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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities Mental Health Technician - Day Shift Since 1985 The Brook Hospital has been ... Assists in management of behavior and control of destructive/unsafe behavior per facility ...

Family Behavioral Health Therapist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$44K - $58K/yr

Family Behavioral Health Therapist Employment Type: Full-Time Sign-On Bonus: $1000 A Day in the ... Associate, LPATA, etc.) If not current, must possess within 60 days of hire * Strong clinical ...

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Behavioral Health Associate information

See Kentucky salary details

$11

$22

$34

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Kentucky is $22.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 is a behavioral health associate?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Kentucky? For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,120 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Behavioral Health Tech - Lourdes Hospital

Mercy Health

Paducah, KY • On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Mercy Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 384 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Thank you for considering a career at Mercy Health!
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
36
Work Shift:
Nights (United States of America)
Mercy Health
As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.
Behavioral Health Specialist - Adult Behavioral Health Unit - Lourdes Hospital
Job Summary:
The Behavioral Health Specialist provides direct patient care under the supervision of a designated healthcare professional in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, and within policies, procedures, and guidelines of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH).
Essential Functions:
  • Ensures quality patient care, provides vital sign measurement, maintains patient hygiene, assists with mobility, and supports unit-based specialty duties.
  • Acts as liaison between the patient and nurse to report changes and share pertinent information.
  • Provides accurate, precise, timely documentation when applicable for patient care.
  • Completes patient rounding, 15-minute patient checks, and patient safety companion services as assigned.
  • Collects patient data and completes patient screenings as applicable.
  • Participates in continued education and in-service training.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Education:
  • High School Diploma/GED (required)
  • Bachelor's Degree, related field (preferred)

Licensing & Certifications:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) American Health Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)
  • State Tested Nursing Aide (STNA) (preferred)
  • Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) (preferred)
  • Registered Social Work Assistant (SWA) (preferred)
  • Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) (preferred)
  • Counselor in Training (preferred)
  • Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS- BCP) (preferred)
  • American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) (preferred)

Experience:
  • 1 year of experience in a mental health or health care setting (preferred)

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.
As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Misson that matters. We support your well-being - personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.
What we offer
• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HAS/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support
Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
Department:
Adult Behavioral Health Unit - Lourdes
It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health- Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours - Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com.

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About Mercyhealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people – instead, we empower talented, dedicated health care professionals to provide the highest quality patient care possible with a passion for making lives better. As an integrated health care provider, we provide exceptional, coordinated health care. The organization consists of seven hospitals, 85+ clinics, and more than 7,500 employee-partners to serve patients in 15 counties throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. We hope you’ll consider becoming the newest member of the Mercyhealth family and join our passion for making lives better!

Industry

Hospitals, fitness and sports centers and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Janesville, WI, US