications.

Schedule

Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day) | Every other weekend required | Holidays required. Available shifts (24/7 programs): 1st Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (+$2.00/hour shift differential), 3rd Shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (+$2.00/hour shift differential).

Looking for a career where your work truly matters? Heritage Behavioral Health Center is 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.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment
• Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
• Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
• Loan forgiveness eligibility through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

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!

Where You'll Work

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 Treatment
• Residential Rehabilitation Unit (RRU) – Substance Use Treatment
• Group Homes – Supervised Residential Mental Health

Your Role

Behavioral Health Specialists provide compassionate, paraprofessional support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges in a recovery-oriented, person-centered environment. Similar in function to a psychiatric technician, 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 & Recovery

• Coach 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 Coaching

• Use 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 Support

• Maintain 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 & Communication

• Complete 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, & Compliance

• Uphold 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Understanding 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.

Skills

• Communication: 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.

Abilities

• Work 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.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• A valid driver's license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance

Heritage Also Offers

• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off (paid), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: 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 plans
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Loan 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!