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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Summit BHC

Intake Clinician

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$33K - $38K/yr

In some states, may also be a registered nurse, in which case, an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing is required. * One or more years' experience in mental/behavioral health working with ...

Summit BHC

Health Information Manager

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

Associate's degree from an accredited Health Information Management program required. Bachelor ... One or more years' of behavioral health experience preferred. * Knowledge and understanding of the ...

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All JobsBehavioral Health Associate JobsBehavioral Health Associate Jobs in Iowa

Behavioral Health Associate information

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$12

$24

$37

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Iowa is $24.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.24 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Iowa? For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Behavioral Health Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,958 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Mental Health Worker - General Behavioral 2E (Full Time)

Mental Health Worker - General Behavioral 2E (Full Time)

UnityPoint Health

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

302nd of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
Responsible for providing assistance in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care on the behavioral health units under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Nurse Manager and established standards of practice and institutional policies. Responsible for the delivery of patient care through a multidisciplinary approach. Patients to be served include primarily adult, but also pediatric, adolescent and geriatric. The position of Mental Health Worker has been designed to be an active, contributing member of the Adult Behavioral Health Services interdisciplinary treatment team, offering psychiatric treatment and care to. St. Luke's C.A.R.E. delivery model (Continuity, Accountability, Relationship-based, Evidence-based) reflects a commitment to compassionate, competent care delivered by the interdisciplinary team. Care is provided through a therapeutic relationship with the patient and family. A spirit of inquiry is encouraged and supported. Small tests of change and more formal research efforts are used when the evidence is not clear. Evidence-driven protocols are utilized to assure reliable and consistent care.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
Key Accountabilities
  • The associate is aware of hospital and department compliance for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of department or hospital administrative staff.
  • Purposefully conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the hospital's commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity.
  • Successfully completes hospital-wide orientation, annual hospital competencies and department/unit specific competencies.
  • For the safety of our patients and co-workers, St. Luke's Hospital requires seasonal and job related vaccinations. This is reviewed regularly during periodic health assessments.
  • Is aware of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of department or hospital administrative staff.
  • Purposefully conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the hospital's commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity.
  • Successfully completes hospital-wide orientation, annual hospital competencies and unit specific competencies.
  • Performs patient care functions as required and/or directed.
  • Contributes to the patient assessment by collecting, reporting, and recording objective and subjective data in an accurate and timely manner. Data collection includes:
  • Observation about the condition, or change in condition of the patient.
  • Signs and symptoms of deviation from normal health status.
  • Assist with admission process per RN/charge nurse direction; may include unit tour, safety plan, completing family assessment, assist with patient belongings.
  • Participates in the development and modification of the plan of care by providing data, contributing to the identification of priorities and setting realistic and measurable patient focused outcomes and goals. Assists with the identification of appropriate patient care interventions and formulating realistic strategies, approaches and techniques to utilize in the treatment delivery. Provides health teaching and counseling.
  • Participates in revising and updating patient treatment plans to reflect changes in priority needs and additional information. Assists in integrating transfer/discharge planning needs into an overall plan of care. Will actively participate in patient staffing as an IDT member. If a Mental Health Worker revises the care plan other than interventions he/she will collaborate with the primary nurse or the Patient Care Coordinator who will formulate the problem and goal. Reinforces, with patient and family, realistic expected outcomes established in the plan of care.
  • Provides treatment and care to patients and families consistent with institutional policies and established standards of care and in collaboration with RN and IDT Team.
  • Performs select daily assessment and observation of patients communicating this information to the responsible RN or mental health professional when appropriate.
  • Implements the treatment plan by orienting patient/family to environment and treatment plan and performing care and treatment of the patient according to treatment plan, established standards, policies, procedures and unit competencies.
  • Partners with the RN and other multidisciplinary team members to achieve patient's progress towards outcomes identified in the treatment plan.
  • Will share in the behavior management of all patients, utilizing a varied repertoire of techniques and approaches. Consistently utilizes the most positive, least restrictive behavior management techniques which are effective. This will generally be accomplished with a warm, caring, firm and empathetic approach, utilizing positive techniques. He/she will be firm, kind and direct when necessary. Demonstrates familiarity of a variety of behavior management techniques/approaches (e.g., positive reinforcement, redirection, time out, verbal processing, etc.). Utilize the concepts in the Engagement Model and Trauma-Informed Care.
  • Implements measures to promote a safe environment for the patient and family.
  • Performs as a team member under the direction of a RN.
  • Consults with RN and/or multidisciplinary team members as necessary.
  • Obtains instruction and supervision as necessary when implementing new or unfamiliar techniques or practices.
  • Reports unsafe practice or practice conditions to RN/Unit Manager.
  • Accepts individual responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions, judgments, competency, clinical performance and professional growth.
  • Conducts his/her practice by respecting the dignity and rights of patients.
  • Protects the patient's right to privacy by protecting confidential information unless obligated to disclose in a court of law and under proper authorization or legal compulsion.
  • Contributes to the formulation, interpretation, implementation, and evaluation of the objectives and policies related to nursing practice within the employment setting.
  • Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills with other health care team members.
  • Verbal communication is clear and precise.
  • Written communication is legible, if handwritten, and done in a timely manner.
  • Computer documentation is done in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
  • Utilizes therapeutic interpersonal interventions in treatment (e.g., active listening, feedback, empathy, validation, normalizing, redirecting, focusing, crisis intervention).
  • Provides educational opportunities to patients, families and other health care associates under the direction of a registered nurse.
  • Integrates patient/family education concepts in furnishing necessary information and the support during hospitalization. A focus on health and preventative health maintenance should be incorporated into the teaching plan.
  • Assist with discharge planning, coordinating and aftercare and reviews the patient safety plan with patient/family or facility at discharge.
  • Will utilize one-to-one and group modalities in provision of treatment/care of patients.
  • Provides skill development and teaching to patients and families within scope of practice (e.g., behavior management, etc).
  • Utilizes sound educational techniques, such as assessment of current knowledge and abilities, developing mutual learning objectives, implementing teaching and evaluating effectiveness.
  • Demonstrates flexibility and self-direction in meeting patient and unit needs by responding as a team player.
  • Assumes responsibly for own professional growth and development and assists in the education of others.
  • Continually maintains and strives to enhance personal technical and clinical competence in all job related duties.
  • Utilizes, shares and disseminates information from inservices, readings and workshops.
  • Assists in the orientation of new employees as requested by immediate supervisor/manager.
  • Effectively communicates and coordinates; is responsive and professional in endeavors with other community agencies and representatives.
  • Participates in mandatory education and unit staff meetings, per established guidelines.
  • Initiates actions and follows direction of immediate supervisor/manager designed to prevent, or remediate potential/actual safety hazards to self or others.
  • Maintains current Behavior Management and BCLS certifications. Complies with policies for restraint/seclusion per service guidelines.
  • Provides/facilitates crisis intervention in anticipated and/or acute emergency situations according to established emergency guidelines and under the direction of an RN or IOP Program Manager.
  • Implements precautions (e.g., suicide, sexual, etc.) according to policy.
  • Communicates safety problems and potential risks to manager.
  • Follows unit procedures for rounds and hall monitoring.
  • Maintains safe, clean patient environment.
  • Participates, as requested, in performance improvement activities and reporting.
  • Use the Engagement Model to create a safe unit milieu and collaboration with patients/families.
  • Encouraged to make and support improvement in unit and hospital practices through participation in shared governance and performance improvement activities at the unit and hospital-wide level.
  • Complies with established infection control and risk management policies and procedures.
  • Is knowledgeable regarding managed care implications - precertifications and utilization review procedures.
  • Provides consultation regarding Behavioral Health issues as needed to other hospital staff/departments.
  • Performs other duties as deemed necessary to meet the hospital's mission and vision, to give the healthcare we would like our loved ones to receive

Key Accountability
Development & Patient Education
  • Continues professional development and involvement in professional activities that enhance nursing practice by sharing knowledge through networking and research.
  • Assess and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to the patient's and their families' age specific needs, culture, gender, readiness to learn and level of comprehension.
  • Consults appropriate resources within the hospital to provide specialized education.
  • Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately

Qualifications
  • Must possess a minimum of a Bachelors preferably in a human service or science field.
  • Clinical background should include experience in a human service organization.
  • Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification as outlined per policy or obtain certification within three(3) months from date of hire.
  • Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
  • Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
  • Basic computer knowledge using word processing, spreadsheet, email and web browser.
  • Demonstrate skill, organization, and efficiency in performing
  • Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

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