Behavioral Health Specialist – Acute Treatment Services

Mass Advocates Standing Strong (MASS); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist for acute treatment services. You will monitor clients during detox and early recovery and work closely with nurses to ensure safe, evidence-based care in a 24-hour setting.

The role values lived recovery experience and a compassionate approach, supporting admissions, daily operations, and discharge processes while maintaining a respectful, client-centered environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• Significant experience supporting individuals with Substance Use Disorders or similar human services work is strongly preferred.
• Recovery experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver compassionate client engagement with professionalism and respect.
• Monitor clients in detox and early recovery.
• Collaborate with nursing staff to ensure safe, evidence-based care.
• Maintain therapeutic boundaries and program structure.
• Assist with admissions, daily operations, and discharge support.
• Facilitate recovery-focused group sessions.

Skills

Compassionate care

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Strong communication

Lived recovery experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Behavioral Health Specialist - Acute Treatment Services

• Approved Salary: $21-$25/hr
• Schedule: Priority currently given to second shift and overnight coverage. Available shifts include Tuesday-Saturday 3pm-11pm (FT), Thursday-Monday 11pm-7am (FT), and part-time weekend staff for Day/Evening shifts.

The Dimock Center seeks a compassionate, team-oriented professional committed to high-quality care. In this role, you will support patients in a medical or office setting, balancing direct care with essential administrative tasks. Lived recovery experience is welcomed and valued.

The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center dedicated to healing and strengthening individuals, families, and communities. Our mission is to expand equitable access to comprehensive healthcare and education while fostering a culture grounded in respect, excellence, and inclusion.

Our Behavioral Health Services offer residential and outpatient treatment for individuals living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders-programs that often serve as a critical lifeline.

Summary/Objective

Behavioral Health Specialists are key members of the interdisciplinary team, supporting patients with Substance Use Disorders. You will monitor clients during detox and early recovery, collaborate closely with nursing staff, and help ensure safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care. Responsibilities include admissions, daily operations, and discharge support. Schedules vary and include days, evenings, and weekends.

Essential Functions

• Deliver client engagement with professionalism, compassion, and respect.
• Ensure safety and support for all clients in the program.
• Maintain therapeutic boundaries and reinforce program structure.
• Support milieu operations: safety checks, room searches, admissions, discharges.
• Create a welcoming environment for new clients.
• Provide culturally responsive care.
• Conduct intakes, complete documentation, and perform property searches.
• Observe and report changes in client health or behavior; use de-escalation skills.
• Assist clients with daily needs, meals, and adherence to policies.
• Facilitate recovery-focused group sessions.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and support daily operations.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and program development.

Competencies

• Professional boundaries, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Positive, collaborative approach with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure and commit to continuous improvement.

Work Environment

24-hour acute treatment setting.

Physical Demands

Frequent lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred but not required.
• Significant experience supporting individuals with Substance Use Disorders or similar human services work is strongly preferred. Recovery experience is a plus.

EEO Statement

The Dimock Center values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Salary: $21 - $25 per hour