Behavioral Health Aide

Rutgers University; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vacation leave

Retirement benefits

Education benefits

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC) seeks a Behavioral Health Aide for the Inpatient Services Department. The role provides continuous, one-to-one observation and support for patients with acute mental health symptoms, helping maintain a safe and supportive environment.

Duties include constant observation for patients at risk, reporting escalations, documenting safety observations, calming and de-escalating when needed, following suicide precautions, assisting with daily living

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and observation skills.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform the essential duties.
• Ability to maintain continuous alertness and adherence to safety protocols.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or crisis situations.

Responsibilities

• Provides constant, uninterrupted one-to-one observation for assigned patients who are at risk for self-harm, harm to others, aggression, or emotional distress.
• Assists in maintaining a safe and supportive environment by promptly reporting escalating patient behaviors, mood changes, and concerning activities to the clinical care team.
• Completes and documents accurate, timely, and objective safety observations in accordance with organizational policy, regulatory requirements, and established observation intervals (including every 15-minute checks as assigned).
• Maintains a calm and professional demeanor during patient escalation or crisis situations and utilizes approved verbal redirection and de-escalation techniques.
• Follows all suicide precautions, restraint and seclusion policies, procedures, and required trainings.
• Assists patients with basic activities of daily living, ambulation, meals, hydration, and comfort measures as directed.
• Assists with patient orientation to the unit environment, reinforcing unit expectations, behavioral standards, safety protocols, and patient rights as directed by clinical leadership.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Observation skills

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence‑based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Behavioral Health Aide for the Inpatient Services Department within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Behavioral Health Aide is to provide continuous, direct, one-to-one observation and support for patients experiencing acute mental health symptoms. Assists in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for patients.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Provides constant, uninterrupted one-to-one observation for assigned patients who are at risk for self-harm, harm to others, aggression, or emotional distress.
• Assists in maintaining a safe and supportive environment by promptly reporting escalating patient behaviors, mood changes, and concerning activities to the clinical care team.
• Completes and documents accurate, timely, and objective safety observations in accordance with organizational policy, regulatory requirements, and established observation intervals (including every 15-minute checks as assigned).
• Maintains a calm and professional demeanor during patient escalation or crisis situations and utilizes approved verbal redirection and de-escalation techniques.
• Follows all suicide precautions, restraint and seclusion policies, procedures, and required trainings.
• Assists patients with basic activities of daily living, ambulation, meals, hydration, and comfort measures as directed.
• Assists with patient orientation to the unit environment, reinforcing unit expectations, behavioral standards, safety protocols, and patient rights as directed by clinical leadership.

FLSA

Nonexempt

Grade

137

Salary Details

Salary Details ($21.04 probation rate; $21.54 job rate; $22.19 two-year rate

Minimum Salary 21.040

Mid Range Salary 21.540

Maximum Salary 22.190

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours

40.00

Daily Work Shift

Evening

Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description

Teamsters 97

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and observation skills required.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to maintain continuous alertness, attention, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or crisis situations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with patient observation in psychiatric, behavioral health, hospital, or healthcare settings.

Posting Number

26ST1652

Regional Campus

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)

Home Location Campus

Piscataway (RBHS)

City

Piscataway

State

NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

ADA Compliance

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation with regard to your access to and/or your participation in the application and selection processes (for example, the online application process or interviews), please call 848-932-3973 or e-mail us .

Accessibility

Rutgers University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact us at 732.745.7378 or via email at [e-mail] .

E-Verify

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Technical Assistance

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Additional Diversity Information

To learn more about Rutgers University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on its campuses, click here .