Behavioral Health Specialist I
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Garden City, KS, 67846-5679
Job Type : Part Time
Salary : 16-21.12 HOUR
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
You have a purpose, unique talents and now is the time to embrace it, live it and put it to work. We value incredible people with incredible skills – but your commitment to a greater cause is something we value even more. This is the heartbeat of our organization and your time will be spent in a supportive, team environment with resources to help you flourish and leaders who care about your success.
Work under the supervision of nurses, social workers, case managers, psychiatrists, or other medical professionals to observe and support patients with mental health and/or substance use needs.
Job Requirements
In addition to bringing humankindness to the workplace each day, qualified candidates will need the following:
High School Diploma/G.E.D.
Experience with mental health, substance use disorder or working in a behavioral health/human services
organization preferably in ED setting.
Passionate, nonjudgmental, empathetic, and attentive approach to assisting patients with behavioral
health needs.
Ability to develop a strong rapport with patients
Interest/proficiency in working with individuals recently released from incarceration, homeless individuals,
and other marginalized populations.
Basic computer literacy and ability to use computer information systems
Ability to interact with patients in a culturally relatable manner. Additional ability to communicate in
languages spoken in the local community such as Spanish is extremely helpful
Preference for applicants with connections to, and reflecting the diversity of, the local community.
Able to respond appropriately in a crisis.
Demonstrates professional conduct and accountability, including understanding the legal consequences
of patient's rights and responsibilities.
Effective time management and proactive in prioritizing workload and meeting productivity requirements.
BLS
CNA (Required)
Medium Work - exert/lift up to 50 lbs. force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. constantly
Where You'll WorkSt. Catherine Hospital, located in Garden City, Kansas, was founded by two pioneering physicians and the Dominican Sisters. They created and maintained the spirit that has enabled St. Catherine Hospital employees to develop a thriving health care facility unlike any other in southwest Kansas. Like many of the families and businesses in our community, our roots run deep – 85 years of excellence and counting. Residents of Garden City enjoy life in a relaxed, small-town (population approx. 30,000) with a zoo, several parks, golf courses, modern shopping and more.
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Frequently asked questions
In Garden City, KS, Behavioral Health Specialist I experts foster trust by showing empathy and cultural sensitivity, especially when working with marginalized groups like recently incarcerated or homeless individuals. Building rapport involves attentive listening and nonjudgmental support tailored to the community's unique needs.
Certifications such as BLS and CNA are highly valued for Behavioral Health Specialist I roles in southwest Kansas, as they demonstrate readiness to handle medical emergencies and patient care. Additional language skills, like Spanish, also boost communication within diverse local populations.
Behavioral Health Specialist I roles in Garden City, KS typically offer annual salaries ranging from $32,000 to $42,000, depending on experience and certifications. This reflects the regional demand for behavioral health professionals supporting mental health and substance use patients.
Catholic Health Initiatives fosters a supportive atmosphere for Behavioral Health Specialist I staff by providing resources for professional growth, collaborative team environments, and leadership committed to employee success, enhancing job satisfaction at St. Catherine Hospital.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, Behavioral Health Specialist I roles emphasize working closely under clinical supervision with a focus on diverse patient needs, including those recently released from incarceration, which might be less pronounced in other Kansas employers.
This role prioritizes humankindness and cultural relatability, allowing Behavioral Health Specialist I professionals to directly support marginalized populations within Garden City's close-knit community, aligning with Catholic Health Initiatives’ mission of compassionate care.
Daily obstacles include managing crisis situations effectively, establishing rapport with diverse patients, and balancing administrative duties such as documentation alongside direct patient support, all requiring strong time management and emotional resilience.
Garden City exhibits moderate competition for Behavioral Health Specialist I jobs, influenced by regional healthcare growth and community needs. Candidates with bilingual skills and experience with vulnerable populations often have an edge in this market.
Given Garden City's diverse population, Spanish proficiency enables Behavioral Health Specialist I staff to communicate more effectively with non-English-speaking patients, improving care quality and cultural connection in behavioral health interventions.
Successful candidates usually hold a high school diploma or GED, possess CNA and BLS certifications, and demonstrate experience with mental health or substance use disorder services, especially in emergency department settings, alongside strong interpersonal skills.