Lead Behavioral Health Specialist – Behavioral Health

Dimock; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dimock Center in Roxbury, MA is seeking a Lead Behavioral Health Specialist to provide direct recovery-oriented support to residents and serve as a senior resource for the Behavioral Health Specialist team. This is a non-supervisory leadership role focused on modeling, mentoring, communication, and operational support.

You will assist with daily residential operations, admissions, orientations, transitions, and discharges, while promoting safety, respect, and person-centered care for

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of three years of experience in a recovery setting.
• Experience with individuals with co-occurring disorders required.
• LADC credential preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification required within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, respectful, structured, and recovery-oriented residential environment.
• Provide direct recovery-oriented support to residents and promote personal responsibility and independence.
• Serve as a senior resource and role model for Recovery Specialists and other direct-care staff.
• Support daily program operations, including admissions, orientations, transitions, and discharge processes.
• Assist with staff orientation, peer mentoring, and consistent implementation of program practices.
• Monitor resident well-being and communicate clinical, behavioral, safety, or other concerns to appropriate staff.
• Use therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques to manage stressful encounters and reinforce program expectations.

Skills

Strong communication

De-escalation techniques

Mentoring staff

Recovery-oriented approach

Operational support

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credential preferred

CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Lead Behavioral Health Specialist - Behavioral Health

• Approved Salary: $22-$25/hr
• Schedule: Full-time; onsite in Roxbury, MA; may include evenings, weekends and holidays
• Reports To: Program Director
• Position Type: Non-Supervisory

The Dimock Center seeks an experienced, recovery-oriented professional who brings strong judgment, communication skills, and a commitment to supporting residents and colleagues. As a Lead Behavioral Health Specialist, you will serve as a senior resource to Recovery Specialists and other direct-care staff, helping maintain consistent residential operations, supporting recovery programming, mentoring staff, and promoting a safe, respectful, person-centered environment. This is a non-supervisory leadership role focused on modeling, mentoring, communication, and operational support.

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.

Summary/Objective

The Lead Behavioral Health Specialist is an experienced residential recovery professional who provides direct recovery-oriented support to residents while serving as a senior resource to the Behavioral Health Specialist team. You will support daily residential operations, recovery programming, admissions, orientations, discharges, safety practices, and resident engagement. In the absence of the Behavioral Health Specialist Supervisor, you may assume designated operational and coverage responsibilities, including assisting with schedules, coordinating shift coverage, communicating staffing needs, and supporting day-to-day team operations. The Lead Behavioral Health Specialist does not have formal supervisory authority and refers personnel matters to the appropriate supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Maintain a safe, respectful, structured, and recovery-oriented residential environment.
• Provide direct recovery-oriented support to residents and promote personal responsibility and independence.
• Serve as a senior resource and role model for Recovery Specialists and other direct-care staff.
• Support daily program operations, including admissions, orientations, transitions, and discharge processes.
• Assist with staff orientation, peer mentoring, and consistent implementation of program practices.
• Monitor resident well-being and communicate clinical, behavioral, safety, or other concerns to appropriate staff.
• Use therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques to manage stressful encounters and reinforce program expectations.
• Conduct safety checks and property searches in accordance with program guidelines.
• Assist residents with daily needs while promoting independence and engagement in recovery.Maintain accurate documentation and support administrative processes.
• Help create a welcoming, inclusive, and recovery-oriented community environment.
• In the absence of the Behavioral Health Specialist Supervisor, assist with designated scheduling and shift coverage responsibilities.
• Communicate staffing needs, operational concerns, and other issues to appropriate leadership.
• Support continuity of residential services and day-to-day functioning of the Behavioral Health Specialist team.
• Collaborate effectively with clinical and residential staff to support resident care and program operations.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in all interactions.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position and needs of the residential program.

Competencies

• Knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and the needs of vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented practices.
• Nonjudgmental, compassionate, and person-centered approach.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Ability to handle stressful encounters and effectively de-escalate behaviors.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide leadership through experience, modeling, mentoring, communication, and support.
• Ability to work collaboratively with residents, peers, clinical staff, and program leadership.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, sound judgment, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries.

Work Environment

Residential behavioral health and recovery setting. Ability to respond effectively to behavioral and operational situations within the residential environment. Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to transport clients in a personal vehicle. Proof of automobile insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements of $100,000/$300,000 is required.

Physical Demands

Frequent standing, sitting, walking, and lifting throughout the workday. Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of three years of experience working in a recovery setting required.
• Experience working with individuals with co-occurring disorders required.
• Experience providing supervision or staff leadership preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience/training preferred.
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credential preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification required within 90 days of hire.

Important Note

This is a non-supervisory lead position. The Lead Behavioral Health Specialist does not have authority to hire, terminate, formally discipline, conduct employee performance evaluations, approve time off, or otherwise exercise formal supervisory authority. Personnel concerns are referred to the appropriate supervisor.

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.