Behavioral Health Specialist Hudson Pride Center - 3.0 Jersey City, NJ Job Details Full-time 6 hours ago Benefits Health insurance 401(k) Paid time off Career development plan Qualifications Crisis intervention Crisis prevention Spanish Master of Social Work Licensed Clinical Social Worker English Organizational skills Social Work

HIV/AIDS

care Care coordination Full Job Description

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume and cover letter to .

Position Title:

Behavioral Health Specialist Location:

Hudson County Department:

Community Health Programs Reports To:

Director of Health Programs Employment Type:

Full-time Position Summary:

The Behavioral Health Specialist provides comprehensive clinical behavioral health services and case management to LGBTQ+ community members across Hudson Pride Center's Union City and Jersey City locations. This role supports adults experiencing a wide range of mental health needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, family conflict, stigma-related distress, and general wellness concerns. Services include individual counseling, group support, crisis intervention, and referrals to community-based resources. In addition, the Specialist offers specialized support for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive clients—including assessments and letters for gender-affirming care—while ensuring that all clients receive affirming, culturally competent, trauma-informed mental health services. This position integrates clinical counseling, care coordination, advocacy, and psychoeducation to strengthen emotional well-being, resilience, and access to affirming care. Applicants who are bilingual (English/Spanish required) are strongly encouraged to apply. Key Responsibilities Clinical Counseling & Mental Health Support

• Assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of behavioral and mental health concerns for LGBTQ+ adults.
• Provide individual and group counseling/therapy sessions across both office locations.
• Develop individualized treatment plans that reflect client goals, needs, identities, and lived experiences.
• Offer short-term and ongoing counseling using evidence-based practices.
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and support during behavioral health emergencies. Gender-Affirming Care & Letters (Included but balanced)
• Conduct assessments and write letters of medical necessity for gender-affirming care.
• Support clients in navigating access to gender-affirming services, including readiness assessments, referrals, and coordination with medical providers.
• Ensure trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive clients receive culturally competent, person-centered behavioral health care. Case Management & Care Coordination
• Coordinate care with internal staff, external health providers, referring agencies, and social service partners.
• Support clients in accessing benefits, insurance navigation, housing resources, substance use services, peer support, and additional mental health resources.
• Monitor client progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure continuity of care. Documentation & Reporting
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation in accordance with clinical, ethical, and funder requirements.
• Track client outcomes and prepare monthly/quarterly reports as required by grant deliverables. Group Facilitation
• Develop and lead group sessions, support groups, psychoeducational workshops, and community wellness activities. Community Engagement & Advocacy
• Promote mental health awareness, LGBTQ+ cultural competency, and health equity in community spaces.
• Participate in outreach efforts to increase access to behavioral health services for LGBTQ+ adults. Training & Development
• Stay updated on best practices in LGBTQ+ mental health, HIV care and prevention, trauma-informed care, and gender-affirming approaches.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and clinical supervision provided by Hudson Pride Center.

Qualifications:

Education/License:

Master's degree in Social Work or a related clinical field; LCSW required. Comparable clinical licensure may be considered. Clinical supervision will be provided by Hudson Pride Center. NASW membership preferred.

Language:

Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.

Experience:

Clinical experience in behavioral health, LGBTQ+ health, or HIV services strongly preferred.

Lived Experience:

Applicants with personal experience living with HIV and/or identify as LGBTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply.

Skills:

○ Interpersonal & Communication ■ Strong ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds and provide effective support. ■ Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and compassionate client interactions. ■ Skilled in facilitating groups and activities focused on specific service populations. ○ Clinical & Case Management Skills ■ Strong clinical assessment, counseling, and case management skills. ■ Experience facilitating individual, family, and group therapy sessions. ■ Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams. ■ Knowledge of treatment adherence counseling, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based therapeutic interventions. ■ Strong understanding of LGBTQ+ health issues, cultural competence, and wellness strategies. Familiarity with navigating gender-affirming care, HIV prevention, treatment, and community resources. Understanding of confidentiality and privacy regulations related to HIV status. ○ Capacity Management & Resilience ■ Ability to manage workload effectively while handling diverse responsibilities. ■ Demonstrated capacity to minimize burnout and maintain well-being to perform job duties effectively. ■ Strong organizational skills for managing multiple tasks and priorities.

Attributes:

Compassionate, non-judgmental, and dedicated to providing equitable support. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Working Conditions:

• In-person office environment
• Travel to community sites and events.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and perform physical activities as needed.

Hours:

This is a full-time/40 hour per week position. The work hours and days will vary based on HPC and clients' needs. General weekday, night and weekend availability is needed.

Location:

This position will be based out of Hudson Pride Center's (HPC) Union City & Jersey City Office Locations.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume and cover letter to Hudson Pride Center is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive organization. People of color, women, and LGBTQ+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Type:

Full-time Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person