Mental Health Screener

Req #: 0000253149 | Full-Time Hourly | Night Shift

About the role

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

• Screen adults and children experiencing psychiatric emergencies at PES, NPC, or WSC to determine the most appropriate, least restrictive level of care.
• Consult with psychiatrists, medical staff, and emergency room teams to formulate safe patient dispositions.
• Answer the 24-hour crisis "Hotline" immediately to provide rapid emergency responses and guidance.
• Assess patients for voluntary or involuntary hospitalization and accurately complete all state screening and legal commitment documents.
• Assist mobile screeners by gathering patient data and prioritizing community outreaches based on acuity.
• Collaborate with medical units, voluntary psychiatric floors, and affiliated emergency rooms to manage psychiatric consultations.
• Complete thorough clinical documentation in AVATAR, including assessments, suicide risk evaluations, and internal handoffs.
• Provide vital consultation to community agencies and hospitals regarding the management of emergency psychiatric patients.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, or a related clinical field required.
• Two (2) years’ experience in a mental health setting preferred, preferably in crisis intervention/emergency services.
• Certified New Jersey Mental Health Screener OR immediately eligible within 1 year of hire required. You will be required to maintain this active state certification throughout your employment.

Skills

This role might be for you if you:

• Are deeply passionate about providing a safe, therapeutic, and empathetic healthcare experience for individuals in acute psychiatric distress.
• Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and can make critical, legally-grounded care decisions under pressure.
• Set a high bar for yourself and your team to maintain strong communication and coordinate seamless handoffs during critical situations.
• Treat every caller and patient with profound kindness, answering emergency lines promptly with excellent customer care.
• Believe that true healing begins with meeting patients where they are during their most vulnerable moments.

Schedule

• Full-Time Night Shift: 40 hours per week; working four nights per week with shift times ranging from 7:00 PM – 5:00 AM OR 9:00 PM – 7:00 AM.
• Every other weekend is required.
• A mandatory rotating holiday schedule is required.

Pay

The anticipated hourly wage range for this position is $29.39 - $36.09 per hour 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.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts through our partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more