Mental Health Associate

RWJBarnabas Health; Belleville (NJ); On-site; USD 30,307 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Mental Health Associate to support patients in a psychiatric unit at Clara Maass Medical Center. The role emphasizes safety, dignity, and recovery-focused care, with a focus on documenting care and collaborating with the clinical team.

This hourly, full-time night-shift position offers growth opportunities within a compassionate, patient-centered environment and a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field required; additional education in psychology or behavioral health preferred.
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification is required.
• Experience in behavioral health or related care settings preferred; CNA/HHA experience is highly preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a collaborative care team.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to patients in a behavioral health setting, fostering a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Observe patient behaviors and communicate concerns to the clinical care team.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living and participate in treatment plans.
• Facilitate participation in therapeutic groups and structured daily programming.
• Maintain accurate documentation of observations, interventions, and care provided.
• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, therapists, and other team members for coordinated care.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Observation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field

Job description

Job Title: Mental Health Associate

Location: Clara Maass Medical Center

Department Name: Psychiatry

Req #: 0000257975

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:

To be considered for this Mental Health Associate opportunity, you are passionate about supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges while helping create a safe, respectful, and recovery-focused environment.

• 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.
• Schedule: Must be available to work a full-time, night shift schedule, including weekends and holidays as needed.