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David Careers

Behavioral Health Specialist

Posted today

heritage behavioral health center hbhcDecatur (IL)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social WorkersOutpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers

SENIORITY

Senior

SALARY

$18.00 per hour

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About the role

Behavioral Health Specialist Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals! Compensation High School Diploma or GED: $18.00/hour + paid wellness day every other FridayShift 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 PM2nd 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) About Heritage Behavioral Health CenterWe 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.
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 HealthYour 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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.
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!

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