Behavioral Health Specialist - Recovery

Heritage Behavioral Health Center • Decatur, IL

3h • $18

About The Position

Behavioral Health Specialists provide compassionate, paraprofessional support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges in a recovery‑oriented, person‑centered environment. Working within our Crisis Stabilization Unit, Residential Rehabilitation Unit, or Group Homes, you’ll deliver 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Communication: Clear, compassionate verbal/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 handoffs.
• Teamwork: Collaborative, respectful, and responsive across multidisciplinary teams and shifts.
• Work in 24/7 settings, including nights/weekends/holidays; adapt to changing priorities and client needs.
• Assist with physical tasks (standing, walking, light cleaning); help with safe transportation.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries; use judgment to escalate concerns to clinical staff.
• Build trust with diverse populations; demonstrate empathy, cultural humility, and non‑judgment.

Responsibilities

• Coach residents in ADLs (meal prep, hygiene, housekeeping, laundry) and independent living skills (medication routines, budgeting, time management).
• Promote healthy routines: sleep hygiene, nutrition, movement, and community participation.
• Use motivational, strength-based approaches to build rapport and engagement.
• Facilitate or co‑facilitate psychoeducational groups (coping skills, wellness, relapse prevention, community integration).
• Maintain therapeutic milieu and conduct scheduled safety checks.
• Use de‑escalation techniques and follow crisis protocols; promptly seek clinical support when risk increases.
• Support transitions between CSU, RRU, Group Homes, and community settings.
• Support medication routines per program protocol (e.g., reminders, observation/ documentation when applicable).
• Encourage adherence to medical/behavioral health appointments and care plans; assist with transportation as needed.
• Complete timely, accurate progress notes, checklists, incident reports, and shift handoffs in accordance with policy.
• Communicate effectively with clinical teams (nurses, therapists, prescribers, case managers) and follow care plans.
• Uphold trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, recovery‑oriented care principles.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe environments; follow infection control and confidentiality standards (HIPAA).
• Participate in trainings, drills, and quality improvement activities.

Benefits

• 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, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
• Retirement: 401k and Roth
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees