Behavioral Health Specialist

Newport Healthcare; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport Healthcare is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist to actively support adolescents and young adults in our programs. You will foster a safe, structured, and compassionate environment, guiding patients through daily schedules and therapeutic activities.

You will model calm, empathetic care, collaborate with the team, and respond effectively to high-stress moments, ensuring emotional safety and continuity of care for our patients.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s in psychology, counseling, or sociology preferred.
• Able to work in a fast-paced behavioral health setting with adolescents and young adults.
• Demonstrated empathy, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, structured, and compassionate care to patients on daily basis.
• Support daily schedules including therapy, groups, meals, and transitions.
• Lead or assist experiential activities that promote healing and connection.
• Model calm, respectful behavior and healthy coping strategies.
• Stay grounded and responsive during high-stress situations to restore calm.
• Collaborate with teammates to maintain a unified care environment.

Skills

Patient-first mindset

Flexibility

Calm under pressure

Communication skills

Empathy

Cultural sensitivity

Team collaboration

Decision making

Valid 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 Range:17.70-$21.70 depending on education and experience