Mental Health Associate

Location: Clara Maass Medical Center, 1 Clara Maass Drive, Belleville, NJ 07109

Status: Per Diem, Hourly – Evening shift
Pay Range: $27.54 per hour

About the role

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to patients in a behavioral health setting, fostering a safe, therapeutic, and respectful environment
• Observe patient behaviors, recognize changes in emotional or physical condition, and promptly communicate concerns to the clinical care team
• Support patients with activities of daily living while encouraging independence, dignity, and participation in their treatment plan
• Facilitate and encourage participation in therapeutic groups, recreational activities, and structured daily programming
• Use verbal de-escalation techniques and therapeutic communication to help manage challenging behaviors and promote a calm, supportive environment
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient observations, behaviors, and interventions to support continuity of care
• Collaborate closely with nurses, physicians, therapists, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to provide coordinated, patient-centered care
• Maintain a safe, clean, and secure treatment environment by following safety protocols, infection prevention practices, and organizational policies
• Pursue continued professional development through training, education, and organizational resources that support long-term career growth

This Role Might Be For You If

• 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
• Continuous learning and professional growth are important to you

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field required; additional education in psychology, behavioral health, or a related field is preferred
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification is required
• Previous experience in behavioral health, psychiatric care, healthcare, or human services is preferred
• Previous hands-on care experience as a Nurse Aide (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA) is highly preferred
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative care team