Behavioral Health Specialist – Askia Academy

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

Job summary

The Dimock Center in Boston, MA, seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist for Askia Academy, a structured residential recovery program supporting men in early recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders. This hands-on role focuses on safety, milieu management, and daily program operations.

You will work with clinical teams to reinforce program structure, assist with admissions, orientations, and discharges, monitor client well-being, and maintain documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience in residential, behavioral health, or human services settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, structured residential environment.
• Support admissions, orientations, and discharge processes.
• Monitor client well-being and communicate concerns to clinical staff.
• De-escalate conflicts and reinforce program expectations using therapeutic communication.
• Conduct safety checks and property searches.
• Assist clients with daily needs and encourage personal responsibility and independence.
• Maintain accurate documentation and support administrative processes.
• Help create a welcoming, recovery-oriented community environment.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Behavioral Health Specialist - Askia Academy

Askia Academy is a structured residential recovery program at The Dimock Center supporting men in early recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

As an ASAM Level 3.1 Residential Rehabilitation Service with Co-Occurring Enhanced (COE) capabilities, Askia provides a highly supportive environment focused on stability, personal growth, and long-term recovery.

Residents participate in counseling, case management, and community reintegration services designed to help them build independence and sustain recovery.

The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center committed to healing and uplifting individuals, families, and communities through equitable access to healthcare, behavioral health services, and education.

• Approved Salary: $21-$25/hr; a differential may be available for overnight and weekend shifts
• Schedule: Shift options of 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm, or 11pm-7am, across the following day patterns: Tuesday-Saturday; Sunday-Thursday; or Friday-Monday (30-hour part time)

Summary/Objective

Behavioral Health Specialists (BHS) are essential members of the residential team who help maintain a safe, structured, and recovery-focused environment. This is a hands-on role combining client support, milieu management, and daily program operations. BHS staff work closely with clinical teams to support clients during the critical first year of recovery by reinforcing program structure, promoting accountability, and modeling healthy behaviors. This position is ideal for individuals who are calm under pressure, consistent, and motivated to support people rebuilding their lives.

Essential Functions

• Maintain a safe, respectful, and structured residential environment.
• Support daily program operations, including admissions, orientations, and discharge processes.
• Monitor client well-being and communicate concerns to clinical staff.
• De-escalate conflicts and reinforce program expectations using therapeutic communication.
• Conduct safety checks and property searches according to program guidelines.
• Assist clients with daily needs and encourage personal responsibility and independence.
• Maintain accurate documentation and support administrative processes.
• Help create a welcoming, recovery-oriented community environment.

Competencies

• Maintain professional boundaries while building rapport.
• Communicate calmly and respectfully in challenging situations.
• Support structure and accountability without confrontation.
• Contribute to a stable, healing environment for recovery.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.

Work Environment

24-hour residential behavioral health treatment setting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience in residential, behavioral health, or human services settings preferred.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to cover a comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities and may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

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

Salary: $21 - $25 per hour