Behavioral Health Specialist (PRN) - Residential

Newport Healthcare; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport Healthcare in Minnesota seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist to support adolescents and young adults in our behavioral health programs. You will help create a safe, structured, and compassionate environment and work as part of a frontline care team.

Responsibilities include supervising patients through daily schedules, leading experiential activities, modeling calm behavior, collaborating with coworkers, and responding effectively in high-stress situations.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required; bachelor’s in psychology, counseling, or sociology preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
• Demonstrated ability to work with adolescents and young adults in a behavioral health setting.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, structured, and compassionate environment for patients.
• Supervise patients as they follow daily schedules including therapy and meals.
• Lead or support experiential activities that promote healing and connection.
• Model calm, respectful behavior and healthy coping strategies.
• Respond effectively during high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
• Collaborate with team members to maintain a unified care environment.

Skills

Patient-first

Flexible

Calm under pressure

Active listening

Cultural sensitivity

Collaborative team player

Problem-solver

Education

HS diploma or GED

Bachelor's in psychology or related field 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 $19.50- $23 per hour depending on education and experience.