Behavioral Health Associate

Optimum Performance Institute; Needville (TX); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Parental Leave

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

EAP

Life & Disability

Job summary

Optimum Performance Institute in Needville, TX is seeking a Direct Support Mentor to work with young adults 18-28, guiding them through experiential therapies and life skills. This on-site, full-time role requires empathy, boundary maintenance, and a hands-on approach in a fast-paced urban environment.

The position offers a structured, collaborative team setting with opportunities for growth, training, and a strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate/bachelor's preferred.
• Experience with adolescent populations preferred (1 year).
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred; training provided.
• Background checks including pre-employment drug screen and state/federal checks required.
• Willingness to participate in physical interventions per safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Build positive client relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Apply treatment strategies and interventions to support client progress.
• Use de-escalation and crisis management skills to maintain a safe environment.
• Provide compassionate, relationship-focused support that promotes client growth.
• Help maintain a clean, safe campus and assist with chores and maintenance needs.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and interventions.
• Follow policies, uphold company values, communicate effectively, and maintain reliable attendance.
• Flexibility to work at both campuses, including Stafford campus when needed.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Boundaries

Decision making

Growth mindset

Experience with adolescents

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or Bachelor's in human services, psychology, criminal justice, or related field preferred

Job description

Overview

Residential Mentor

Pay rate: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Full-Time, On - site position in Needville, TX

Are you empathetic, patient, and passionate about helping young adults on their journey to mental wellness? Join us at OPI Houston in Needville, TX, as a Direct Support Mentor!

As a Direct Support Mentor, you’ll work with young adults ages 18-28, guiding them through experiential therapies such as art, music, yoga, hiking, and fitness. You’ll be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting their mental health and well-being. Empathy and maintaining strong personal and professional boundaries are key to thriving in this role.

Thisactive,hands-on roleinvolves participating in experiential therapies like art, music, yoga, fitness, and urban outings such as museum visits and community service. Candidates should becomfortable staying on their feet, engaging with young adults, andnavigating a fast-paced, city-based environment. Together with the team, you’ll help create a structured, supportive space for healing and life skill development.

Responsibilities

• Client Support: Build positive client relationships while maintaining professional boundaries and supporting daily activities.
• Treatment Implementation: Apply treatment strategies and interventions to support client progress.
• Crisis Intervention: Use de-escalation and crisis management skills to maintain a safe environment.
• Attachment-Based Care: Provide compassionate, relationship-focused support that promotes client growth.
• Campus Care: Help maintain a clean, safe campus and assist with chores and maintenance needs.
• Documentation: Complete accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and interventions.
• Professionalism & Compliance: Follow policies, uphold company values, communicate effectively, and maintain reliable attendance.
• Required: Flexibility to work at both campuses, including covering shifts at the Stafford campus when needed.

Qualifications

• Age:21 years of age or older
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D required. Associates or bachelor's in human services, psychology, criminal justice, or related field is preferred.
• Skills:Quick decision-making skills and a growth mindset with a focus on Embarks core values.
• Experience:Min of 1 year of experience working with adolescent populations is preferred
• Certifications:CPR and First Aid certification preferred, will provide training
• Background Checks:Must pass pre-employment drug screen and federal and state background check in concordance with Texas state laws.
• Physical Intervention:Must be willing and able to participate in physical interventions (e.g., therapeutic holds) when necessary, following all safety protocols and trauma-informed practices
• Physical Readiness:Comfortable with physically active work, including standing, walking, and engaging in interventions as part of a team-based safety approach

Benefits

• Access to an established Mastery Program that offers professional and financial opportunities for professional growth.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance– Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
• Paid Parental Leave– Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
• Life & Disability Coverage– Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
• 401(k) with Company Match– Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
• PTO & Holidays – Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)– Free, confidential support for life’s challenges.

OPI is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.We are committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience we offer through the diversity of our employees and community. We actively seek to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who contribute to our excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society.

OPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.