Mental Health Associate

RWJBarnabas Health; Belleville (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plans

Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness Programs

Employee Discounts

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health's Clara Maass Medical Center is seeking a Mental Health Associate for night shift in the Psychiatry department. The role focuses on supporting patients, ensuring a safe therapeutic environment, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team in a high-quality behavioral health setting.

A typical day includes direct patient support, observed changes in condition, and participation in structured daily programming, with emphasis on dignity and recovery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field required; additional education in psychology or behavioral health preferred.
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification required.
• Experience in behavioral health, psychiatric care, or human services preferred; CNA/HHA experience highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to patients in a behavioral health setting, ensuring a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Observe patient behaviors and promptly communicate changes to the clinical care team.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living while promoting independence and dignity.
• Encourage participation in therapeutic groups and structured daily programming.
• Use verbal de-escalation and therapeutic communication to manage challenging behaviors.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of patient observations and interventions.
• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, therapists, and other team members for coordinated care.
• Maintain a clean, safe treatment environment by following safety and infection prevention policies.
• Pursue ongoing professional development to support long-term career growth.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Observation skills

De-escalation ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology

Job description

Location: 1 CLARA MAASS DRIVE, BELLEVILLE, NJ 07109

Req #: 0000264261
Category: Behavioral and Mental Health
Status: Full-Time
Shift: Night
Facility: Clara Maass Medical Center
Department: Psychiatry
Pay Range: $22.42 - $27.83 per hour
Location: 1 CLARA MAASS DRIVE, BELLEVILLE, NJ 07109
Job Title: Mental Health Associate
Location: Clara Maass Medical Center
Department Name: Psychiatry
Req #: 0000264261
Status: Hourly
Shift: Night
Pay Range: $22.42 - $27.83 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

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.

A typical day for a Mental Health Associate may include:

• Providing direct support to patients in a behavioral health setting, fostering a safe, therapeutic, and respectful environment
• Observing patient behaviors, recognizing changes in emotional or physical condition, and promptly communicating concerns to the clinical care team
• Supporting patients with activities of daily living while encouraging independence, dignity, and participation in their treatment plan
• Facilitating and encouraging participation in therapeutic groups, recreational activities, and structured daily programming
• Using verbal de-escalation techniques and therapeutic communication to help manage challenging behaviors and promote a calm, supportive environment
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of patient observations, behaviors, and interventions to support continuity of care
• Collaborating closely with nurses, physicians, therapists, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to provide coordinated, patient-centered care
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and secure treatment environment by following safety protocols, infection prevention practices, and organizational policies
• Pursuing continued professional development through training, education, and organizational resources that support long-term career growth

This Role Might Be For You If

• Compassion and empathy define how you interact with patients, families, and colleagues
• You remain calm, patient, and professional in challenging or emotionally charged situations
• Strong observation skills help you recognize changes in patient behavior and communicate them effectively
• You value teamwork and enjoy collaborating with interdisciplinary care teams
• Supporting patient dignity, recovery, and emotional well-being is central to your approach
• Adaptability allows you to respond confidently as patient needs and priorities change
• Continuous learning and professional growth are important to you

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field required; additional education in psychology, behavioral health, or a related field is preferred.
• Certification: Current American Heart Association BLS certification is required.
• Experience: Previous experience in behavioral health, psychiatric care, healthcare, or human services is preferred. Previous hands-on care experience as a Nurse Aide (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA) is highly preferred.
• Skills: Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative care team.

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer