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. We hope you are excited by the opportunity to join a dedicated, supportive team that navigates complex crises together!

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 mental health discipline (e.g., psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field).
• A minimum of three (3) years of full-time, post‑bachelor’s experience in a mental health 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.
• Preferred: eligibility to obtain a Temporary Screening Certification Number upon hire and obtain the permanent number within one year.

Pay

$34.43 per hour

Schedule

Shift: Day