Behavioral Health Specialist

What You’ll Do

Position Summary:

The Mental Health Technician/Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) plays a vital, hands‑on role in shaping the daily experience of adolescent and young adult patients in Newport Healthcare’s behavioral health programs. As a frontline team member, the BHS creates a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where patients feel supported, seen, and empowered throughout their healing journey. Newport Healthcare provides evidence‑based treatment for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and co‑occurring challenges, with a focus on trauma, anxiety, depression, and family dynamics.

BHS roles exist across multiple levels of care including 24/7 residential treatment and inpatient hospital settings , as well as outpatient/IOP/PHP programs. While core responsibilities are consistent, workflows and acuity vary by setting; training and coaching are provided to ensure success in each environment. Schedules may include day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts in a fast‑paced milieu, and a BHS may need to respond to urgent or unique conditions during a scheduled shift.

This role isn’t just important; it’s foundational. BHS team members are the heart of our day‑to‑day care model, offering meaningful connection and stability that make a lasting difference in patients’ lives. Grounded in our core values of Patient First, Love, Excellence Through Integrity, Compassion, and Connection , the BHS embodies our mission of helping young people move from struggling to thriving.

Key Performance Responsibilities:

• Create a safe and supportive space by offering consistent, compassionate care and supervision that ensures patients’ emotional and physical well‑being.
• Guide and encourage patients as they move through their day whether attending therapy, group activities, meals, or moments of transition.
• Lead or support experiential activities (e.g., mindfulness, recreation, group engagement) that promote healing and connection.
• Model calm, respectful behavior and healthy coping strategies in a way that builds trust and emotional safety.
• Document observations and interactions clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner to support treatment planning.
• Stay grounded and responsive during high‑stress or emotionally charged situations, helping restore calm through established strategies.
• Collaborate with team members and communicate professionally to support a connected, unified care environment.
• Uphold ethical standards and confidentiality, maintaining patient dignity and respect in all interactions.
• Participate in ongoing training and development provided to grow clinical understanding and ability to provide trauma‑informed, values‑based care.
• Safely transport patients to and from program sites and external appointments (e.g., doctors, labs) following all safety standards and protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Makes You a Great Fit

Education, Experience, License Requirements:

• • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, counseling, or sociology preferred.
  • Prior work experience in other behavioral treatment settings, a plus.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible for insurance coverage for driving the company’s vehicles.
  • Must be minimum 21 years of age.
  • Must become CPI and CPR certified within the first 30 days.

Compensation for this role ranges from $21.50-$25.50 per hour depending on education and experience.