Mental Health Associate

RWJBarnabas Health; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is hiring a Mental Health Associate for the NEW POINT CAMPUS at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, NJ. The role supports acute psychiatric care across developmental stages, under the Emergency Screening department, with day shift per diem hours.

The position emphasizes direct clinical care, crisis de-escalation, and collaborative reporting within a multidisciplinary team. BLS certification is required, and a Bachelor's degree or MHA certification is accepted.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Behavioral Health, or related field; OR an active MHA certification.
• Minimum of five years' full-time, relevant behavioral health or medical experience; psychiatry/substance abuse preferred.
• Current American Heart Association BLS Provider certification required before start date.

Responsibilities

• Direct clinical care including vital signs and ADLs under RN supervision.
• Perform venipuncture and collect/label lab specimens per protocol.
• Maintain Milieu safety, de-escalation, and safety watches as ordered.
• Register patients in EPIC EMR; orient families and assist with transfers.
• Plan and lead therapeutic milieu activities and recovery sessions.
• Document daily charts and update integrated care plans with physicians/nurses.

Skills

Vital signs monitoring

Venipuncture

Crisis intervention

EMR documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology/Sociology/Behavioral Health

Active MHA certification

Tools

EPIC EMR

Job description

Req #: 0000267922

Category: Behavioral and Mental Health

Status: Per Diem

Shift: Day

Facility: Trinitas Regional Medical Center

Department: Emergency Screening

Pay Range: $26.39 per hour

Location: 655 E. Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07206

Job Title: Mental Health Associate

Location: NEW POINT CAMPUS

Department Name: Emergency Screening

Req #: 0000267922

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $26.39 - $26.39 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.

Our Mental Health Associate works collaboratively to promote optimal development and prevent psychological trauma in hospitalized children, adolescents, and adults navigating behavioral health crises. By providing comprehensive programming, direct care, and evidence-informed clinical support, our psychiatric care teams proactively engage vulnerable populations across the developmental lifespan to provide structure, safety, connection, and a healing environment. We view our clinical associates as critical components of the multidisciplinary care team and recognize the incredibly positive impact they have on our patients' healthcare journeys. We hope you are excited by the opportunity to deliver specialized care in a way that redefines the patient experience through teamwork, compassion, and excellence within the RWJBarnabas Health network!

A Typical Day

• Direct Clinical Care: Providing standard nursing care delegated by the Registered Nurse, including tracking vital signs, recognizing abnormal data to verbally report to the RN, and supporting activities of daily living (ADLs) for patients across the full developmental lifespan.
• Technical Medical Tasks: Safely performing venipuncture (drawing blood), collecting and processing clinical lab specimens (blood, urine, sputum, stool), and ensuring complete labeling compliance.
• Milieu Safety & Crisis Support: Conducting regular patient safety checks, maintaining de-escalation protocols, providing safety watches as ordered, and facilitating secure patient property and body searches.
• Admission, Registration & Tracking: Registering incoming walk-in and ambulance patients into the EPIC EMR system, orienting families, and assisting with clinical intake, transfer, and facility transport procedures.
• Therapeutic Milieu Support: Planning, leading, and facilitating group meetings, recreational activities, and therapeutic recovery sessions to support patient milestone progression.
• Treatment Planning & Documentation: Documenting accurate, daily electronic patient charts, recording vital data, and collaborating with physicians and nurses to update integrated care plans.
• Unit Safety & Operational Compliance: Maintaining a clean unit environment, coordinating supply and linen par levels, and preparing discharge units when housekeeping is unavailable.

This Role Might Be For You If

• You are deeply passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for children and adults navigating acute psychiatric emergencies.
• You excel under pressure, maintain an exceptional professional demeanor, and stay current on acute crisis intervention and de-escalation practices.
• You set a high bar for maintaining a safe, organized, and welcoming therapeutic environment during crisis stabilization.
• You recognize and respect the direct impact your communication and active listening have on a patient's daily healing journey.
• You thrive in a highly collaborative team environment alongside nurses, physicians, and supportive social service agencies.

To Be Considered

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Behavioral Health, or a related field; OR an active AIMS Mental Health Association (MHA) certification is required.
• Experience Substitution: A minimum of five (5) years of full-time, relevant working experience within a behavioral health or medical setting is strictly acceptable in lieu of a degree. Prior experience with psychiatric or substance abuse patients is preferred.
• Certifications: A current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider certification is strictly required prior to your start date.

RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer