Behavioral Health Specialist Supervisor – Acute Treatment Services

Dimock; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Dimock Center seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist Supervisor for the Acute Treatment Services (ATS) program in Roxbury, MA. This full‑time onsite role leads Behavioral Health Specialists, coordinates staffing and safety, and collaborates with Nursing and case management to ensure compassionate detoxification care.

The incumbent will support patient safety, set therapeutic boundaries, and help align clinical goals with program structure and expectations in a fast‑paced, 24‑hour setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with substance use disorders or in behavioral health settings preferred.
• Previous supervisory or lead experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Relate to patients and colleagues in a compassionate, professional, and respectful manner.
• Assure the safety and support of all patients admitted to ATS.
• Supervise, support, and provide direction to Behavioral Health Specialist staff throughout the program.
• Organize and maintain the Behavioral Health Specialist schedule and assist with coverage of open shifts.
• Work collaboratively with Nursing, Case Management, providers, clinicians, and other disciplines to support patient care and safety.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Behavioral Health Specialist Supervisor - ATS

• Approved Salary: $26-$28/hr
• Schedule: Full-time; variable schedule - days, evenings, weekends and holidays required based on program needs; onsite in Roxbury, MA

You are a caring, dependable behavioral health professional who thrives in a fast-paced team environment and is committed to excellence in patient care. You bring strong communication and leadership skills, are comfortable supporting individuals with substance use disorders, and can provide calm, respectful direction in a 24-hour clinical setting.

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 promote a culture of respect, excellence, equal opportunity, and commitment to our employees and the communities we serve.

Our Behavioral Health Services programs provide residential and outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. For many individuals, our programs provide a critical step toward safety, stability, and long-term recovery.

Acute Treatment Services (ATS) is a 39-bed medically monitored detoxification program serving individuals with alcohol and opioid use disorders. Located on the Dimock campus, ATS provides a safe, structured environment where patients can receive withdrawal management, clinical support, and connections to ongoing treatment and recovery services.

Summary/Objective
The Behavioral Health Specialist Supervisor is a key member of the interdisciplinary team responsible for supporting patient safety, program structure, and the daily operations of ATS. The Supervisor provides leadership and support to Behavioral Health Specialists and works closely with Nursing, clinicians, case managers, and other members of the care team to ensure patients receive compassionate, respectful, and recovery-focused care throughout the detoxification process.

Essential Functions

• Relate to patients and colleagues in a compassionate, professional, and respectful manner.
• Assure the safety and support of all patients admitted to ATS.
• Assess patient needs, communicate effectively, and maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries through respectful limit-setting and enforcement of program structure and expectations.
• Support Behavioral Health Specialists and other milieu staff in all aspects of program operations, including safety checks, patient and room searches, and admission and discharge processes.
• Participate in the patient admission process, including explaining Dimock paperwork and completing required intake documentation.
• Conduct property searches of patient belongings upon admission and discharge.
• Observe patients for changes in condition, including signs of illness, agitation, depression, or other concerns, and promptly communicate observations to Nursing staff.
• Use effective communication, negotiation, and de-escalation skills to minimize and manage potentially dangerous or disruptive situations.
• Supervise, support, and provide direction to Behavioral Health Specialist staff throughout the program.
• Organize and maintain the Behavioral Health Specialist schedule and assist with coverage of open shifts.
• Support the overall operation and management of the ATS milieu.
• Ensure the patient living environment is safe, clean, organized, and conducive to healing and recovery.
• Manage program inventory, supplies, stock, and deliveries.
• Establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients to promote safety and therapeutic relationships.
• Support day-to-day program operations, including ensuring patients receive meals and assistance with identified needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and other required program activities.
• Ensure Behavioral Health Specialist staff follow The Dimock Center's policies, procedures, and program expectations.
• Work collaboratively with Nursing, Case Management, providers, clinicians, and other disciplines to support patient care and safety.
• Work with program leadership and staff to develop and support new programming and initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect patient information at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and the ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.
• Strong leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and support staff across disciplines.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect for individual differences.
• Maintains a high standard of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrates accountability, initiative, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to effectively de-escalate difficult or potentially unsafe situations.

Work Environment
This position operates in a 24-hour Acute Treatment Services setting and requires regular interaction with patients and multidisciplinary staff.

Physical Demands
This position requires frequent standing and walking and may require lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with substance use disorders or in a behavioral health, residential, healthcare, or similar setting preferred.
• Previous supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, patient-facing environment 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, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.