Behavioral Health Specialist

Newport Healthcare; Cameron Park (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport Healthcare seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist to shape daily experiences for adolescents and young adults in our programs. You will be a frontline team member, offering compassionate care, supervision, and a safe environment that supports healing and empowerment.

You’ll guide patients through daily routines, lead mindfulness and group activities, and collaborate with staff to ensure a cohesive care experience at all times.

Qualifications

• Patient-focused care and supervision for adolescents and young adults.
• Ability to respond to urgent situations with calm, measured decision-making.
• Strong communication with patients and care team; cultural sensitivity.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, supportive care and supervise patients to promote wellbeing.
• Guide patients through daily schedules including therapy, meals, and transitions.
• Lead or support experiential activities (mindfulness, recreation) for healing.
• Model calm behavior and healthy coping strategies for trust and safety.
• Stay grounded during high-stress situations and help restore calm.
• Collaborate with teammates to maintain a connected care environment.

Skills

Patient-first mindset

Flexibility

Active listening

Team collaboration

Calm under pressure

Problem solving

Driver's license

21+ years old

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's in psychology, counseling, or sociology preferred

Job description

What You’ll Do

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, you’ll create a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where patients feel supported, seen, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

This role isn’t just important; it’s foundational. BHS team members are the heart of our care model, offering meaningful connection and stability that make a lasting difference in young people’s lives. Key responsibilities include:

• Creating a safe and supportive space by offering consistent, compassionate care and supervision that ensures patients’ emotional and physical well-being
• Guiding and encouraging patients as they move through their daily schedule—including therapy, group activities, meals, and moments of transition in between
• Leading or supporting experiential activities (such as mindfulness practices, recreation, and group experiences) that promote healing and connection
• Modeling calm, respectful behavior and healthy coping strategies in a way that builds trust and emotional safety
• Staying grounded and responsive during high-stress or emotionally charged situations, helping restore calm through established strategies
• Collaborating and communicating with team members to support a connected, unified care environment

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 $19-23 per hour depending on education and experience.