Job Overview:

The Mental Health Associate provides care to individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities under the direction of nurses and physicians.

The Mental Health Associate closely monitors patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. Some responsibilities include: monitoring vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure, performing EKGs, drawing labs and collecting specimen from patients, assisting patients in their daily activities such as eating, dressing, and bathing, providing therapeutic groups and recreational activities to patients and assisting in non-violent crisis intervention.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• BLS through the American Heart Association

Preferred:

• Previous experience working with psychiatric and/or substance-abuse patients
• Previous experience in psychology or sociology

Certifications and Licenses Required:

• BLS through the American Heart Association

Scheduling Requirements:

• Shift working, 4pm-12am
• Per Diem

Essential Functions:

• Attends and participates in unit meetings by offering suggestions, ideas and comments concerning unit and team efforts
• Maintains a clean and comfortable environment for the patient according to established policy and procedure
• Participates in room and/or body searches of patients according to policy and procedure as assigned by the professional nurse
• Assists in maintaining unit policies and procedures, procures and maintains par levels of supplies and linens stock. Cleans discharge units when housekeeping is unavailable
• Records pertinent data according to standards
• Documents pertinent patient information on a daily basis and as needed in the medical record
• Immediately reports patient changes in condition to the nurse in charge
• Precepts new employees and students, as requested
• Assists in orienting new staff members
• Participates in the admission/transfer process by orienting patients to the Hospital and nursing unit, and by carrying out the admission/transfer process as delineated in the unit procedure manual
• Contributes to the formation of and carrying out of treatment plans elaborated by the staff of the psychiatric team
• Provides standard nursing care as delegated by the registered nurse, physical care, escorting patients, participating in patient related activities maintaining therapeutic communication with patients, collection of specimen, etc.
• Participates in patient/staff meetings, group and community meetings as required
• Contributes to the updating of patient care plans
• Plans and participates in recreational activities for the patient
• Supervises patient interaction with family members, especially during visitation and provides supportive intervention, as required
• Recognizes abnormal vital signs data and verbally reports same directly to the RN caring for the patient.
• Performs venipuncture and draw blood specimens. Collects specimens (blood, urine, sputum, stool) and assures that appropriate labeling associated with each specimen is correct and complete

Benefits and Perks:

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees’ physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey—whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.