1

Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Springfield, MA

Bachelor's degree with relevant experience and/or a high school diploma or associates degree with extensive experience * Specialized training in Applied Behavior Analysis and/or Special Education (3 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Behavioral Health Associate information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Springfield, MA is $25.99, 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.

Do you need a degree to be a behavioral health associate?

A behavioral health associate typically does not need a college degree, but relevant certifications or training in mental health or social services are often required. Employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience working with clients or in healthcare settings.

What can I do with an associate's degree in behavioral health?

A behavioral health associate with an associate's degree can work in settings such as mental health clinics, hospitals, or community agencies, providing support and assisting with patient care. This role often involves skills in communication, documentation, and basic counseling, and may require certification or supervision depending on the state or organization.

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 duties of a behavioral health associate?

A behavioral health associate provides support to individuals with mental health or substance use disorders by assisting with daily activities, monitoring client progress, and implementing treatment plans under supervision. They often document client behavior, facilitate group or individual sessions, and ensure a safe environment, requiring good communication skills and relevant certifications. The role typically involves working in healthcare or community settings and may require adherence to confidentiality and safety protocols.

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 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 is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

The highest paying roles in behavioral health often include clinical directors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed psychologists, especially those with specialized certifications and extensive experience. These positions typically require advanced degrees, licensure, and leadership responsibilities, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level positions like behavioral health associates.
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Springfield, MA? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Springfield, MA? For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Springfield, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,063 per year, or $26 per hour.
Behavioral Health Milieu Tech- 36hr

Behavioral Health Milieu Tech- 36hr

Connecticut Children's

Hartford, CT • On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Connecticut Children's Medical Center rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

211th of 1,020 rated hospitals


Job description


Behavioral Health Milieu Technician (BHMT), are mental health employees who provide hands-on care to individuals with varying degrees of mental health diagnoses and medical diagnoses. BHMT's perform a vital, front-line function as they observe, treat and interact with patients and families. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse as part of an inpatient/hospital unit, performs a variety of routine direct patient care, environmental and administrative support activities to promote the health, safety and comfort of patients and families. The BHMT will also assist in educational, recreational and therapeutic activities when deemed appropriate.
Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of a licensed clinical team member, assist or lead educational, recreational and therapeutic activities and group activities in the Milieu. Includes but is not limited to conflict resolution, stress management, and Recreational activities.
  • Provides direct patient care (as defined by unit) that addresses the population-specific needs of the patients on the unit. Includes but is not limited to: Obtain vital signs, temperature, weight, height, or other patient data as required. Obtain and perform Point of Care testing on collected specimens (e.g. blood glucose, venipuncture, urine, pharyngeal swabs etc.).
  • Take part in collecting data during intake/admission process for all admitted patients. This includes completing inventory and searching of personal belongings.
  • Participates in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment. Communicates to the team observations of the environment and patient indicators that a patient is escalating or at increased risk for agitation / aggression or harm to self or others.
  • Works to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while maintaining boundaries for patients, families and staff.
  • Supports visitation guidelines and policies as established by unit and hospital.
  • May be assigned to role of patient observation based on unit need.
  • Identifies unit/patient needs, reports and resolves potential / actual escalations on the unit.
  • Demonstrates appropriate critical incident follow up skills by timely verbal reporting to care team and documentation in Electronic Health Record as appropriate. Completes other documentation, i.e. Incident reports, seclusion and restraints as applicable.
  • Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living. Activities may include any of the following: assist patient with feedings and personal care (e.g. hygiene, ambulating and activities of daily living, etc.);
  • Transport patients; assist with patient admissions and discharges.
  • Assist in procedural holds as directed by MD, Provider and/or primary nurse.
  • Demonstrates an awareness of safety needs and a basic knowledge of medical terminology, infection control, risk management and environment of care policies in all interactions with patients/families.
  • Helps in application and removal of physical restraints when directed by the attending medical provider and or primary nurse.

Qualifications
Education and/or Experience Required:
  • Associate degree required with a minimum of six months direct patient or client care. OR High School diploma, GED equivalent, or a higher level of education that would require a High School diploma and 3 years of experience in Mental Health related field.

License and/or Certification Required:
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire.
  • Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained current at all times.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
  • Understanding and follow Connecticut Children's policies and procedures.
  • Basic medical terminology, mathematics and measurements.
  • Understanding of reasons for and techniques for managing aggressive and self-harming behavior.
  • Basic understanding of trauma informed care.
  • Basic understanding of organization environment of care and infections control policies and procedures.

Skilled at:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and communications required.
  • Important personal characteristics include a conscientious sense of self and a true motivation to help others.
  • Stress Management/Composure.
  • Blocking and redirecting patient movements against the patient's weight.
  • Physical interventions in response to aggressive and self-injurious behavior.
  • Ability to move quickly and confidently to intervene in situations when protective holds and/or movements are deemed necessary.

Ability to:
  • Maintain quality, safety an infection control standards.
  • Learn and follow established protocols to respond in emergency situations.
  • Learn and demonstrate competency in basic data entry, use of collaborative care and safety plans and documentation in the medical record.
  • Work across all levels of the organization.

About Us
Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.
At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job - it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team.

What Connecticut Children's Medical Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom