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Behavioral Health Associates Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Behavioral Health Associates information

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$13

$26

$40

How much do behavioral health associates jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associates in the United States is $26.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $32.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a BHT a stressful job?

Behavioral Health Associates often work in high-pressure environments that involve managing challenging behaviors and emotional situations, which can contribute to job stress. The level of stress varies depending on the work setting, workload, and support systems, but it is generally considered a demanding role requiring strong coping skills and emotional resilience.

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

Behavioral Health Associates 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. They often perform tasks like monitoring clients, documenting progress, and supporting treatment plans, sometimes requiring basic certifications or training in CPR or first aid.

What are Behavioral Health Associates?

Behavioral Health Associates are professionals who support individuals dealing with mental health, emotional, or behavioral issues. They typically work alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare providers to assist with patient care, counseling, case management, and treatment planning. Their responsibilities may include conducting intake interviews, monitoring patient progress, facilitating group or individual therapy sessions, and connecting clients with community resources. Behavioral Health Associates play a vital role in helping clients achieve better mental and emotional well-being.

What are some common challenges Behavioral Health Associates face when working with diverse patient populations?

Behavioral Health Associates often work with patients from varied backgrounds, each with unique mental health needs and cultural perspectives. One common challenge is building trust and effective communication with individuals who may be hesitant or unfamiliar with behavioral health services. Additionally, associates must adapt their approach to respect cultural sensitivities and tailor interventions accordingly. Ongoing training in cultural competence and trauma-informed care is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and provide inclusive, effective support.

What does a behavioral health associate do?

A behavioral health associate provides support to individuals with mental health or substance use issues by assisting with daily activities, monitoring progress, and implementing treatment plans under supervision. They often work in clinical or community settings and may need certification or training in mental health practices. Their role involves direct client interaction and documentation of behavioral observations.

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, counseling, or social work, typically with at least a high school diploma or associate degree and relevant experience or certifications (such as CPR or crisis intervention). Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), patient monitoring systems, and documentation protocols is important for daily tasks. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you effectively support patients and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the safe, ethical, and compassionate care of individuals with behavioral health needs.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

In behavioral health, licensed clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles typically require advanced degrees, licensure, and specialized training, and they often work in clinical or hospital settings with a focus on mental health diagnosis and treatment.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Associates vs Mental Health Technicians?

AspectBehavioral Health AssociatesMental Health Technicians
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, residential facilitiesHospitals, psychiatric units, community mental health centers
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in behavioral health settings, assisting with patient careOften found in psychiatric hospitals and mental health facilities, supporting treatment

Behavioral Health Associates and Mental Health Technicians share similar roles in supporting mental health patients, often working in similar environments. While both roles typically require a high school diploma and may involve certification, the specific job duties can vary slightly based on employer and setting. Understanding these differences can help job seekers identify the right position for their skills and career goals.

More about Behavioral Health Associates jobs
What cities are hiring for Behavioral Health Associates jobs? Cities with the most Behavioral Health Associates job openings:
What states have the most Behavioral Health Associates jobs? States with the most job openings for Behavioral Health Associates jobs include:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associates job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,253 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Supervisor of Behavioral Health Associates

Supervisor of Behavioral Health Associates

NYC Health Hospitals

New York, NY • On-site

$71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


NYC Health + Hospitals rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center is one of New York City's premier acute care hospitals. Located in Downtown Bronx, Lincoln is a teaching hospital renowned for its Centers of Excellence, and a recognized industry leader in the implementation of state-of-the art medical technology and best practices. Our team of highly trained and caring medical professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care that is safe, compassionate, culturally competent and patient-centered. Comprehensive services are offered in three major primary care areas: Medicine, Pediatrics, and Women's Health in addition to more than eighty (80) specialty services. At Lincoln, the safety and comfort of our patients is our number one priority.
At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.
Work Shifts
8:00 A.M - 4:00 P.M; Rotating Weekends & Holidays. *[35 Hours per Week.]
Duties & Responsibilities
Purpose of Position:
Under clinical or behavioral health supervision, provides non-clinical supervision and ensures appropriate training and orientation are provided to behavioral health associates (BHAs) assigned to all areas, where BHA services are needed, including Emergency Department (ED), Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Room (CPEP) and Inpatient and Outpatient services. Acts in accordance with NYC Health + Hospitals, applicable local, state, and federal rules, regulations and patient safety standards. Contributes to continuous improvements to patient safety
and compliance activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provides non-clinical supervision and coordinates the day-to-day activities of BHAs to ensure efficient and effective operations of the department and that the workflow is managed and monitored to meet departmental and service needs.
2. Participates in the orientation of new staff and ensures that new BHAs attend appropriate training (e.g., Behavioral Health Associate Academy) and are assigned a preceptor for the duration of the orientation.
3. Participates in the review, management, and evaluation of staff performance, and based on observation and incidents, collaborates with the Assistant Director of Nursing and Head Nurse to re-assign BHAs.
4. Coordinates in planning and scheduling of relevant training, including preventing and managing crisis situation (PMCS) classes; coordinates other appropriate activities to ensure staff are providing coordinated services.
5. In collaboration with the Service Director or designee, plans and presents seminars to BHAs on relevant
issues or new techniques of managing aggression.
6. Attends treatment team meetings, when requested, for assistance in developing appropriate interventions for patients whose symptomatology includes aggression and/or violence.
7. Acts as a liaison and serves as a resource to nurse educators and other appropriate staff on matters pertaining to activities, training, quality improvement initiatives and other relevant activities related to behavioral health.
8. Tracks all behavioral health codes and ensures that debriefing occurs; communicates information from the debriefing to nursing leadership and treatment team, and shares information with BHAs so they can alter their interventions accordingly.
9. Attends nursing rounds, morning administrative briefings, and other administrative meetings, as directed.
10. Supports operational scheduling.
11. Participates in quality assurance/performance improvement (QA/PI) activities, and departmental and/or
health care setting-wide Crisis Management and other relevant training, as required.
12. Promotes, prepares, and conducts special activities, events, and presentations in support of the program, as assigned.
13. Performs other related duties, as directed.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Social Services or a health related discipline; and two (2) years of full-time experience in law enforcement, nursing or psychiatric/behavioral health in a high volume, intensive care environment; or
2. High School diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization; and three (3) years of full-time experience, as described in #1 above.
3. Completion of the NYC Health + Hospitals Supervisory Training within three (3) months of appointment.
4. *Successful completion of NYC Health + Hospitals training program in the application and use of restraints and seclusion must be completed prior to an individual performing such work.
5. Successful completion of NYC Health + Hospitals training in the performance of vital signs and grooming within ninety (90) calendar days of appointment to the title. 6. Holds or obtains a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) within sixty (60) calendar days of appointment to the title.
Department Preferences
Prior supervisory experience in a psychiatric or behavioral health setting, with proven expertise in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
Additional Salary Compensation
No job description available
Benefits
NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
  • Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
  • Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
  • College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
  • College Savings Program
  • Union Benefits for eligible titles
  • Multiple employee discounts programs
  • Commuter Benefits Programs

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply for Job" button.

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