Mental Health Associate

Job Title: Mental Health Associate

Location: NEW POINT CAMPUS

Department Name: Emergency Screening

Req #: 0000254817

Status: Hourly

Shift: Evening

Pay Range: $26.39 - $26.39 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.

Job Overview:

Join our dynamic behavioral health team at Trinitas Regional Medical Center as a Mental Health Associate in our Emergency Screening department. In this vital role, you will work under the direct supervision of nurses and physicians to closely monitor the physical and emotional well-being of individuals navigating acute psychiatric and emotional conditions. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to provide hands-on patient care, facilitate therapeutic activities, and deliver critical crisis support in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Qualifications:

Required:
* Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, or a related field, OR a valid AIMS Mental Health Associate (MHA) certification.
* American Heart Association (AHA) CPR/BLS Certification required within six (6) months of hire.
* Strong interpersonal communication and observational skills to track patient behaviors and coordinate with medical staff.
* Ability to perform or train in basic clinical competencies, including monitoring vital signs, drawing blood, and performing EKGs.

Preferred:
* Previous professional experience working directly with acute psychiatric and/or substance abuse populations.
* Foundational background in behavioral de-escalation or non-violent crisis intervention protocols.

Scheduling Requirements

* Shift working: Evening Shift (Shift details and standard hours will be discussed during the interview process)
* Status: Per Diem (PD)

Essential Functions:

* Provides standard nursing care as delegated by the Registered Nurse, including taking and recording vital signs, assisting with daily living activities (eating, dressing, bathing), and escorting patients.
* Performs venipuncture to draw blood specimens and collects alternative specimens (urine, sputum, stool), ensuring all labeling is completely accurate per clinical standards.
* Performs electrocardiograms (EKGs) and gathers essential physiological data as directed by physicians and nursing staff.
* Monitors patients' physical and emotional well-being constantly; immediately recognizes abnormal vital signs or behavioral changes and reports data verbally to the RN in charge.
* Assists in non-violent crisis interventions, tracks patient precipitants, and supports team de-escalation efforts to maintain a secure environment.
* Plans, coordinates, and facilitates therapeutic groups, community meetings, and recreational activities for psychiatric patients.
* Documents all pertinent patient behavior information, clinical tracking entries, and care data daily within the electronic medical record.
* Contributes actively to the formation, execution, and updating of individualized patient care and treatment plans developed by the interdisciplinary psychiatric team.
* Participates in room and body searches of patients strictly according to hospital safety policies as assigned by the professional nurse.
* Assists with the admission and transfer process by orienting patients to the hospital unit and managing family interventions during visitor hours.
* Serves as a mentor, preceptor, and guide to orient new employees and rotating students on the unit.
* Maintains a clean, comfortable milieu by managing linen stock levels, procuring supplies, and cleaning discharge units when housekeeping is unavailable.

Benefits and Perks:

At RWJBarnabas Health, our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Driven by our Total Wellbeing promise, our market-competitive offerings include comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees' physical, emotional, financial, personal, career, and community wellbeing. These benefits and resources include, but are not limited to:
* Paid Time Off including Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Time
* Retirement Plans
* Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
* Dental and Vision Insurance
* Disability and Life Insurance
* Paid Parental Leave
* Tuition Reimbursement
* Student Loan Planning Support
* Flexible Spending Accounts
* Wellness Programs
* Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
* Community and Volunteer Opportunities
* Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, and Verizon
* ....and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey-whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.