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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Behavioral Health Associate information

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$12

$23

$36

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Alabama is $23.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $29.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need a degree to be a behavioral health associate?

A behavioral health associate typically does not need a college degree, but relevant certifications or training in mental health or social services are often required. Employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience working with clients or in healthcare settings.

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

A behavioral health associate with an associate's degree can work in settings such as mental health clinics, hospitals, or community agencies, providing support and assisting with patient care. This role often involves skills in communication, documentation, and basic counseling, and may require certification or supervision depending on the state or organization.

What are some common challenges Behavioral Health Associates face during their shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Behavioral Health Associates often encounter challenging situations such as managing patients in crisis, de-escalating tense interactions, and maintaining safety in a dynamic environment. It is vital to stay calm under pressure, use therapeutic communication techniques, and follow established protocols to ensure both patient and staff safety. Regular team debriefings, ongoing training, and support from colleagues and supervisors also help associates process difficult experiences and maintain their own well-being.

What are the duties of a behavioral health associate?

A behavioral health associate provides support to individuals with mental health or substance use disorders by assisting with daily activities, monitoring client progress, and implementing treatment plans under supervision. They often document client behavior, facilitate group or individual sessions, and ensure a safe environment, requiring good communication skills and relevant certifications. The role typically involves working in healthcare or community settings and may require adherence to confidentiality and safety protocols.

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

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Associate, you need a background in psychology or a related field, knowledge of mental health disorders, and often a relevant certification such as Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT). Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR), crisis intervention techniques, and de-escalation tools is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication skills help you effectively support patients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and recovery of patients in behavioral health settings.

What are Behavioral Health Associates?

Behavioral Health Associates are professionals who support individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. They typically work in hospitals, residential treatment centers, or outpatient facilities, helping patients with daily activities, monitoring their well-being, and assisting with therapeutic interventions under the supervision of licensed clinicians. Their role is crucial in creating a safe and supportive environment, encouraging patients’ participation in treatment, and communicating observations to the healthcare team. Behavioral Health Associates may also help with crisis intervention and de-escalation, ensuring that patients receive compassionate and effective care.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

The highest paying roles in behavioral health often include clinical directors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed psychologists, especially those with specialized certifications and extensive experience. These positions typically require advanced degrees, licensure, and leadership responsibilities, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level positions like behavioral health associates.
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Alabama? For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,174 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Behavioral Associate

Children's of Alabama

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time, Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


Children's Of Alabama rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

749th of 1,054 rated hospitals


Job description

In Behavioral Health Inpatient at Main Campus Dearth Tower
Work schedule will be Full-time on the Night Shift, 3- 12 Hour shifts with rotating weekends.
Summary:
The Behavioral Associate is responsible for providing constant supervision and oversight of patients with diverse mental, emotional or developmental conditions
Other information:
BCLS, CPI, Equipment/Work Aides: Computer, Patient Records, Reports
Credentials with Equivalent Qualifications:
Essential:
* Basic Life Support
Nonessential:
* Crisis Prevention and Intervention Certification
Education with Equivalent Qualifications:
Essential:
* High School Diploma Graduate or Equivalent
Experience with Equivalent Qualifications:
The Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit is comprised of 44 beds and provides a therapeutic, engaging environment for children ages 4 to 18. The Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit is a rewarding place to work where our care team makes an impact on children's lives with every interaction. Along with psychiatrists, therapists, and nurse practitioners, we are involved in the day to-day care and decision making that helps kids and families live their best lives. We work hands-on with children of all ages who are struggling with depression, anxiety, suicide, self-control, and trauma. We teach them new emotional and behavioral skills in a fun and interactive way. Our patients need to know that someone cares and can help keep them safe. Someone who can listen compassionately without judgement.
Getting to know Children's: Behavioral Health Inpatient

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About Children's of Alabama

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children. Ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s serves patients from every county in Alabama and nearly every state. With more than 3.5 million square feet, it is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the United States. Children’s offers inpatient and outpatient services at its Russell Campus on Birmingham’s historic Southside with additional specialty services provided at Children’s South, Children’s on 3rd and in Huntsville and Montgomery. Primary medical care is provided in more than a dozen communities across central Alabama. Children’s is the only health system in Alabama dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children. It is a private, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research and residency programs. The medical staff consists of UAB faculty and Children’s full-time physicians as well as private practicing community physicians. Our staff is committed to providing the finest pediatric healthcare to all children. We built our legacy on our core values of trust, teamwork, compassion, innovation and commitment. We know that every time we come through these doors we will live up to our high standards as we work to make a difference in children's lives. You've chosen a career that’s all about care. If you want to make a difference the life of children and their families, if you want to advance in your profession, if you appreciate good benefits, and want to work with outstanding medical professionals in a variety of areas, then Children’s of Alabama is where you belong.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1911

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