Mental Health Associate

RWJBarnabas Health; Long Branch (NJ); On-site; USD 62,925,000 - 78,168,000; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Mental Health Associate at Monmouth Medical Center to support patients in a behavioral health setting. You will work under RN supervision to provide direct care and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.

The role involves documenting observations, assisting with daily living activities, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to promote recovery and well-being.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or 5+ years experience in psychiatric services or completion of relevant training.
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification is required.
• Experience in behavioral health or healthcare is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient support in a behavioral health setting, fostering a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Observe patient behaviors and communicate concerns to the clinical care team.
• Assist with activities of daily living and support participation in treatment plans.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups and structured daily programming.
• Use de-escalation techniques and therapeutic communication to manage behaviors.
• Document patient observations and interventions accurately for continuity of care.
• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, therapists, and other staff for coordinated care.
• Maintain a safe and clean treatment environment following protocols.
• Assist with hygiene, nutrition, ambulation, vital signs, and telemetry connections.
• Transport patients to departments and the ED; respond to emergencies.

Skills

Empathy

Observation skills

Teamwork

Communication

Education

BA/BS degree or 5+ years psychiatric services

AIMS Healthcare Training Institute course

Tools

Telemetry monitors

Vital signs monitoring

Job description

Job Title: Mental Health Associate

Location: Monmouth Medical Center

Department Name: Short Term Care (STC)

Req #: 0000261858

Status: Hourly

Shift: Evening

Pay Range: $21.96 - $27.28 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.

The Mental Health Associate position provides care to the patients and maintains a safe environment under the direct supervision of the registered nurse. All methods of practice shall conform to written hospital policies and procedures and be carried out to the highest achievable level of competence in a manner demonstrating concern and consideration.

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.
• Assisting with patient hygiene, nutrition, and ambulation, including taking vital signs, collecting specimens, performing phlebotomy services, and connecting to telemetry monitors.
• Transporting patients to ancillary departments and the emergency room.
• Responding to emergencies, maintaining unit safety and confidentiality, stocking supplies, and reporting all concerns to the Registered Nurse.
• 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.

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.
• You have a BA/BS degree OR 5+ years of related experience in a psychiatric services setting, OR completion of the AIMS Healthcare Training Institute mental health technician course.
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification is required.
• Previous experience in behavioral health, psychiatric care, healthcare, or human services is preferred.
• Schedule: Full Time, Evening shift. 4 days per week, evening shift (2:00 PM - 11:30 PM).
• Ability to work every other weekend required.
• Required to work two (2) winter and two (2) summer holidays annually.