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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Associate's degree in Nursing Required. Currently licensed by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing ... Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing RN - Senior Behavioral Health: Day shift, Night Shift and ...

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Behavioral Health Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Madison, WI is $26.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $32.12 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 Madison, WI? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Madison, WI? For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Madison, WI 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 $54,076 per year, or $26 per hour.

Behavioral Health Associate - Full time Days

Shorewood Behavioral Health

Madison, WI

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Overview

Full time

Days: 7a-7:30p 

Adult or Adolescent Units

Differential available 

Ask your recruiter about EarnIn, our Next Day Pay Benefit! Get paid - AS you work

Shorewood Behavioral Health is excited to bring our new state-of-the-art hospital to the Madison community. Our expert team is committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care through a variety of specialized programs and services designed to address mental health conditions

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.

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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME