Behavioral Health Specialist

What You’ll Do

Position Summary:

The 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 acrossmultiple levels of care including 24/7 residential treatment and inpatient hospital settings, as well asoutpatient/IOP/PHPprograms. 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

• A patient-first mindset that inspires you to reach the highest standards in supporting the young people in your care
• Flexibility within a fast-paced, changing environment—schedules may include day, evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts, and you may need to respond to urgent or unexpected conditions during your shift
• Ability to remain calm and composed, and to make good decisions using a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment
• The capacity to listen attentively and actively, with patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity
• A collaborative team player who can find common ground, build trust with colleagues, and communicate effectively
• A problem-solver who digs deep and uses all the information available to craft skillful solutions
• Must be at least 21 years old, with a valid driver’s license
• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s in psychology, counseling, or sociology preferred

Compensation for this role ranges from $20-$24 per hour depending on education and experience.