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Behavioral Associate Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

Chimes

Behavior Associate

Baltimore, MD

$20/hr

Chimes is a not-for-profit organization that assists people with intellectual and behavioral challenges to achieve their fullest potential. Our vast array of services -- educational, employment ...

Chimes

Behavior Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$20/hr

Chimes is a not-for-profit organization that assists people with intellectual and behavioral challenges to achieve their fullest potential. Our vast array of services - educational, employment ...

LEARN Behavioral

School-based Behavior Therapist

MD · On-site

$28/hr

... behavior management. The school's educational program is designed to build strong foundational ... Associate's Degree/Undergraduate Degree: $22.00/hr * Masters Degree: $23.00/hr Responsibilities

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All JobsBehavioral Associate JobsBehavioral Associate Jobs in Columbia, MD

Behavioral Associate information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do behavioral associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral associate in Columbia, MD is $25.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $31.97 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 job categories do people searching Behavioral Associate jobs in Columbia, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Associate jobs in Columbia, MD are:
What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Behavioral Associate jobs? Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Behavioral Associate job openings:
Behavioral Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Associate job openings in Columbia, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,841 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Behavior Associate

Chimes & Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems

Baltimore, MD

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Join Chimes – and go further to help others go far!  Chimes is a not-for-profit organization that assists people with intellectual and behavioral challenges to achieve their fullest potential.

Our vast array of services — educational, employment, vocational, residential, rehabilitative, and behavioral health — are delivered through a network of national and international affiliates. This allows us to take a comprehensive, holistic approach to improving the lives of every person we serve — those who receive and those who reap the benefits of our innovative, responsive solutions.

Hourly Compensation: $20.00

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION(S):

  • Assist in the development of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) with input from student’s IEP team members, designed to decrease challenging behaviors and increase socially acceptable behaviors and adaptive skills.
  • Collects and monitors required documentation regarding behavioral incidents, interventions, BIPs, and specific fade plans.
  • Assist in behavioral training of classroom staff, support staff, and transportation personnel, facilitating least restrictive approaches to behavioral programming.
  • Monitors the use of behavioral intervention strategies and provides ongoing support and feedback as needed.
  • Obtains and maintains training in Behavioral Intervention & Support (BPS) certification.
  • Participates in school-based meetings, including Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS), Therapeutic Behavioral Support (TBS), and Team Share Meetings.
  • Assist in maintaining the Code of Maryland State Department of Education regulations (COMAR).
  • Assist in monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing behavioral data to suggest creative strategies to fade additional adult support and behavior intervention plans to support the least restrictive measures.
  • Assist in developing individual data forms.
  • Meets regularly with BCBA and PA to ensure continuity and smooth operation of behavioral services.
  • Promotes inter and intra Agency communications by supporting students transitioning to Adult Services.
  • Uses approved crisis intervention techniques in emergencies, when individuals served are in danger of injuring themselves or others, or when stated in the student’s Behavior Intervention Plan.
  • Attends and participates in in-service training, staff meetings, and other activities to facilitate professional development.
  • Uses technology for the completion of specified job duties.
  • Attends work regularly according to assigned work schedule and by Agency policy.
  • Works cooperatively with others, including all staff, supervisors, administrators, co-workers, individuals served, community professionals, customers, vendors, and the public.
  • Assumes other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as needed.
  • Available supervision for students working towards a BCBA.                                                                       

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Proper English usage, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Understanding of methodologies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), used to address the needs of children with behavioral challenges, including autism.
  • Knowledge of crisis intervention strategies, applying a gradually progressive system of verbal and non-verbal techniques to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations effectively.
  • Understanding of applicable directives, standards, procedures, policies, rules, regulations, codes, laws, and guidelines governing special education, particularly those relating to positive behavior interventions.
  • Knowledge of accepted analysis and assessment procedures, including functional analysis, ecological analysis of settings, and systematic observation.
  • Strong skills in data tracking and collection, record management, and reporting methods, including Excel.
  • Able to provide and receive feedback professionally.

EDUCATION:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related behavioral health sciences.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct approved behavioral intervention plans, including the use of positive behavioral approaches and crisis management.

 EXPERIENCE: 

  • A minimum of two years experience working with special needs populations, including students with intellectual limitations, Autism, and emotional and mental health challenges or co-existing disorders. Experience using applied behavioral analysis and verbal behavioral training is a plus.
  • Preferably holds a valid driver’s license and has an acceptable driving record as determined by criteria established by the Agency’s insurance carrier and by Agency policy.

NOTE:   At the discretion of the Personnel Officer, additional related experience and/or education may be substituted instead of the requirements specified above under Education and Experience.

What’s in it for you?

Total Rewards (For Full-Time Employees = >30 hours/week):

  • Competitive Pay
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
  • Tuition Reimbursement options
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health, Dependent, and Transportation)
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan (with Employer Match)
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Employee Referral Bonus opportunities
  • Discounts through “Tickets at Work”
  • And More!

Want to learn more?

To learn more about Chimes and how you can achieve personal and professional growth within a purpose-driven organization, visit us at https://chimes.org/Careers.

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