Heritage Behavioral Health Center·Decatur, Illinois
Provide direct paraprofessional support and skills coaching to individuals in residential and crisis settings to help them stabilize and build independence. Responsibilities include safety monitoring, facilitating psychoeducational groups, and assisting with activities of daily living.
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic: Serving Macon and DeWitt Counties, Illinois
Behavioral Health Specialist: Residential & Crisis Programs – Decatur, Illinois
Additional compensation available for candidates with professional licensure or certifications.
Schedule: Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day) | Every other weekend required | Holidays required
Looking for a career where your work truly matters?
Heritage Behavioral Health Center is hiring passionate professionals!
We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois, dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care for individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care – regardless of the position they hold.
At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff’s needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!
Longer-term supported community living for adults with persistent mental health needs, focused on stability and independence.
Behavioral Health Specialists provide compassionate, paraprofessional support to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges in a recovery-oriented, person-centered environment. Similar in function to a psychiatric technician, this role delivers 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.
Support Daily Living & Recovery
Coach residents in activities of daily living (meal prep, hygiene, housekeeping, laundry) and independent living skills (medication routines, budgeting, time management).
Promote healthy routines including sleep hygiene, nutrition, movement, and community participation.
Client Engagement & Skills Coaching
Use motivational, strength-based approaches to build rapport and engagement.
Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational groups covering coping skills, wellness, relapse prevention, and community integration.
Crisis & Safety Support
Maintain therapeutic milieu and conduct scheduled safety checks.
Apply de-escalation techniques and follow crisis protocols; promptly seek clinical support when risk increases.
Support transitions between the CSU, RRU, Group Homes, and community settings.
Medication & Health Support (Non-Clinical)
Support medication routines per program protocol (e.g., reminders, observation, and documentation when applicable).
Encourage adherence to medical and behavioral health appointments and care plans; assist with transportation as needed.
Documentation & Communication
Complete timely, accurate progress notes, checklists, incident reports, and shift handoffs in accordance with policy.
Communicate effectively with clinical team members including nurses, therapists, prescribers, and case managers.
Environment, Safety, & Compliance
Uphold trauma-informed, culturally responsive, recovery-oriented care principles.
Maintain clean, organized, and safe environments; follow infection control and HIPAA confidentiality standards.
Participate in required trainings, drills, and quality improvement activities.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
Knowledge
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.
Ready to make a difference?
Apply today and join a team that cares about your well-being as much as the individuals we serve!
Candidates must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. A valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance are required.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.