Behavioral Health Specialist, CSS

Dimock; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dimock Center in Massachusetts seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist to join their interdisciplinary team. This role involves supporting patients with Substance Use Disorders, ensuring a safe environment, and facilitating group sessions.

The ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor’s degree and have experience in human services, specifically with substance use. Candidates must possess compassionate communication skills and be available for various shifts, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Significant experience supporting individuals with Substance Use Disorders is strongly preferred.
• Recovery experience is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Monitor clients during detox and early recovery.
• Conduct client intake and complete necessary documentation.
• Facilitate recovery and addiction-focused group sessions.

Skills

Compassionate communication

De-escalation skills

Team collaboration

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Career Opportunities with The Dimock Center

A great place to work.

Careers At The Dimock Center

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

The Dimock Center seeks a compassionate, team-oriented professional committed to excellence. You will support patients in a medical or office setting, balancing direct patient care with administrative responsibilities. Recovery experience is highly valued.

About The Dimock Center

The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center dedicated to healing and uplifting individuals, families, and communities. We aim to redefine healthy communities by ensuring equitable access to comprehensive healthcare and education while fostering a culture of respect, excellence, and inclusion.

Our Behavioral Health Services provide residential and outpatient treatment for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders—programs that often save lives.

Role Overview

Behavioral Health Specialists are essential members of the interdisciplinary team, providing support for patients with Substance Use Disorders. You will monitor clients during detox and early recovery, working closely with nursing staff to ensure evidence-based, safe, and compassionate care. BHS staff assist with admissions, daily clinical operations, and discharges. Schedules vary; days, evenings, and weekends are required.

Key Responsibilities

• Relate to clients and colleagues in a professional, compassionate, and respectful manner.
• Ensure safety and support for all clients admitted to the program.
• Maintain therapeutic boundaries while enforcing program structure and rules.
• Support milieu staff with safety checks, room searches, admissions, and discharges.
• Create a welcoming and supportive environment for new clients.
• Respect and incorporate individual and cultural differences in patient care.
• Conduct client intake, complete necessary documentation, and perform property searches.
• Observe and report client changes in health or behavior; use de-escalation skills as needed.
• Assist clients with daily needs, meals, and adherence to Dimock policies.
• Facilitate recovery and addiction-focused group sessions.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and support program operations.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and development of new programming.
• Professional demeanor, confidentiality, and adherence to boundaries.
• Positive attitude and collaborative approach with interdisciplinary teams.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under stress and demonstrate continuous improvement.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

24-hour acute treatment setting.

Frequent lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds.

Schedule

Typically Tuesday–Saturday or Sunday–Thursday at the schedule below. Current priority is being given to filling second shifts and overnights. If part time work is desired, please note this will require a weekly commitment to working every Saturday and Sunday at minimum.

1st Shift 7 AM–3 PM

2nd Shift 3 PM–11 PM

3rd Shift / Overnight - 11pm to 7am.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.

Significant experience supporting individuals with Substance Use Disorders or similar human services work is strongly preferred. Recovery experience is a plus.

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.