Mental Health Associate

Job Title: Mental Health Associate

Location: RWJUH Somerset

Department Name: Mental Health Unit

Req #: 0000266574

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.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

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.
• Supervising patients in both group and individual settings to ensure safety and therapeutic engagement.
• Facilitating educational group activities, recreational activities, and structured daily programming.
• Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including feeding, bathing, toileting, and grooming, while encouraging patient independence and dignity.
• Observing patient behaviors, recognizing changes in emotional or physical condition, and promptly communicating concerns to the clinical care team.
• Using verbal de-escalation techniques and therapeutic communication to help manage challenging behaviors and promote a calm environment.
• Maintaining accurate 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 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.

This role might be for you if:

• You possess excellent communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• 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.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be considered for this Mental Health Associate opportunity:

• Education: Must possess a Baccalaureate (Bachelor's) degree in Psychology or a closely related field.
• Experience: Minimum of one-year of experience, training, or education in the field of psychiatric treatment.
• Preferred Experience:
  • Preferably 1 year of behavioral health or psychiatric care experience.
  • Previous experience as a certified nurse aide (CNA) or home health aide (HHA) is highly preferred.
• Certifications: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) is required.
• Core Passion: You are passionate about supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges while helping create a safe, respectful, and recovery-focused environment.