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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Massachusetts

Responsibilities Mental Health Associate Manager Opportunity At Arbour Hospital - Jamaica Plain ... Document and communicate unusual or erratic changes in client behaviors * Assist with patient ...

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Behavioral Health Associate information

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$14

$28

$43

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Massachusetts is $28.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.54 and $35.19 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 Massachusetts? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Massachusetts? For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,251 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Behavioral Health Associate -11pm - 7:30am - Overnight

Haverhill Behavioral Health

Haverhill, MA

$17 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Overview

Haverhill Pavillion Behavioral Health is seeking part time Behavioral Health Associates (BHA) to join our facility

Pay Range:Base pay rate: $17-$20.25 per hour

Shift differentials are available for the following shifts, and will add the below hourly amounts to your base rate of pay:

Weekend: $1.25/hourWeekday Evening: $1.25/hourWeekend Evening: $2.50/hour

Overnight: $4/hour

Shifts Available:03.30pm - 11.00pm

Hours available:Part-time (24 hours) 3 days per weekAll full-time and part-time employees work every other weekend. All shifts are 8 hours.

The Behavioral Health Associate plays an integral role on the interdisciplinary treatment team. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and treatment team, the Behavioral Health Associate carries out assigned patient care activities in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, and standards.

This role provides 1:1 support to patients experiencing acute psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, and escalating emotional distress. Behavioral Health Associates provide compassionate, individualized care, adapting their interactions based on each patient's clinical presentation and therapeutic needs.

When you join the Haverhill Pavilion team, you're not just taking a job, you're making a positive impact in patients' lives.The Role:As a Behavioral Health Associate, you are an integral part of the treatment team provided for patients upon admission to our facility. Each unit utilizes a team nursing approach to take care of our patients. Nurses work in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Associates in order to provide the highest standard of care for our patients.You will play a crucial role in enabling a safe and therapeutic environment for patients by providing a positive, supportive, and structured environment.Behavioral Health Associate Essential Duties:- Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that supervision is conducted at 15 minute intervals. As a stabilization facility, patient safety is our top priority. 15 minute safety checks ensure that our patients are safe and appropriately cared for.

- Engage with patients to assess mental status, progress towards treatment goals, and emotional needs throughout the shift.

- Interact routinely with patients, observe behaviors, and communicate significant observations to nursing staff. Behavioral Health Associates have the ability to be a positive aid in the patient's recovery process at Haverhill Pavilion through therapeutic interactions.

- Encourage patient participation in therapeutic activities and individualized behavior strategies.

- Assist in crisis situations through verbal de-escalation techniques and physical interventions following CPI standards and hospital policies.

- Provide consistent 1:1 support for assigned patients, maintaining therapeutic engagement throughout the shift.

- Float to different units within the hospital based on staffing needs.

- Utilize patient-specific coping skills and sensory strategies as outlined in treatment or safety plans.

- Educate colleagues on patient-specific triggers, warning signs, and coping strategies.

- Identify and communicate barriers to discharge planning.

- Support patient orientation during admissions by assisting with searches, vital signs, and reviewing unit guidelines.

- Reinforce unit rules and serve as a positive role model for patients.

- Provide peer mentorship and help orient new Behavioral Health Associates under the guidance of nursing leadership.

-Protect and advocate for patient rights.

- Attend and actively participate in department meetings; review minutes when unable to attend.

- Complete annual mandatory training and proactively identify personal educational needs.

- Accept and apply feedback to continuously improve clinical and professional skills.The Expertise and Skills You Bring:Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.Experience: Ideal candidates are passionate about Haverhill Pavilion's mission, behavioral health, and are driven by the purpose to be of assistance to our patients. Experience in human services, social work, behavioral health, or in a hospital setting is preferred but not necessary. We invest in the career growth of our employees and offer paid training and the opportunity to gain experience in a behavioral health setting. We offer a range of opportunities for learning so you are able to build the career you've always imagined.The TeamAt Haverhill Pavilion, our Purpose is to Lead Care With Light and our mission is to be a world-class organization that sets the standard for excellence in the treatment of mental health concerns. We strive to maintain our standing as a thought leader in the behavioral healthcare industry, providing treatment that is synonymous with compassion and innovation.To our patients, we commit ourselves to providing quality, individualized care at Haverhill Pavilion Behavioral Health that offers them a supportive, caring environment in which they can regain hope.To our employees, we commit ourselves to offering an enviable internal culture that encourages them both personally and professionally, supporting them as they reach their career goals and achieve their greatest potential.Join UsAt Haverhill Pavilion, you'll find endless opportunities to build a meaningful career in behavioral health that positively impacts peoples' lives, including yours! You can take advantage of our benefits that support you through every stage of your career, empowering you to thrive at work and at home. We have tuition reimbursement up to $3,000/year as well as a full suite of benefits for employees to take advantage of.We invite you to start your Path to Purpose with Haverhill Pavilion and join our team!

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Haverhill Pavilion believes in, and is committed to, fair and equitable treatment for every employee and patient. We are invested in  creating a safe and respectful environment, in which everyone is dignity and respect. "Every day, we celebrate our diversity. Through compassionate language and kind actions we foster communication where everyone feels included, acknowledged, and respected." - Mission Statement of Haverhill Pavilion's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

At Haverhill Pavilion, we are dedicated to creating an enduring culture of inclusion and belonging that will attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. 

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Demonstrate a sense of urgency related to the importance of patient safety and provide excellent customer services. 
  • Ensure the well-being of patients and provide a positive, supportive and structured environment. 
  • Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that supervision is conducted at 15 minute intervals, as noted in special precautions, or in accordance with individualized supervision guidelines as needed.  
  • Document timely, accurate and appropriate clinical information in patient's medical record.  
  • Assist in providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for patients, significant others and staff. 
  • Interact routinely with patients, observe behaviors and communicate significant observations to nursing staff. 
  • May oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration and changing bed linens.  
  • May obtain patient's vital signs, height and weight as assigned and document in patient record.  
  • Facilitate patient educational-rehabilitative groups which cover a variety of topics including social skills, coping skills, anger management and independent living skills. 
  • Engage patients in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.  
  • Complete and maintain required documentation.  Assist with follow-up and paperwork as required on incidents and events that may take place in the facility.  
  • May provide transportation for patient or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff member. 
  • Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority. 

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Six months or more experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).

First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

HVBHL

Employment Type: PART_TIME