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Behavioral Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Direct Service Associate III Hiring Range: starting at $41,700 (commensurate based on experience) Pay Band: 3 Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop Location: Western State Hospital Agency Website:

$18 - $21.75/hr

Lead - Behavioral Health Associate III - SECOND SHIFT | Mountain Laurel Recovery Center | Westfield, Pennsylvania About the Job: The Lead Behavioral Health Associate III serves as an integral part of ...

Psychology Associate

Danville, VA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Psychology Associate Apply now Job no: 5107533 Work type: Full-Time (Salaried) Location: Danville ... DBHDS operates 12 facilities: 8 behavioral health facilities for adults, a training center, a ...

Behavioral Health Technician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Requirements Minimum Qualifications: • Associate degree. • Registered or eligible for registration with the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT). • Evidence of ...

Requirements Minimum Qualifications: • Associate degree. • Registered or eligible for registration with the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT). • Evidence of ...

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Behavioral Associate information

What are Behavioral Associates?

Behavioral Associates are professionals who work with individuals, often children or those with developmental or behavioral challenges, to implement behavioral interventions and support plans. They typically work under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or other clinical supervisors. Their primary role is to help clients develop positive behaviors, improve social skills, and reduce problematic behaviors through evidence-based strategies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Behavioral Associates may work in schools, clinics, or homes and often collaborate with families and other professionals. This role requires strong communication, patience, and a commitment to helping others achieve their personal goals.

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

A behavioral associate with an associate's degree can work in settings such as mental health clinics, residential facilities, or community programs, providing support and assisting with client care under supervision. This role often involves skills in communication, documentation, and basic behavioral interventions, and may require certification or training depending on the employer.

What is the difference between Behavioral Associate vs Behavioral Technician?

AspectBehavioral AssociateBehavioral Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, or community settings; supervised by cliniciansClinical or home settings; supervised by behavior analysts or clinicians
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, educational servicesBehavior analysis, mental health, autism services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesJob duties, certification requirements, work settings

The main difference between a Behavioral Associate and a Behavioral Technician lies in their roles and responsibilities. Behavioral Associates often have broader responsibilities, may require additional certifications, and work closely with clinicians in various settings. Behavioral Technicians typically focus on implementing behavior plans under supervision. Both roles are vital in behavioral health services, but the Behavioral Associate position generally involves more complex tasks and higher qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Associate, you generally need a background in psychology or a related field and experience in behavioral health settings. Familiarity with behavioral intervention plans, data collection software, and sometimes certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) are commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and observational skills help professionals build rapport and effectively support clients. These competencies ensure effective implementation of treatment plans and contribute to positive outcomes for individuals receiving behavioral support.

What are some common challenges Behavioral Associates face when working with clients, and how can they be addressed?

Behavioral Associates often encounter challenges such as managing clients with difficult behaviors, maintaining consistent intervention strategies, and ensuring effective communication with families and other team members. To address these challenges, it’s important to receive regular supervision, engage in ongoing training, and collaborate closely with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and colleagues. Establishing clear boundaries, practicing patience, and using evidence-based strategies can also help Behavioral Associates navigate the complexities of the role while ensuring positive outcomes for clients.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

In behavioral health, licensed clinical psychologists and psychiatry professionals tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Advanced roles such as behavioral health medical directors or specialized clinical directors also command higher compensation, especially with additional certifications and leadership responsibilities.

How long does it take to become a BHT?

Becoming a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) typically requires completing a state-mandated training program, which can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on state requirements. After training, candidates often need to obtain certification or licensure, which may involve passing an exam and gaining supervised experience, usually totaling a few months to a year before fully qualifying as a BHT.

What skills do you need to be a BHT?

To be a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to work with individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities are essential. Knowledge of behavioral intervention techniques and the ability to follow treatment plans are also important; some positions may require certification or training in CPR and first aid.
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Behavioral jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Behavioral Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Behavioral Associate job openings:
Behavioral Health Technician Aide - MRTC (Overnight)

Behavioral Health Technician Aide - MRTC (Overnight)

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority

Richmond, VA • On-site

$19.94/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description
The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority is currently recruiting for full time Behavioral Health Technician Aide. This position performs basic human support work maintaining the safety of clients, monitoring clients that may present with special needs, performing and assisting clients with laundry duties, encouraging clients to adhere to treatment requirements, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the supervision of the Team Leader, Program Supervisor or Program Manager. This positions schedule will require evenings, overnights, and weekends.
Essential Functions
Monitors and assists clients with activities of daily living.
Monitors facility, grounds, and whereabouts of clients; conducts inspections according to schedule and need.
Performs customer service duties by meeting and greeting clients upon arrival for treatment; admits clients to the unit or facility by taking inventory of belongings; conducts tours and orientation of unit; maintains bedrooms when required.
Maintains the safety and cleanliness of the unit.
Ensures laundry duties for unit and clients are done in a timely manner; assists clients with special needs.
Monitors performance of client job function assignments.
Performs reception and general administrative support duties such as filing.
Prepares and maintains clinical documentation in the electronic health record and completes progress notes; completes shift reports.
Organizes the group rooms, meeting rooms, dining hall, etc.
Coordinates discharges in full consultation with the treatment and/or case management team.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
General knowledge of issues facing developmentally disabled clients; general knowledge of eligibility requirements and available support services; ability to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing; ability to conduct client interviews to obtain information; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and associates.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED and some experience working with clients who have behavioral health disorders and/or intellectual disability, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirements
Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Ability to work weekends, variable shifts and holidays.
Basic typing and computer skills.
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Open Date
6/4/2026
Close Date
About the Organization
Join the Fearless!
Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and is the statutorily established public entity responsible for providing mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance abuse and prevention services to the citizens of the City of Richmond.
Our Mission:
RBHA promotes health, wellness, and recovery for the people and communities we serve.
Our Vision:
An inclusive, healthy community where individuals are inspired to reach their highest potential.
Our Values:
Equity / Innovation / Quality / Inclusion / Accessibility / Transparency / Compassion / Integrity
Creating Healthy Communities - One Person, One Family, One Community at a time.
RBHA is committed to providing behavioral health services to all Richmond residents regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin.
Services are provided directly by RBHA staff and through contracts with private providers in the community. Funding is received through fees from consumers, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond, and local and state grants.
Starting Salary Range
19.94
EOE Statement
Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This position is currently accepting applications.