Part time Behavioral Health Specialist – Acute Treatment Services

Dimock; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dimock Center seeks a compassionate Behavioral Health Specialist to support patients with Substance Use Disorders in detox and early recovery. This 30-hour-per-week position involves collaborating with nursing staff to ensure safe, evidence-based care and to handle admissions and daily operations.

You will conduct intakes, document care, assist with daily needs, and participate in group sessions, meetings, trainings, and program development within a 24-hour acute treatment setting.

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.

Responsibilities

• Deliver client engagement 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, room searches, 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.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

Behavioral Health Specialist - Acute Treatment Services (30 Hours Per Week)

• Approved Salary: $21-$25/hr, dependent on experience, education, licensure and/or training
• Schedule: 30 hours per week, Friday to Monday, 1st, 2nd and Overnight Shifts available; priority currently given to second shift and overnight coverage

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.

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.

Summary/Objective

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.

Essential Functions

• Deliver client engagement 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, room searches, 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.

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

24-hour acute treatment setting.

Physical Demands

Frequent lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds.

Required 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.

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.