Mental Health Associate

RWJBarnabas Health; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Mental Health Associate at the Main Hospital in New Brunswick. This hourly, night-shift role focuses on delivering compassionate supervision and therapeutic support within the Emergency Screening department.

You will work with an interdisciplinary team to promote recovery, safety, and dignity for patients in behavioral health care. The position requires a Bachelor's in Psychology (or related field), 2 years of relevant experience, and a current BLS certification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field required.
• 2 years of work experience in mental health or patient care experience required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required.
• Demonstrated passion for behavioral health and patient-centered care.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to patients in a behavioral health setting, fostering a safe, therapeutic, and respectful environment.
• Supervise patients in group and individual settings to ensure safety and engagement.
• Facilitate educational and recreational group activities and structured daily programming.
• Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including feeding, bathing, toileting, and grooming.
• Observe patient behaviors, communicate concerns to the clinical care team.
• Use verbal de-escalation techniques and therapeutic communication to manage challenging behaviors.
• Maintain accurate documentation of patient observations, behaviors, and interventions.
• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, therapists, and interdisciplinary team for coordinated care.
• Maintain a safe environment by following safety and infection prevention protocols.

Skills

Strong communication

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Compassion and empathy

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Observational skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Tools

Job description

Mental Health Associate

Job Title: Mental Health Associate

Location: Main Hospital - New Brunswick

Department Name: Emergency Screening

Req # 0000268045

Status: Hourly

Shift: Night

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.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

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.
• Supervising patients in both group and individual settings to ensure safety and therapeutic engagement.
• Facilitating educational group activities, recreational activities, and structured daily programming.
• Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including feeding, bathing, toileting, and grooming, while encouraging patient independence and dignity.
• Observing patient behaviors, recognizing changes in emotional or physical condition, and promptly communicating concerns to the clinical care team.
• Using verbal de-escalation techniques and therapeutic communication to help manage challenging behaviors and promote a calm environment.
• Maintaining accurate 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 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:

• You possess excellent communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• 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.

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: 2 Years work experience in field of Mental Health or 2 years patient care experience.
• 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.

RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer