Mental Health Associate

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

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Mental Health Associate at Community Medical Center in New Jersey. The role involves directly supporting patients in a behavioral health setting, maintaining safety, and assisting with daily living activities under RN supervision.

This position emphasizes therapeutic engagement, teamwork with interdisciplinary staff, and ongoing professional development to promote patient recovery and well-being. Full-time day shifts, with every third weekend required.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related field or 5+ years of psychiatric services experience or completion of AIMS program required.
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification required.
• Prior behavioral health or healthcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to patients in a behavioral health setting, maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Observe patient behavior and communicate concerns promptly to the care team.
• Assist with activities of daily living and support treatment plan participation.
• Facilitate participation in therapeutic groups and structured programming.
• Document patient observations and interventions accurately for care continuity.
• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, therapists, and other team members to coordinate care.

Skills

Compassion

Empathy

Teamwork

Observation skills

Professional communication

Education

BA/BS degree

5+ years psychiatric experience

AIMS Healthcare Training Institute course

Job description

Job Title: Mental Health Associate

Location: Community Medical Center

Department Name: Emergency Screening

Req #: 0000269166

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

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.
• Pursuing continued professional development through training, education, and organizational resources that support long-term career growth.
• Assisting with patient hygiene, nutrition, and ambulation, including taking vital signs, collecting specimens, and connecting to telemetry monitors.
• Transporting patients to ancillary departments and the emergency room.
• Responding to emergencies, maintaining unit safety and confidentiality, and reporting all concerns to the Registered Nurse.
• Performing phlebotomy services and stocking supplies
  

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 required.
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification is required.
• Previous experience in behavioral health, psychiatric care, healthcare, or human services is preferred.
• Full Time Day: 36hours per week, 3 (12 hr) shifts: 7:00a-7:30p.
• Every 3rd weekend is required.
• Tier schedule for holidays: one summer, one winter holiday day and one winter eve holiday required.