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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Behavioral Health Associate

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$25.46 - $31.86/hr

Overview Behavioral Health Associates assist social services teams to provide supportive counseling, advocacy, and education to help patients and their families navigate mental illness, access ...

Behavioral Health Associate

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$25.46 - $31.86/hr

Overview Behavioral Health Associates assist social services teams to provide supportive counseling, advocacy, and education to help patients and their families navigate mental illness, access ...

Mental Health Associate

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$20.92 - $26.63/hr

Mental Health Associate Location: Jersey City Medical Center Department Name: Emergency Screening ... Observing patient behaviors and promptly communicating changes in emotional, behavioral, or ...

Mental Health Associate

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$20.92 - $26.63/hr

Mental Health Associate Location: Jersey City Medical Center Department Name: Emergency Screening ... Observing patient behaviors and promptly communicating changes in emotional, behavioral, or ...

Mental Health Associate

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$20.92 - $26.63/hr

Mental Health Associate Location: Jersey City Medical Center Department Name: Emergency Screening ... Observing patient behaviors and promptly communicating changes in emotional, behavioral, or ...

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Behavioral Health Associate information

See New York salary details

$14

$28

$43

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in New York is $28.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $35.24 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 New York? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities in New York with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,355 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Behavioral Health Associate

VNS Health

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$25.46 - $31.86/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


VNS Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 239 rated social care providers


Job description

Overview
Behavioral Health Associates assist social services teams to provide supportive counseling, advocacy, and education to help patients and their families navigate mental illness, access community resources, and manage symptoms to help them remain safely in the community. This is a junior position that provides direct care as part of a team. Join us in building on our 130-year history and become a part of the Future of Care that is strengthening communities with high quality, integrated behavioral health programs. VNS Health Behavioral Health team members provide vital client-centered behavioral health care to New Yorkers most in need, across all stages of life and mental well-being. We deliver care wherever our clients are, including outpatient clinics, clients’ homes, and the community. Our short- and long-term service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children, to adolescents, to aging adults. As part of our fast-growing Behavioral Health team, you’ll have an opportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether you’re early in your career or an experienced professional.

What We Provide  

  • Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidays – confirm days off based on employee type- see reference guide 
  • Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability  
  • Employer-matched retirement saving funds 
  • Personal and financial wellness programs  
  • Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care   
  • Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees 
  • Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement  
  • Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities   
  • Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of Professionals 

What You Will Do

  • Assists with the development of the social work assessment of patients/families 
  • Assists in the development of a social work treatment plan and goals with emphasis on symptom management and psychiatric rehabilitation 
  • Provides ongoing social work services and/or collaborates and refers to appropriate agencies 
  • Provides advocacy and assistance in obtaining entitlements and community services to patients, families and other caregivers 
  • Assists clients with understanding their mental illness by providing psycho education and assistance with symptom management 
  • Assists staff, patients, families and other caregivers to understand third party reimbursement, entitlements and community resources 
  • Initiates and maintains written and verbal communications according to VNS Health policy 
  • Performs established workflow procedures 
  • Maintains productivity sufficient to meet VNS Health goals 
  • Acts as liaison with other community agencies 
  • Participates in related VNS Home Care activities, e.g., utilization review, staff meetings, education programs, etc. 
  • Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth 

About the Program

Home Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI)

The Home Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI) program provides intensive, short-term crisis intervention and family support services to children and adolescents at risk of out-of-home placement.

Why Join This Program: Help keep families together by delivering intensive support that promotes stability and resilience.


Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or a related human services field required
Work Experience:
Minimum one year of social work experience in a mental health or social service setting required
Pay Range
USD $25.46 - USD $31.86 /Hr.
About Us
VNS Health has been committed to meeting the needs of New Yorkers for over 130 years. We’re one of the largest nonprofit home- and community-based health care organizations in the country, and today, more than 11,500 team members work together to make a difference in the lives of more than 99,000 patients and members on any given day.

What VNS Health employees say

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About VNS Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

VNS Health is one of the nation's largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for more than 125 years, our commitment to health and well-being is what drives us--we help people live, age and heal where they feel most comfortable, in their own homes, connected to their family and community. On any given day, more than 10,000 VNS Health team members deliver compassionate care, unparalleled expertise and 24/7 solutions and resources to the more than 43,000 "neighbors" who look to us for care. Powered and informed by data analytics that are unmatched in the home and community-health industry, VNS Health offers a full range of health care services, solutions and health plans designed to simplify the health care experience and meet the diverse and complex needs of the communities and people we serve in New York and beyond.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1893