Mental Health Clinician

RWJBarnabas Health; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 84,214,000 - 103,416,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Medical and Prescription DrugInsurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Retirement Plans

Short & Long Term Disability

Life & Accidental Death Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Health Care/Dependent Care FlexibleSSp

Wellness Programs

Voluntary Benefits

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Mental Health Clinician to provide critical direct care within the Emergency Screening framework at NEW POINT CAMPUS in Elizabeth, NJ. The role supports acute psychiatric crises, crisis de-escalation, and coordinated care across families, physicians and public safety partners.

Responsibilities include thorough crisis assessments, triage, documentation, and placement planning within a fast-paced hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: one of the following criteria: Master’s Degree in a mental health field OR current enrollment in a related Master’s program with 2+ years in psychiatric/crisis settings OR a BA/BS with 3+ years in psychiatric/crisis settings.

Responsibilities

• Acute Crisis Assessment: conduct thorough clinical assessments and determine treatment paths in line with Screening Law.

Job description

Mental Health Clinician

Req #: 0000269880

Category: Behavioral and Mental Health

Status: Full-Time

Shift: Day

Facility: Trinitas Regional Medical Center

Department: Emergency Screening

Pay Range: $29.39 - $36.09 per hour

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

Job Title: Mental Health Clinician

Location: NEW POINT CAMPUS

Department Name: Emergency Screening

Req #: 0000269880

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $29.39 - $36.09 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.

At RWJBarnabas Health, our behavioral health support teams operate at the heart of a compassionate, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to transforming the patient experience. Joining our team means becoming part of a premier academic healthcare network that values teamwork, excellence, and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, safe clinical services across our communities. We are seeking a dedicated Mental Health Clinician / Psychiatric Screener to provide critical direct care within our fast-paced Emergency Screening framework. Operating within the scope of practice defined by the Screening Law and other regulatory standards, this professional individualizes plans of care to address specific patient needs during acute psychiatric crises. If you are a resilient clinician looking to combine proactive crisis de-escalation with a purpose-driven healthcare mission, we invite you to build a rewarding career with us.

A Typical Day

• Acute Crisis Assessment: Conducting thorough clinical assessments, gathering relevant collateral details, and reviewing chart histories to determine appropriate treatment paths and outreach outcomes based on criteria per the Screening Law.
• Psychiatric Emergency Triage: Managing hotline and business lines in a professional, timely manner to deliver information, referrals, and immediate crisis interventions conforming to screening guidelines.
• Multidisciplinary Triage Collaboration: Communicating vital clinical information effectively with Screening and Child Psychiatrists, Charge RNs, and Shift Supervisors to coordinate treatment plans and patient dispositions.
• Patient Navigation & Placement: Consulting and collaborating with families, physicians, local law enforcement, schools, corrections, and professional staff across regional hospitals and human service agencies to coordinate care.
• Treatment Planning & Documentation: Formulating individual patient care planning, securing insurance pre-certifications, ensuring patients understand voluntary admission parameters, and completing meticulous electronic charts prior to the end of the shift.
• Milieu Safety & Crisis De-escalation: Working in harmony with the interdisciplinary team to maintain absolute safety awareness, assist with crisis de-escalation, and facilitate patient safety plans or restraints as clinically indicated.

This Role Might Be For You If

• You are deeply passionate about creating a secure, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment for individuals navigating severe trauma and acute psychiatric emergencies.
• You excel under pressure, maintain an exceptional professional demeanor, and possess the psychological stamina to thrive in highly stressful situations.
• You set an exceptionally high bar for documentation excellence, quality assurance tracking, and strict adherence to legal and regulatory screening standards.
• You are high-energy, collaborative, and dedicated to working alongside healthcare executives, nurses, and external public safety stakeholders to achieve the best possible patient service.
• You understand the core principles of the Wellness and Recovery model and enjoy watching tiny milestones turn into massive victories for vulnerable families.

To Be Considered

• Education & Experience: To clear our strict qualification gates, candidates must satisfy one of the following criteria:
  • A completed Master's Degree (MSW/MA/MS) in a mental health-related field.
  • Current enrollment in a relevant Master's program paired with a minimum of two (2) years of prior experience in a psychiatric setting (including at least one year in a dedicated crisis environment).
  • A Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) in a related field paired with a minimum of three (3) years of prior experience in a psychiatric setting (including at least one year in a dedicated crisis environment).
• Licensure: Must possess and maintain a valid, unencumbered Driver's License.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to meet the physical demands of an acute care psychiatric emergency setting, including restriction-free movement and the capability to assist with crisis de-escalation or patient restraint interventions.

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