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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Columbus, GA

Crisis & Referral Specialist

Midland, GA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

How We Work At Elevance Health, we are creating a culture that is designed to advance our strategy but will also lead to personal and professional growth for our associates. Our values and behaviors ...

Crisis & Referral Specialist

Columbus, GA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

How We Work At Elevance Health, we are creating a culture that is designed to advance our strategy but will also lead to personal and professional growth for our associates. Our values and behaviors ...

Psychiatric RN Adolescent PRN

Columbus, GA · On-site

$1.6K - $2.2K/wk

Proficient in behavioral health nursing principles, de-escalation techniques, and therapeutic ... Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), required * Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), preferred ...

Psychiatric RN Adolescent PRN

Columbus, GA · On-site

$1.6K - $2.2K/wk

Become part of The Bradley Center , the psychiatric and behavioral health arm of the St. Francis ... Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), required * Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), preferred ...

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Behavioral Health Associate information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$12

$23

$35

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Columbus, GA is $23.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Columbus, GA?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Columbus, GA are:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Columbus, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Columbus, GA are:

What cities near Columbus, GA are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbus, GA with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Columbus, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,563 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Behavioral Health Care Manager II - ABA - GA/NC

Elevance Health

Columbus, GA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Elevance Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 351 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

204th of 309 rated insurance


Job description

Anticipated End Date:

2026-08-31

Position Title:

Behavioral Health Care Manager II - ABA - GA/NC

Job Description:

Work location - Virtual

This role enables associates to work virtually full-time, except for required in-person training sessions, providing maximum flexibility and autonomy. This approach promotes productivity, supports work-life integration, and ensures essential face-to-face onboarding and skill development. Alternate locations may be considered if candidates reside within a commuting distance from an office.

Please note that per our policy on hybrid/virtual work, candidates not within a reasonable commuting distance from the posting location(s) will not be considered for employment, unless accommodation is granted as required by law.

Please note: The successful candidate will be a certified BCBA and a licensed LBA in NC and/or GA. Residency in these states would not be required, just the LBA licensure.

The Behavioral Health Care Manager II - ABA is responsible for managing ABA pre-certification health benefits through telephonic or written review.

Primary duties may include but are not limited to:

  • Uses appropriate screening criteria knowledge and clinical judgment to assess member needs to ensure access to medically necessary quality behavioral healthcare in a cost-effective setting in accordance with UM Clinical Guidelines and contract.

  • Refers cases to Peer Reviewers as appropriate.

  • Reviews ABA assessment, coordination, implementation, case planning, monitoring, and evaluating to promote quality member outcomes to optimize member health benefits and to promote effective use of health benefits and community resources.

  • Will serve as a resource to other BH Care Managers.

  • Assists with more complex cases and may participate in inter and intradepartmental teams projects and initiatives.

Minimum requirements:

  • Requires MA/MS in social work counseling or a related behavioral health field or a degree in nursing, and minimum of 3 years of experience with facility-based and/or outpatient psychiatric and substance abuse or substance abuse disorder treatment; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.

  • Current active unrestricted license such as RN, LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, LPC, LBA (as allowed by applicable state laws), LMFT, or Clinical Psychologist to practice as a health professional within the scope of licensure in applicable states or territory of the United States required.

  • Licensure is a requirement for this position.

  • Prior managed care experience required.

  • However, for states that do not require licensure, a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) is also acceptable if all of the following criteria are met: performs UM approvals only, reviews requests for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services only, and there is licensed staff supervision.

  • Previous experience in case management/utilization management with a broad range of experience with complex psychiatric/substance abuse cases required.

  • For URAC accredited areas, the following professional competencies apply: Associates in this role are expected to have strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, problem-solving skills, facilitation skills, and analytical skills.

Job Level:

Non-Management Exempt

Workshift:

1st Shift (United States of America)

Job Family:

MED > Licensed/Certified Behavioral Health Role

Please be advised that Elevance Health only accepts resumes for compensation from agencies that have a signed agreement with Elevance Health. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Elevance Health.


Who We Are

Elevance Health is a health company dedicated to improving lives and communities - and making healthcare simpler. We are a Fortune 25 company with a longstanding history in the healthcare industry, looking for leaders at all levels of the organization who are passionate about making an impact on our members and the communities we serve.


How We Work

At Elevance Health, we are creating a culture that is designed to advance our strategy but will also lead to personal and professional growth for our associates. Our values and behaviors are the root of our culture. They are how we achieve our strategy, power our business outcomes and drive our shared success - for our consumers, our associates, our communities and our business.


We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards that include merit increases, paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and incentive bonus programs (unless covered by a collective bargaining agreement), medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability benefits, 401(k) +match, stock purchase plan, life insurance, wellness programs and financial education resources, to name a few.


Elevance Health operates in a Hybrid Workforce Strategy. Unless specified as primarily virtual by the hiring manager, associates are required to work at an Elevance Health location at least once per week, and potentially several times per week. Specific requirements and expectations for time onsite will be discussed as part of the hiring process.


The health of our associates and communities is a top priority for Elevance Health. We require all new candidates in certain patient/member-facing roles to become vaccinated against COVID-19 and Influenza. If you are not vaccinated, your offer will be rescinded unless you provide an acceptable explanation. Elevance Health will also follow all relevant federal, state and local laws.


Elevance Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process should submit the following form: Accessibility Accommodation Request Form and a member of the team will be in contact. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.


Prospective employees required to be screened under Florida law should review the education and awareness resources at HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.


NOTE: Workday keeps job postings active through 11:59:59 PM on the day before the listed end date. Example: If the end date is 3/13, the posting will automatically come down on 3/12 at 11:59:59 PM. In other words - the job is posted until 3/13, not through 3/13.


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About Elevance Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Elevance Health is a health company dedicated to improving lives and communities - and making healthcare simpler. A Fortune 20 company with a longstanding history in the healthcare industry, we are looking for leaders at all levels of the organization who are passionate about making an impact on our members and the communities we serve. You will thrive in a complex and collaborative environment where you take action and ownership to solve problems and lead change. Do you want to be part of a larger purpose and an evolving, high-performance culture that empowers you to make an impact?

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

2004

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