Mental Health Associate

Mental Health Associate Job Title: Mental Health Associate Location: Trinitas Regional Medical Center, 655 E. Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07206 Department: Emergency Screening Shift: Evening Status: Per Diem hourly Pay Range: $26.39 per hour 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. Essential Functions Provide 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. Perform venipuncture to draw blood specimens and collect alternative specimens (urine, sputum, stool), ensuring all labeling is completely accurate per clinical standards. Perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) and gather essential physiological data as directed by physicians and nursing staff. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well‑being constantly; immediately recognize abnormal vital signs or behavioral changes and report data verbally to the RN in charge. Assist in non‑violent crisis interventions, track patient precipitants, and support team de‑escalation efforts to maintain a secure environment. Plan, coordinate, and facilitate therapeutic groups, community meetings, and recreational activities for psychiatric patients. Document all pertinent patient behavior information, clinical tracking entries, and care data daily within the electronic medical record. Contribute actively to the formation, execution, and updating of individualized patient care and treatment plans developed by the interdisciplinary psychiatric team. Participate in room and body searches of patients strictly according to hospital safety policies as assigned by the professional nurse. Assist with the admission and transfer process by orienting patients to the hospital unit and managing family interventions during visitor hours. Serve as a mentor, preceptor, and guide to orient new employees and rotating students on the unit. Maintain a clean, comfortable milieu by managing linen stock levels, procuring supplies, and cleaning discharge units when housekeeping is unavailable. Benefits and Perks 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 Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, and Verizon RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr