Mental Health Specialist IV - Per Diem

About the role

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence‑based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC employs 1,060 behavioral health professionals and support staff, operates 15 sites, has a $260 million budget, and provides services ranging from inpatient and outpatient care to crisis stabilization, community outreach, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention, consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school. Specialty programs include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special‑needs children, and child protective service workers.

Rutgers is seeking a per diem Mental Health Specialist IV for the Acute Psychiatric Services (APS) – Piscataway unit within UBHC. The primary purpose of this role is to provide services that support the delivery of clinical services in the unit.

Responsibilities

• Provides telephone coverage for the unit.
• Assists screening staff in greeting consumers when they arrive onsite five (5) minutes after arrival and escorts them back to the unit.
• Assists Public Safety in their search for consumers and belongings when they are admitted to the Extended Care Evaluation Bed (ECEB) area.
• Assists in the provision of direct care for individuals in the ECEB.
• Maintains appropriate client records in a timely manner as mandated by Center policy.
• Assists in managing the transfer of consumers into and out of the Unit.
• Assists consumers and/or families in the completion of registration paperwork as required.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all consumers, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a one (1) year training program as a Mental Health Specialist Trainee or one (1) year of similar full‑time paid experience (part‑time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full‑time equivalent) in a mental health field.
• At least two (2) years of college, preferably in a related field, including twelve (12) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social, or human services field such as psychology, social work, or counseling (may be substituted for the minimum requirements).
• Must possess any required certifications/licenses as specified by the department (details to be confirmed by hiring manager).

Skills

• Adequate written and verbal skills to perform job duties.
• Ability to document in an electronic medical record and in Microsoft Word.
• Preferred: ability to enter information into a database and to use the Rutgers UBHC registration software to enter needed information accurately.
• Equipment utilized: standard office equipment for charting and communication; ability to drive to off‑site work locations.
• Physical demands: frequent prolonged sitting; observing and conversing with patients; frequent talking and listening in groups and on the telephone; frequent walking, bending, stretching, and pulling; manual dexterity and mobility for charting.
• Work environment: varied settings including office and community; possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases; subject to varying and unpredictable situations; handling emergency or crisis situations; possible exposure to clients exhibiting assaultive or aggressive behaviors; generally pleasant working conditions in a clean, well‑lighted, and quiet to moderately loud setting.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs.
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options.
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable).
• Life insurance coverage.
• Employee discount programs.

Pay

Salary details: $19.70 per hour; minimum salary $15.92; mid‑range salary $50.00; maximum salary $150.00. The final salary offer may be determined by qualifications, experience, expertise, department or grant fund availability, market benchmarks, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure.

Schedule

• Position status: Per Diem.
• Standard hours: 19.00 (hours per week).
• Work shift: Rotating.
• Work arrangement: Fully on‑site.
• Union description: Teamster.
• Payroll designation: PeopleSoft Seniority Unit.
• Terms of appointment: Staff – 12‑month position.
• Pension eligibility: None.