Mental Health Associate

RWJBarnabas Health; Belleville (NJ); On-site; USD 31,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Mental Health Associate at Clara Maass Medical Center. The role involves direct patient care, phlebotomy, vital signs, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.

You will support patients daily, document clinical observations, and help maintain a safe, recovery-focused environment within Emergency Screening. Requires a Bachelor's in Psychology or related field and at least 1 year of psychiatric care experience; BLS certification is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology (or closely related field) required.
• Minimum of one year of experience, training, or education in psychiatric treatment.

Responsibilities

• Direct patient care and hygiene tasks.
• Perform phlebotomy and collect specimens; record vital signs.
• Review patient information and immediately report changes to the RN on duty.
• Safely transport patients to ancillary departments and the ER when needed.
• Maintain safety on the unit and report conditions needing attention.
• Respond quickly to emergencies on the unit.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and support unit operations.

Skills

Compassionate care

Team collaboration

Observation and reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Job description

Job Title: Mental Health Associate

Location: Clara Maass Medical Center

Department Name: Emergency Screening

Req #: 0000271078

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $27.54 - $27.54 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Mental Health Associate – RWJBarnabas Health

At RWJBarnabas Health, Mental Health Associates become part of a purpose-driven environment where compassion, teamwork, and patient-centered care create meaningful opportunities to support individuals on their mental health journey. This Mental Health Associate role offers opportunities for professional growth, supportive collaboration, and a culture committed to safety, dignity, and continuous improvement. As a Mental Health Associate, you will play an essential role in creating a therapeutic environment, supporting patients through their daily care, and partnering with an interdisciplinary team dedicated to promoting recovery and well-being. Joining RWJBarnabas Health means joining a community where every Mental Health Associate is encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Direct Patient Care & Hygiene: Completing personal hygiene tasks for assigned patients and assisting with their nutritional needs.
• Clinical Support & Phlebotomy: Performing phlebotomy services, collecting specimens, and accurately taking and recording vital signs.
• Immediate Reporting & Escalation: Reviewing and understanding information pertinent to assigned patients. Monitoring physical and emotional conditions to immediately report patient complaints, problems, untoward signs/symptoms, or unusual occurrences to the Registered Nurse on duty.
• Patient Transport: Safely transporting patients to ancillary departments and the emergency room as required.
• Safety & Security Maintenence: Interacting with patients on the unit to promote a safe environment, maintaining unit rules/regulations, and alerting professional nurses to any conditions that jeopardize safety or require immediate attention.
• Emergency Response: Responding quickly and appropriately to all emergency situations on the unit using sound and mature judgment.
• Documentation: Maintaining accurate, thorough, and compliant clinical documentation as required.
• Team Collaboration: Functioning as a cooperative, active member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team, assisting fellow associates in the completion of their duties, and maintaining a supportive unit atmosphere.
• Unit Upkeep: Stocking necessary supplies and performing all other duties as assigned.

This role might be for you if:

• Clinical Competence: You are comfortable performing clinical tasks such as drawing blood, collecting specimens, and measuring vital signs.
• High Vigilance & Judgement: You possess sharp observation skills to review patient information and use sound, mature judgment to spot and report behavioral or physical changes immediately.
• Emergency Readiness: You remain calm, collected, and ready to respond appropriately during sudden emergency situations.
• Team-First Mindset: You enjoy collaborating with an interdisciplinary team and are always willing to pitch in and assist your coworkers with their duties.
• Safety & Integrity Focus: You are dedicated to maintaining strict confidentiality of clinical information and upholding unit rules to keep patients and staff secure.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be considered for this Mental Health Associate opportunity:

• Education: Must possess a Baccalaureate (Bachelor's) degree in Psychology or a closely related field.
• Experience: Minimum of one year of experience, training, or education in the field of psychiatric treatment.
• Preferred Experience:
  • Preferably 1 year of behavioral health or psychiatric care experience.
  • Previous experience as a certified nurse aide (CNA) or home health aide (HHA) is highly preferred.
• Certifications: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) is required.
• Core Passion: You are passionate about supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges while helping create a safe, respectful, and recovery-focused environment.