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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Behavioral Health Tech

Washington, DC · On-site

$23.10 - $30.55/hr

Associate degree in counseling, psychology or a health care related field preferred. * Six (6) or ... behavioral and/or medical crisis situations preferred. * Minimum of six months of recovery from ...

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Behavioral Health Associate information

See Washington salary details

$15

$29

$45

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Washington is $29.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $36.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Washington? For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,447 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Behavioral Health Associate

Behavioral Health Associate

Embark Behavioral Health

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview
Behavioral Health Associate - Alexandria, VA
Pay $18.00 - $23.00 per hour (DOE)
Full-Time
Shift Available:
1pm-11pm
4-day work week / Alternating weekends
Creating Joy, Healing Generations
Are you empathetic, patient, and committed to empowering adolescents on their journey towards sustainable mental wellness?
As a Behavioral Health Associate, you will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to support adolescents ages (12-17) in their journey towards improved mental health and well-being. Every day you will participate and guide teens in experiential therapies like art, music, yoga, hiking, fitness, and a variety of other on and off campus activities. To thrive at Embark, you must have an empathetic heart and maintain personal and professional boundaries with teens.
At Embark our mission is to lead the way in driving teen and young adult anxiety, depression, and suicide from the all-time highs of today to all-time lows by 2028.
We warmly welcome EMTs to apply for this position! Your experience in emergency medical care and crisis management makes you uniquely qualified to transition into the Behavioral Health Technician role.
Responsibilities
  • Maintain safe boundaries and relationships with students and staff, utilizing verbal de-escalation or physical intervention techniques as needed.
  • Serve as a positive role model, fostering a supportive atmosphere and encouraging teen engagement in activities of daily living (ADLs) and coping skills.
  • Collaborate with Team Leads and Shift Supervisors to facilitate student schedules, ensure safety, and support daily campus operations.
  • Provide support during classroom instruction, campus events, and recreation therapy, actively engaging with students and staff.
  • Communicate important observations and updates to the Program Director, ensuring clear and timely information flow.
  • Document client progress notes daily at the end of each shift to track progress and ensure continuity of care.
  • Respond to feedback with a positive outlook while promoting a safe and empathetic environment for students
Qualifications
  • Age: 21+ years of age or older
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D required. Associates or bachelor's in human services, psychology, criminal justice, or related field is preferred.
  • Skills: Quick decision-making skills and a growth mindset with a focus on Embarks core values.
  • Experience: Min of 1 year of experience working with adolescent populations is preferred
  • Certifications: CPR and First Aid certification preferred, will provide training
  • Background Checks: Must pass pre-employment drug screen and federal and state background check in accordance with Virginia state laws.
Benefits
  • Access to an established Mastery Program that offers professional and financial opportunities for professional growth.
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
  • Paid Parental Leave - Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
  • Life & Disability Coverage - Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
  • 401(k) with Company Match - Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
  • PTO & Holidays - Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for life's challenges.

Embark is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience we offer through the diversity of our employees and community. We actively seek to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who contribute to our excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society.
Embark does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.
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