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Associates Behavioral Health Degree Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Behavioral Health Tech

Dayton, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Associate degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. * Experience working in inpatient or outpatient behavioral health facilities. * Training in crisis intervention techniques and de ...

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Associates Behavioral Health Degree information

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How much do associates behavioral health degree jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for associates behavioral health degree in the United States is $26.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $32.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with an associate's degree in behavioral health?

With an Associate's degree in Behavioral Health, graduates can pursue entry-level positions such as behavioral health technician, case management aide, or psychiatric technician. These roles typically involve supporting mental health professionals, assisting clients with daily activities, and helping to implement treatment plans. Graduates may also work in settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or community organizations. Additionally, this degree can serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree or further specialization in the behavioral health field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with an associate's degree in behavioral health?

To thrive with an Associate's Degree in Behavioral Health, you need foundational knowledge of psychology, counseling techniques, and case management, along with the degree itself. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, intake documentation, and possibly certifications like Mental Health First Aid are valuable. Excellent communication, active listening, and empathy are crucial soft skills for building rapport with clients and collaborating with healthcare teams. These skills ensure effective client support, accurate record-keeping, and positive outcomes in mental health care environments.

What types of entry-level positions can I pursue with an associate's degree in behavioral health, and what are the typical responsibilities?

With an Associate's Degree in Behavioral Health, you can qualify for roles such as behavioral health technician, psychiatric aide, case management assistant, or residential counselor. In these positions, you’ll typically support patients with daily living activities, monitor their behavior, assist with treatment plans developed by licensed professionals, and help maintain a safe, supportive environment. Collaboration with social workers, nurses, and therapists is common, and you’ll often participate in team meetings to discuss client progress. These roles provide valuable hands-on experience and can serve as stepping stones for further education or advancement within the field.

What is the difference between Associates Behavioral Health Degree vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectAssociates Behavioral Health DegreeMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree in behavioral health or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, mental health facilitiesHospitals, residential treatment centers, community clinics
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health agenciesHospitals, mental health facilities, outpatient centers
Common Search & ComparisonEducational pathway, job duties, certification requirementsJob responsibilities, training, career advancement

In summary, an Associates Behavioral Health Degree provides foundational education for roles in mental health support, while a Mental Health Technician is a specific job title often requiring on-the-job training. Both roles work in similar environments and serve the mental health industry, but the degree offers broader educational opportunities and potential for career growth.

What can you do with an associates behavioral health degree?

An associate's behavioral health degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as mental health technician, case aide, or behavioral health technician. These positions involve supporting clients with mental health or substance abuse issues, often in clinical or community settings, and may require basic certifications or training in CPR and first aid.
More about Associates Behavioral Health Degree jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Associates Behavioral Health Degree jobs?

The most popular types of Associates Behavioral Health Degree jobs are:

What states have the most Associates Behavioral Health Degree jobs?

States with the most job openings for Associates Behavioral Health Degree jobs include:

Infographic showing various Associates Behavioral Health Degree job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,253 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Statewide Associate Behavioral Health Director

VitalCore Health Strategies

Topeka, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


VitalCore Health Strategies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join the VitalCore Team in Kansas! We're people fueled by passion, not by profit!


VitalCore Health Strategies (VCHS), an industry leader in Correctional Healthcare, has an opening for a Statewide Associate Behavioral Health Director at the Kansas Department of Corrections Regional Office in Topeka, Kansas!

At VitalCore we pride ourselves on retaining and acquiring hardworking ethical individuals who are committed to providing quality services. Join our team and experience first-hand how VitalCore Health Strategies promotes a positive work environment that is based on respect and appreciation of the hard work and dedication of our staff.

STATEWIDE ASSOCIATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTOR (LCMHC, LCSW) BENEFITS PACKAGE:

  • Holiday Pay: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-Term/Long-Term Disability
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
  • 401K & Plan Matching
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Bonus
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account


STATEWIDE ASSOCIATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTOR (LCMHC, LCSW) POSITION SUMMARY

Statewide Associate Behavioral Health Director monitors all aspects of Behavioral Health care as directed by the Contract and or Statewide Behavioral Health Director. While reporting administratively to the Statewide Behavioral Health Director, they have the authority, responsibility, and accountability for effecting and monitoring compliance of Behavioral Health services with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations, state contract requirements, ACA expected practices, NCCHC standards and DOC mandates related to mental health. The Associate Behavioral Health Director coordinates and ensures effective administration and clinical oversight of the Regional Mental Health Directors and provides indirect oversight and support of the of the site Behavioral Health Directors.

STATEWIDE ASSOCIATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTOR (LCMHC, LCSW) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Doctorate or Master’s degree in psychology or related field from an accredited college or university.
  • Must possess a current independent Mental health license at the Master’s level, or higher, in the state of responsibility (i.e. LCP, LCPC, LSCSW etc)
  • Must possess at least 3 years of clinical Behavioralhealth experience within a correctional facility.
  • Must possess significant suicide prevention and crisis assessment experience.
  • Experience in mental health administration preferred.
  • Must have current BLS certification
  • Satisfactory background investigation report.
  • Extensive experience in behavioral health services, training, and supervision
  • Must be a supportive team member, who contributes to and demonstrates teamwork and team concept.
  • Must be fluent in English language, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding.
  • Must possess strong clinical leadership and interpersonal skills within the correctional environment.
  • Able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
  • Able to deal tactfully with personnel, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the public, as required for position.
  • If leadership role, must possess leadership and supervisory ability and be able to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
  • Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

STATEWIDE ASSOCIATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTOR (LCMHC, LCSW) ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Provides direct administrative and clinical oversight and support to the Regional Mental Health Directors, and indirect clinical oversight of the site Behavioral Health Directors and site Behavioral Health staff.
  • Monitors onsite mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of incarcerated individuals.
  • Reviews Periodically reviews written summaries of history, diagnosis, and treatment courses of patients on Mental Health caseloads.
  • Oversees the quality and effectiveness of Behavioral Healthcare delivery to the patient population.
  • Conducts periodic audits of the quality of Behavioral Health care and documents according to contract and VitalCore requirements.
  • Maintains regular communication with the Statewide Behavioral Health Director and Statewide Psychiatry Director to discuss Mental Health service delivery at each site.
  • Conducts at least quarterly on-site visits with Behavioral Health team to assess overall service delivery, and guides team in improvement process at least annually.
  • Reviews results of all VitalCore CQI and Clinical Programs surveys with regard to Mental Health services and provides oversight in the development, implementation, and follow-up monitoring processes.
  • Fosters positive relationships with the facilities’ leadership.
  • Assists with recruitment of Behavioral Health Professionals. Ensures timely communication with the recruiting department, scheduling interviews within 48 hours
  • Monitors outcomes under evidence-based clinical guidelines.
  • Develops strategic plans in collaboration with Regional and site Mental Health Directors as directed by the Statewide Behavioral Health Director.
  • Develops a list of key individuals to effect optimal communication with client contacts and maintains contacts in accordance with the company communication plan.
  • Assists in coordinating the facility’s Behavioral Health Quality Improvement Program.
  • Fosters a professional environment and supports seamless delivery of services by the Mental Health Team
  • Participates in root cause analysis processes related to scope of responsibility.
  • Participates in mortality, morbidity, and sentinel event review as required by VitalCore policy or as requested by management.
  • Be available for any ACA/NCCHC accreditation or DOC visits.
  • Attends meetings as directed by the Statewide Mental Health Director.
  • Participates in committees as assigned.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in all company software required for the position.
  • Focuses on interpretation of data and confirms development of satisfactory and appropriate action plans.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, climb stairs; use hands to finger, handle feel; and must regularly lift in excess of 50 lbs. The vision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus; and must be able to communicate and exchange accurate information.

STATEWIDE ASSOCIATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTORSCHEDULE

  • Full -Time

VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.


Keywords: LPC, LCSW, Correctional Facility, Behavioral Health, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Social Worker,


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