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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$18 - $21.75/hr

Lead - Behavioral Health Associate III - SECOND SHIFT | Mountain Laurel Recovery Center | Westfield, Pennsylvania About the Job: The Lead Behavioral Health Associate III serves as an integral part of ...

$18.27 - $19/hr

Associate's degree with a major course of study in Human Services from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency preferred. Certification as a Behavioral Health Technician ...

$29.40 - $44.10/hr

The Clinician works with a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, mental health associates, nurses, and off-site behavioral health staff. The Clinician is ...

At Rivermont Schools, we serve students with emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges ... As a Mental Health Associate with Rivermont Schools, you'll support students with special needs by ...

Showing results 21-40

Behavioral Health Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Virginia is $25.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.52 and $31.92 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,788 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Behavioral Health Associate - Hillsville Dayshift

Life Center of Galax

Galax, VA • On-site

$14 - $17.87/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Life Center Of Galax rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Come join our team as a Behavioral Health Associate, at Life Center of Galax!

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about behavioral health. If you are interested in growth opportunities that are second to none in the industry and making a difference in the lives of people in our community, this position is right for you!

*Openings at both locations: Galax & Hillsville*

PURPOSE STATEMENT: 

Responsible for providing personal care services to patients at the facility under the direction of clinical or nursing leadership. 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.

We offer a full suite of benefits ranging from:

Competitive hourly rates

Hourly rate is negotiable depending on years of experience, education, and other factors. The general hourly pay range for this role is $14-$17.87.

This role does offer a shift differential of $3/hour for hours worked at night.

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

HSA & FSA

Company Paid Basic Life & AD&D

Disability

401(k) Retirement Plan - with company match

Employee Assistance Program/Employee Discount Program

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.

GALAX

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Life Center Of Galax employees say

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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