Mental Health Screener

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus 3 years of prior experience in a psychiatric setting or enrolled in a Master's program with 2 years of prior experience in a psychiatric setting.
• At least one (1) year of the required experience must be specifically within a crisis or emergency screening setting.
• Must possess and maintain a valid NJ state driver's license.
• BLS Certification through American Heart Association required.
• Must be eligible for certification as a Mental Health Screener by the State of New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Hospitals (DMHS).

Qualifications

• Must be able to work the night shift: 11pm – 7:30am.
• Part Time schedule: 24 hours, 3 days per week.
• Rotating holidays and some weekends required.

Skills

• Deeply passionate about providing a safe, therapeutic, and empathetic healthcare experience for individuals in acute psychiatric distress.
• Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments and can make critical, legally-grounded care decisions under pressure.
• Treats every caller and patient with profound kindness, answering emergency lines promptly with excellent customer care.
• Believes that true healing begins with meeting patients where they are during their most vulnerable moments.

Benefits

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.

Pay

$29.39 - $37.24 per hour

Schedule

Night Shift: 11pm – 7:30am