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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Portland, ME

BHP Ed Tech II and III

Saco, ME · On-site

$27.96 - $30.96/hr

Associate's Degree or a minimum of 60 college credits required. Preference given to those with ... Educational Technician certification, School-Based Behavioral Health Professional Certifications ...

BHP Ed Tech II and III

Auburn, ME · On-site

$25.96 - $28.96/hr

Associate's Degree or a minimum of 60 college credits required. Preference given to those with ... Educational Technician certification, School-Based Behavioral Health Professional Certifications ...

Showing results 21-40

Behavioral Health Associate information

See Portland, ME salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Portland, ME is $25.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $31.54 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 Portland, ME?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Portland, ME are:

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Portland, ME?

For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,294 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Behavioral Health Home (BHH) Peer Support Specialist

Biddeford, ME • On-site

Alternative Wellness Services Inc
11 - 50 employees

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description:

In Person | 20–24 Hours Weekly

Biddeford, Maine


Join a Team that Values Recovery, Connection, and Lived Experience

Have you used your own recovery journey to build resilience, hope, and connection? Your lived experience can help others navigate their path toward wellness and recovery.


Alternative Wellness Services (AWS) is seeking compassionate and recovery-oriented individuals to join our Behavioral Health Home (BHH) team as a Peer Support Specialist. In this role, you will use your personal experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to support individuals in building meaningful goals, increasing independence, and strengthening community connections.


This is a community-based position serving members throughout the Portland and Biddeford regions, with regular travel required.


Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented support services to individuals receiving Behavioral Health Home services. Peer Support Specialists use lived experience to provide encouragement, advocacy, mentoring, and connection while helping members navigate services and build self-directed recovery goals.


This role is not clinical in nature and does not provide therapy services.


Key Responsibilities

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will:

  • Utilize lived experience to provide hope, encouragement, and peer-based support
  • Build supportive and therapeutic relationships with members
  • Assist members in identifying strengths, goals, and recovery supports
  • Help members navigate mental health, substance use, medical, and community-based systems
  • Connect individuals with community resources and support networks
  • Encourage independence, self-advocacy, and wellness planning
  • Facilitate peer connection and promote community engagement
  • Participate in team meetings and collaborative care coordination
  • Complete timely and accurate documentation within the Electronic Health Record (EHR)
  • Maintain professional, ethical, and trauma-informed interactions with members and community partners

Additional Expectations

  • Participate in required trainings and maintain compliance with state licensing, CMS regulations, agency policies, and HIPAA standards
  • Flexibility to work occasional evenings based on member or program needs

Schedule

  • Part-Time Position
  • 20–24 hours weekly
  • Flexible scheduling based on program and member needs
  • Some evening availability may be required

Benefits

AWS values and supports our employees by offering a comprehensive and flexible benefits package for eligible part-time employees, including but not limited to:

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid holidays
  • Additional voluntary benefit options
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Supportive and recovery-oriented team environment

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position is community-based and requires regular travel to member homes, community locations, meetings, and trainings throughout the Portland and Biddeford regions.


The role requires the ability to:

  • Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and navigate various community environments
  • Climb stairs and enter buildings that may not have elevator access
  • Lift and carry materials, files, laptops, and supplies up to 25 pounds
  • Utilize computers and electronic documentation systems regularly
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings and respond appropriately in community-based settings
  • Drive safely in varying New England weather conditions, including snow, ice, rain, fog, heat, and humidity

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.


Why Join AWS?

At AWS, we believe lived experience is powerful. We are committed to creating a supportive, recovery-focused environment where peer professionals are respected as valued members of the care team.


If you are passionate about supporting others in their recovery journey and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, we encourage you to apply today.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED required; Associate Degree preferred
  • Personal lived experience with mental health services and/or substance use recovery
  • Willingness to appropriately self-disclose recovery experiences in peer and community settings
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Electronic Health Records
  • Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record
  • Ability to travel regularly throughout the service area and work in community-based settings

Certification Requirements

  • Current State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) certification preferred
  • Candidates who are not yet certified must be willing and able to obtain provisional certification within 9 months of hire and maintain certification requirements thereafter