Behavioral Health Specialist – Clinical & Research Role

About the role

The Behavioral Health Specialist will join the Health and Legal System (HEALS) Lab within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UAMS. The role blends clinical service delivery with research‑focused assignments, providing assessment, therapy, and crisis support to diverse populations in both campus and community settings.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct assessments, brief interventions, develop treatment plans, and deliver individual and group therapy, including psychoeducational groups.
• Provide crisis intervention, coordinate referrals, and maintain meticulous clinical documentation.
• Follow HEALS Lab protocols, complete required paperwork, logs, reports, and data entry in a timely manner.
• Support research projects by adhering to grant and contract requirements and assisting with administrative tasks.
• Travel to community sites such as jails, prisons, and other locations across Arkansas as needed.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related mental‑health field.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility for a mental‑health license in Arkansas.
• Knowledge of mental‑health diagnosis and treatment, especially PTSD, trauma sequelae, and substance‑use disorders.
• Willingness to be trained in structured assessments and to work both in‑person and virtually.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with professionals across the university and community.

Required skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Access.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and general internet use.

What we offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible staff and families.
• Holiday, vacation, and sick leave.
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate).
• Retirement plan with up to 10% matched contribution.
• Basic life insurance up to $50,000.
• Career training, educational opportunities, and merchant discounts.
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus.