Behavioral Health Specialist

PrairieCare; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport Healthcare seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist to support adolescents and young adults in its behavioral health programs. You will create a safe, structured and compassionate environment, ensuring patients feel supported and empowered throughout their healing journey.

Responsibilities include supervising daily activities, guiding patients through therapy and meals, and leading mindfulness or group experiences to promote connection and stability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or sociology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, structured, and compassionate environment for patients.
• Guide patients through daily schedules including therapy, group activities, meals, and transitions.
• Lead or support experiential activities such as mindfulness, recreation, and group experiences.

Skills

Patient-first mindset

Flexibility

Active listening

Team collaboration

Decision making

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree 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
• 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: $19.50-$23.50