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Behavioral Associate Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Are you interested in beginning or growing a career in behavioral health? Do you have experience ... Associate, Educational Assistant, Nanny, Tutor, Home Care Aid, Mental Health Therapist, PCA, HHA ...

Are you interested in beginning or growing a career in behavioral health? Do you have experience ... Associate, Educational Assistant, Nanny, Tutor, Home Care Aid, Mental Health Therapist, PCA, HHA ...

Would you like to begin or grow a rewarding career in behavioral health? Are you passionate about ... Associate, Educational Assistant, Nanny, Tutor, Home Care Aid, Mental Health Therapist, PCA, HHA ...

... Applied Behavioral Analysis services to children diagnosed with Autism (ASD). Therapy sessions ... Associate, Educational Assistant, Nanny, Tutor, Home Care Aid, Mental Health Therapist, PCA, HHA ...

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Behavioral Associate information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$13

$26

$40

How much do behavioral associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral associate in Worcester, MA is $26.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $32.16 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 popular job titles related to Behavioral Associate jobs in Worcester, MA? For Behavioral Associate jobs in Worcester, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Behavioral Associate jobs? Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Behavioral Associate job openings:
Aide Behavioral Counselor I

Aide Behavioral Counselor I

Seven Hills Foundation

Barre, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Seven Hills Foundation rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 240 rated social care providers


Job description

Overview

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:15am-3:15pm

Pay Scale: $23.00-24.92

$4,000 Sign on Bonus to be paid 50% at 6 months of employment and 50% at 12 months of employment!

Reporting to the Assistant Education Director, Education Supervisors, and Education Director, and in coordination with clinical services, the Aide/Behavioral Counselor-I conducts ongoing assessment of each student and each student's response to his environment and the tone of the milieu, and makes critical modifications to care plans during the course of each shift and at any given moment.In coordination with the Behavioral Specialist, the Aide/Behavioral Counselor-I provides comprehensive behavioral support, social skill instruction, and crisis management, while creating a positive learning environment for students with complex emotional and behavioral needsAide/Behavioral Counselor-I performs a central role in developing, applying and monitoring applied functional behavior plans.In coordination with the classroom teacher, the Aide/Behavioral Counselor-I works with the students to promote the transfer and generalization of learning strategies, study skills, and social behaviors. Supports the teacher in setting the tone and facilitating classroom environment that supports both the students and the staff in successfully engaging in daily and on-going educational and treatment activities.

Responsibilities

Integrates specialized clinical approaches to promote emotionally positive and behaviorally supportive classroomsConducts ongoing assessment of each student and each student's response to his environment and the tone of the milieu, and makes critical modifications to care plans during the course of each shift and at any given momentProvides comprehensive behavioral support, social skill instruction, and crisis management, while creating a positive learning environment for students with complex emotional and behavioral needsAssists in the development of applied functional behavior plans and classroom behavior management plansApplies and monitors applied functional behavior plans interventions.

Qualifications

Completed at least two years of study or obtained an Associates Degree and six months of experience in related field. Student internship or volunteer work may be credited toward experience.  Demonstrated strong behavioral observation skills are a necessity, along with patience, emotional stamina, and determination for consistency. Social and communication skills are highly valued in order to work in a treatment team orientation with a strong attitude towards relationship building and knowledge of human development. Engage in social skills with the demonstrated ability to interact cooperatively and coordinately with co-workers at different professional levels in order to maximize an efficient behavioral intervention is a must.Knowledge and understanding of the behavioral technology, including contingency management and ongoing behavioral assessment, is required at the level of ongoing application and execution is preferred.Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics is preferred.Advanced knowledge, specialized training, and/or skill in childhood development, comprehensive behavioral programming and support, social skills instruction, crisis management, and creating a positive learning environment is preferred.Specialized training consistent with the description below is preferred.  Training is offered on the job with the expectation of successful completion for continued employment as an Aide/Behavioral Counselor-I.Requires a current valid driver's license from state of residence.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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