1

Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Naperville, IL

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Department: Geriatric Psychiatry Unit ... We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining ...

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Department: Geriatric Psychiatry Unit ... We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining ...

Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Department: Geriatric Psychiatry Unit ... We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining ...

Showing results 21-40

Behavioral Health Associate information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Naperville, IL 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 Naperville, IL? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Naperville, IL? For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Naperville, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,787 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Mental Health Associate 1-Rush Day School

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20.19 - $31.80/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Rush University Medical Center rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Rush Day School-RDS

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $20.19 - $31.80 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Position highlights: Rush Day School is a therapeutic day school for children with emotional disturbances in kindergarten through 8th grade. Long-term milieu treatment is utilized to address social, emotional, and behavioral needs of children in a supportive, structured school environment. This is an opportunity to be part of an innovative, creative multidisciplinary team which consists of child psychiatric nurses, special education teachers, social workers, psychologist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and mental health associates. As a Mental Health Associate, you will assist in maintaining a caseload of 8-9 students, actively participate and assist with educational activities, practice/model social and coping skills, and implement and track treatment and behavior plans.

Summary:
The Mental Health Associate 1 utilizes basic principles of the biological and behavioral sciences in provision of care and safety of patients. The Mental Health Associate 1 functions as an adjunctive member of the team, accountable to and practicing under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Teacher. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Other information:
Required Job Qualifications:
•Bachelor's degree, preferred in behavioral sciences or a related field.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
•One or more years of related experience.
•Substance abuse certification.
•For Rush Day School position, Illinois substitute teaching license.
Physical Demands:
•Requires the ability to walk throughout the Medical Center and to be standing or walking most of the designated shift.
•Requires lifting or carrying objects 35-40 lbs.
•Lifting and positioning patients, some of whom may exceed 300 lbs.
Competencies:
•Department specific competencies apply.

Responsibilities:
1.1 Cares for patients based upon unit and/or program needs, patient status.
1.2 Initiates and maintains effective communication with patients, their families, and all members of the health care team.
1.3. Contributes to patient care:
•Protects patients' rights and confidentiality.
•Implements interventions as outlined by the treatment team.
•Reports significant and emergent information concerning patients as well as events in the milieu to the RN.
•Documents pertinent data on appropriate patient care records.
•Accompanies patients to off-unit tests/procedures when necessary.
2.1. Maintains a safe environment. Ensures patient belongings are checked in per unit safety standards. Responds to emergency
situations.
2.2. Participates in scheduled patient groups on unit in recreational and "Activities of Daily Living" for children and adults.
2.3. Initiates approved unscheduled activities with individuals and groups of patients.
2.4. Models a range of adaptive behaviors in a consistent manner.
2.5. Actively participates in staff meetings and treatment planning meetings.
2.6. Participates in the orientation of new staff.
2.7. Provides age-appropriate care.
3.1. Attends unit-based education in-services.
4.1. Other relevant duties as assigned.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.


What Rush University Medical Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom