Mental Health Associate

RWJBarnabas Health; West Long Branch (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Medical Insurance

Dental/ Vision Insurance

Retirement Plans

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

FSA/ HSA

Wellness Programs

Employee Discounts

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Mental Health Associate at Monmouth Medical Center. You will provide direct support to patients in a behavioral health setting, collaborate with nurses and therapists, and help maintain a therapeutic, safe environment during the evening shift.

The role requires a BA/BS or 5+ years in psychiatric services, or completion of the AIMS Mental Health Technician course, plus current American Heart Association BLS certification.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or 5+ years in psychiatric services.
• Completion of the AIMS Mental Health Technician course allowed.
• Current BLS certification required.
• Experience in behavioral health preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to patients in a behavioral health setting.
• Observe patient behaviors and communicate concerns to the care team.
• Assist with activities of daily living and encourage independence.
• Facilitate participation in therapeutic groups and activities.
• Use verbal de-escalation techniques to promote a calm environment.
• Document patient observations and interventions for continuity of care.
• Collaborate with nurses, therapists, and physicians on patient care.
• Maintain a safe, clean treatment area and follow safety protocols.

Skills

Compassion

Empathy

Teamwork

Observation skills

De-escalation

Patient care

Education

BA/BS degree

Mental health technician certificate (AIMS)

American Heart Association BLS certification

Job description

Mental Health Associate

Req #: 0000271001

Category: Behavioral and Mental Health

Status: Full-Time

Shift: Evening

Facility: Monmouth Medical Center

Department: Short Term Care (STC)

Pay Range: $21.96 - $27.28 per hour

Location: 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740

Job Title: Mental Health Associate

Location: Monmouth Medical Center

Department Name: Short Term Care (STC)

Req #: 0000271001

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.

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer