How to Get Started In an Entry-Level Mental Health Job

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Entry-level jobs are an excellent way for college students and those looking for a new career to start a new job and grow within a company.  

Behavioral Health Jobs is a job website dedicated to helping men and women find an exciting and rewarding career in mental health care. When starting a new job search, you can filter it by experience level, education, job type, industry, and other search criteria. In addition to our job board, we provide beneficial career advice to increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams. If you are interested in finding entry-level jobs in mental health, check out all of the available jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.  

How to Get Started in an Entry-Level Mental Health Job 

Getting started in entry-level jobs is easier than you might think. These positions often do not require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and years of relatable work experience. They are perfect for college students working toward a degree or just graduated and for those who want to start a new career with no work experience. 

One of the first things that employers want to see from entry-level employees is a high school diploma or GED as a minimal education level. Preferably, you want to have an Associate’s degree or are working toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s from an accredited four-year college. If you have not yet picked your major, here are the top degrees that mental health facilities are looking for: 

  • Psychology 
  • Social work 
  • Counseling 
  • Sociology 
  • Human services 
  • Nursing 

In addition to earning a degree and certifications, you will need a number of soft skills to excel as a mental health technician. You will need excellent time management skills, basic computer skills, and the ability to communicate clearly. Technicians need to be great communicators and know how to listen and respond in an empathetic manner. They will also need to be resilient and able to handle stressful situations while still thinking clearly. Other necessary soft skills include: 

  • Organizational skills 
  • Have a high patience threshold 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills 
  • A strong desire to help people from all walks of life 

Behavioral Health Jobs is a great place to find an entry-level job in the mental health industry. Our job board is updated daily with new jobs for all experience levels at treatment centers, hospitals, private practices, government agencies, and other organizations.  

Mental Health Entry-Level Jobs 

If you are interested in applying for an entry-level position near you, here are some mental health entry-level jobs that are available today: 

  • Behavioral Technician – In this full-time position, you will provide supervisory, security, transportation, and recreation services. You will need a High School diploma and one year of experience in a treatment center, corrections facility, or other human services agency. Starting pay is between $16 and $18 per hour, with shifts ranging from 8 to 12 hours long. 
  • Addiction Recovery Tech – This position is in an in-person treatment facility that provides residential and IOP treatment programs. You will assist with inpatient admissions, prepare new patients’ rooms, and perform room searches. You will also be assigned routine cleaning duties and other tasks while learning and practicing de-escalation skills. Starting pay is between $17 and $20 per hour.  
  • Mental Health Technician – As a mental health technician, you will work with patients with psychiatric disorders and ensure their safety and well-being. Job duties include assistance with daily activities, facilitating group sessions as assigned, and assisting Group Leaders and Supervisors in all related duties. The pay for this position starts at $14 per hour with a $3,000 sign-on bonus. 
  • Psychiatric Technician – In this role, you will be part of a dedicated psychiatric care team helping people with severe mental health disorders. You will provide care and emotional support, assist with data collection and documentation, and implement individualized treatment plans. Pay starts at $18 per hour with a $4,000 sign-on bonus. 

Mental health technicians provide a valuable service for patients and team members and give you real-world experience in your chosen profession. This is a great starting point for those interested in managing a team or facility or diagnosing and treating patients with mental health disorders.  

Find Entry-Level Jobs in Mental Health at Behavioral Health Jobs 

The Behavioral Health Jobs website is a great way to find entry-, mid-, and senior-level positions within the mental healthcare industry. Before you start a new job search, be sure to check out our career advice section for tips on building an eye-catching resume, phone interview etiquette, and other vital information to make your job search easier.  

If you want to know more about how to get started in an entry-level mental health job, check out the Behavioral Health Jobs website today. 

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