Behavioral Health Specialist, ATS

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

Job summary

The Dimock Center in Boston seeks a compassionate Behavioral Health Specialist to support patients in acute treatment services. The role balances direct care with administrative tasks in a 24-hour setting, and lived recovery experience is welcomed and valued.

You will assist with admissions, daily operations, and discharge support, collaborating with nursing staff to ensure safe, evidence-based care. Schedules include days, evenings, and weekends; shift pay ranges from $21 to $25 per hour.

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.
• Lived recovery experience is welcomed and valued.

Responsibilities

• Engage clients 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, 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.

Skills

Strong verbal and writtencommunication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

• Strong verbal and written communication

Behavioral Health Specialist – Acute Treatment Services

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.

About The Dimock Center

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.

Role Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Client engagement delivered with professionalism, compassion, and respect
• Ensuring safety and support for all clients in the program
• Maintaining therapeutic boundaries and reinforcing program structure
• Supporting milieu operations: safety checks, room searches, admissions, discharges
• Creating a welcoming environment for new clients
• Providing culturally responsive care
• Conducting intakes, completing documentation, and performing property searches
• Observing and reporting changes in client health or behavior; using de-escalation skills
• Assisting clients with daily needs, meals, and adherence to policies
• Facilitating recovery-focused group sessions
• Maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment and supporting daily operations
• Participating 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 & Physical Demands

• 24-hour acute treatment setting.
• Frequent lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds.

Schedule & Pay

Thursday-Monday 11p-7a Overnight Shift (FT)

• Priority is currently given to second shift and overnight coverage.
• The approved salary for this role is $21 - $25/hr.
• Available shift(s):
  • Tuesday-Saturday 3p-11p Evening Shift (FT)

Part-time weekend staff for Day/Evening shifts

Education & Experience

• 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.