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Behavioral Health Assistant information

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How much do behavioral health assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health assistant in Chicago, IL is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health assistant?

Behavioral Health Assistants are professionals who support individuals dealing with mental health or behavioral issues under the supervision of licensed clinicians. They help implement treatment plans, monitor patients’ progress, and provide guidance in daily activities to promote mental well-being. Their duties may include observing behaviors, assisting with therapeutic activities, maintaining patient records, and offering emotional support. This role is vital in settings such as hospitals, clinics, residential facilities, and community organizations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a behavioral health assistant?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of mental health concepts, basic patient care skills, and often a relevant associate degree or certification in behavioral health or a related field. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and patient observation tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under stress are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective support for patients, accurate documentation, and the maintenance of a safe, therapeutic environment.

What are common challenges faced by behavioral health assistants and how can they be managed?

Behavioral Health Assistants often encounter emotionally charged situations, such as working with individuals experiencing mental health crises or behavioral outbursts. Managing personal stress, maintaining professional boundaries, and practicing self-care are essential for sustaining effectiveness in this role. Many organizations provide regular supervision, peer support, and access to training programs to help Behavioral Health Assistants navigate these challenges and enhance their resilience. Being proactive in seeking support and utilizing available resources contributes to both personal well-being and professional growth.

How long does it take to become a behavioral health assistant?

Becoming a behavioral health assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring postsecondary education or certification in mental health or related fields. Training programs or on-the-job training usually last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the employer and state requirements.

Is a behavioral health assistant entry-level?

Yes, a behavioral health assistant is typically an entry-level position that requires a high school diploma or equivalent. It often involves on-the-job training and may require basic knowledge of mental health practices or certifications such as CPR or first aid. The role is suitable for individuals starting their careers in behavioral health settings.

What skills do you need to be a behavioral health assistant?

A behavioral health assistant needs strong communication and interpersonal skills to support clients effectively. They should have basic knowledge of mental health conditions, be compassionate, and often require certification or training in CPR and first aid. Organizational skills and the ability to work as part of a healthcare team are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Behavioral Health Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Behavioral Health Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Behavioral Health Assistant job openings:

Behavioral Health Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,110 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Behavioral Health Assistant

Ascension

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,045 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

422nd of 896 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Your future role at a glance

Location: Arlington Heights, IL 

Facility: Ascension Center for Mental Health 

Department: Supervised Residential 

Schedule: Rotating shift | PRN | Weekdays and weekends 

Salary: $22.00 per hour 

How you'll make an impact in this role
  • Collect, record, and report data on client progress, making specific instructional changes according to established guidelines and complete informal evaluations as required.
  • Provide patient assistance including deescalating volatile situations and alert team members to any areas of concern.
  • Assist with the search, inventory, storage, and return of patient property.
  • May serve as a member of the crisis response team and participate in situational debriefs as required.
What minimum qualifications you'll need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

  • Preferred Credential(s): BLS Provider. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.

Education:

  • High School diploma equivalency OR 1 year of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.
    • Note: Required professional licensure/certification can be used in lieu of education or experience,if applicable.
What additional requirements you'll need
  • Must have a valid Driver's License
  • Must be 21 years or older 
  • Experience working with those with mental illness preferred
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.

Equal employment opportunity employer

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.

Benefits

Paid time off (PTO)Various health insurance options & wellness plansRetirement benefits including employer match plansLong-term & short-term disabilityEmployee assistance programs (EAP)Parental leave & adoption assistanceTuition reimbursementWays to give back to your community

Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance, location and salary range at the time of the offer.

Employment Type: OTHER

What Ascension Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Ascension logo

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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