Behavioral Health Specialist – Acute Treatment Services (Per Diem)

Dimock; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Dimock Center is hiring a Behavioral Health Specialist for the Acute Treatment Services program in Roxbury, MA. This per diem role involves supporting admissions, discharges, and daily therapeutic activities within a fast-paced detox and behavioral health setting.

You will help maintain a safe environment, monitor patients, facilitate recovery-focused groups, and collaborate with nurses, clinicians, and case managers to ensure compassionate, high-quality care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or related setting.
• Ability to work flexible per diem shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for patients in detox and treatment.
• Assist admissions and discharges and monitor patient safety.
• Respond to changing patient needs and coordinate with nursing and clinicians.

Skills

Compassionate, patient-centered

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Professional boundaries

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Human Services/ Psychology/ Social Work (preferred)

Job description

Behavioral Health Specialist, ATS, Per Diem

• Approved Salary: $21-$25/hr, dependent on relevant experience, education and/or licensure
• Schedule: Per diem, no guaranteed schedule; minimum 4 shifts per month, mostly night shifts and weekends, with team members called to work day, evening, weekend, holiday, and short-notice shifts based on staffing needs (pay differential available for certain shifts); onsite in Roxbury, MA

You are a compassionate, dependable, and team-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced behavioral health environment. You remain calm under pressure, build trust quickly, and understand that every interaction can make a difference in someone's recovery. Whether supporting admissions, maintaining a safe therapeutic environment, or assisting patients through detox, you are committed to providing respectful, recovery-focused care.

The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center that heals and uplifts individuals, families, and communities. Our vision is to redefine the model of a healthy community by creating equitable access to comprehensive health care and education. We foster a culture of respect, excellence, equity, and accountability while investing in the people who make our mission possible.

Dimock's Behavioral Health Services provide life-changing residential and outpatient treatment for individuals living with substance use disorders, mental illness, and developmental disabilities. Every day, our teams help people take the first step toward recovery and long-term wellness.

Our 39-bed Acute Treatment Services (ATS) program provides medically monitored detoxification for individuals experiencing alcohol and opioid withdrawal. For more than 40 years, Dimock has been a trusted leader in addiction treatment. Today, the Dr. Lucy Sewall Center for Acute Treatment Services continues that legacy by expanding access to evidence-based care and serving thousands of individuals each year on their journey toward recovery.

Summary/Objective

Behavioral Health Specialists are essential members of the interdisciplinary treatment team, partnering closely with nursing, clinicians, and providers to ensure patients receive safe, compassionate, and effective care throughout the detoxification process. In this role, you will help maintain a structured, therapeutic environment by supporting admissions and discharges, monitoring patient safety, facilitating recovery-focused activities, and responding to changing patient needs. Your presence, professionalism, and ability to build rapport contribute directly to a safe environment where healing can begin. This is a per diem position designed to provide flexible staffing support; per diem team members may be called on short notice to work day, evening, weekend, or holiday shifts based on operational needs.

Essential Functions

• Promote a safe, respectful, and recovery-oriented therapeutic environment for all patients.
• Build positive therapeutic relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Monitor patient safety and promptly communicate changes in condition or behavior to nursing staff.
• Support patient admissions, orientations, and discharge processes.
• Complete intake documentation accurately and explain required program paperwork.
• Conduct property and room searches in accordance with program policies.
• Perform routine safety checks and support overall unit operations.
• Assist patients with orientation, daily routines, meals, and recovery programming.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and recovery-focused groups as assigned.
• Utilize verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques to manage challenging situations.
• Enforce program expectations consistently, respectfully, and therapeutically.
• Assist patients who require support with personal care due to illness or physical limitations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized treatment environment.
• Collaborate effectively with nurses, clinicians, case managers, providers, and fellow Behavioral Health Specialists.
• Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and ongoing professional development.
• Support new initiatives and quality improvement efforts within the program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
• Strong judgment and the ability to remain calm during crisis situations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability.

Work Environment

24-hour medically monitored Acute Treatment Services program. Fast-paced behavioral healthcare environment requiring frequent interaction with patients in various stages of withdrawal and recovery.

Physical Demands

Frequent standing, walking, bending, and moving throughout the unit. Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds. Ability to respond quickly during emergencies and support a safe patient environment.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working in behavioral health, substance use treatment, human services, healthcare, residential care, or a related setting.
• Ability to work flexible per diem shifts, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, behavioral health conditions, or co-occurring disorders.
• Experience in a detoxification, residential treatment, crisis stabilization, or inpatient behavioral health setting.

EEO Statement

The Dimock Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.