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Behavioral Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ascension

Behavioral Health Counselor

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Department: Adult Psychiatry Unit - High ... We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining ...

Ascension

Behavioral Health Counselor

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Department: Geriatric Psychiatry Unit ... We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining ...

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All JobsBehavioral Associate JobsBehavioral Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Behavioral Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$26

$41

How much do behavioral associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral associate in Chicago, IL is $26.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Behavioral jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Associate jobs in Chicago, IL? For Behavioral Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Behavioral Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Behavioral Associate job openings:
Behavioral Associate jobs near you
Behavioral Health Counselor

Behavioral Health Counselor

Ascension

Hoffman Estates, IL

$26.38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,026 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Your future role at a glance 

Location: Hoffman Estates, IL 

Facility: Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital

Department: Geriatric Psychiatry Unit

Schedule: Night shift | Full-time | 7:00 pm - 7:30 am 

Salary: $27.69- $40.50 per hour 


Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.


Benefits that help you thrive
  • Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
  • Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
  • Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
  • Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
  • Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
  • Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more


How you’ll make an impact in this role
  • Conduct patient assessments and establish therapy treatment goals.
  • Administer individual and group therapy.
  • Evaluate progress and effectiveness of therapy interventions.
  • Provide the patient with information regarding resources and therapeutic activities in the community

What minimum requirements you’ll need

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or Psychology required.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.

What Ascension Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Ascension

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 150,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US

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