Mental Health Screener

RWJBarnabas Health; Long Branch (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health at Monmouth Medical Center is seeking a Mental Health Screener to support emergency crisis stabilization. The role delivers rapid assessments and helps connect patients to the appropriate level of care.

You will collaborate with psychiatrists, ER staff, and mobile teams to ensure safe dispositions, complete required documentation, and respond to the 24-hour crisis line with urgency and compassion.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in a related field with three years of psychiatric experience, including at least one year in crisis settings; OR Master's degree with one year of post-master's experience; OR current Master's student with two years of psychiatric/crisis experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid New Jersey driver's license.
• BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Screen adults and children in psychiatric emergencies to determine appropriate level of care.
• Consult with psychiatrists and ER teams to formulate safe dispositions.
• Answer 24-hour crisis hotline for rapid emergency responses and guidance.
• Complete state screening and legal documents for hospitalization decisions.
• Assist mobile screeners with data gathering and prioritizing outreach based on acuity.
• Collaborate with medical units and affiliated ERs for psychiatric consultations.
• Document clinical assessments and handoffs in AVATAR and assess suicide risk.
• Provide consultation to community agencies and hospitals on emergency psychiatric management.

Skills

Crisis experience

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BA/BS in related field

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Job Title: Mental Health Screener

Location: Monmouth Medical Center

Department Name: Mobile Screening

Req #: 0000265613

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.

Mental Health Screener

Are you passionate about making a critical difference for individuals experiencing psychiatric emergencies? At RWJBarnabas Health, our Emergency Screening teams work collaboratively to provide high-quality, compassionate crisis intervention when our communities need it most. By delivering rapid assessments and connecting vulnerable patients to the right level of care, our screeners serve as a vital lifeline. We view our Mental Health Screeners as a crucial component of our care plan, redefining the patient experience through teamwork, empathy, and excellence. We hope you are excited by the opportunity to join a dedicated, supportive team that navigates complex crises together!

As a Mental Health Screener, a typical day might include the following:

• Screening adults and children experiencing psychiatric emergencies at PES, NPC, or WSC to determine the most appropriate, least restrictive level of care.


• Consulting with psychiatrists, medical staff, and emergency room teams to formulate safe patient dispositions.


• Answering the 24-hour crisis \"Hotline\" immediately to provide rapid emergency responses and guidance.


• Assessing patients for voluntary or involuntary hospitalization and accurately completing all state screening and legal commitment documents.


• Assisting mobile screeners by gathering patient data and prioritizing community outreaches based on acuity.


• Collaborating with medical units, voluntary psychiatric floors, and affiliated emergency rooms to manage psychiatric consultations.


• Completing thorough clinical documentation in AVATAR, including assessments, suicide risk evaluations, and internal handoffs.


• Providing vital consultation to community agencies and hospitals regarding the management of emergency psychiatric patients.

This Role Might Be For You If:

• You are deeply passionate about providing a safe, therapeutic, and empathetic healthcare experience for individuals in acute psychiatric distress.


• You thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and can make critical, legally-grounded care decisions under pressure.


• You set a high bar for yourself and your team to maintain strong communication and coordinate seamless handoffs during critical situations.


• You treat every caller and patient with profound kindness, answering emergency lines promptly with excellent customer care.


• You believe that true healing begins with meeting patients where they are during their most vulnerable moments.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must have:

• BA/BS degree in a related field with three (3) years of prior experience in a psychiatric setting, including at least one (1) year in a crisis setting; OR hold a Master's degree plus one (1) year of post-master's experience in a psychiatric setting; OR be currently enrolled in a Master's program with two (2) years of prior psychiatric setting experience, including at least one (1) year in a crisis setting.


• Must possess and maintain a valid N.J. State Driver's License.


• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.


• Eligible to obtain a Temporary Screening Certification Number upon hire preferred.


• Must obtain a permanent Screening Certification Number within one (1) year of hire.


• Full-Time Day Shift (40 hours per week; working 4 days a week per shift; (7:30 AM - 7:30 PM).


• Mandatory rotation of one (1) winter holiday and one (1) summer holiday.