Mental Health Screener

Job Title: Mental Health Screener

Location: MMC Southern Campus

Department Name: Emergency Screening

Req #: 0000254024

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $34.43 – $34.43 per hour

Pay Transparency:

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.

Mental Health Screener

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!

As a Mental Health Screener, a typical day might include the following:

• 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.

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.
• You thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and can make critical, legally-grounded care decisions under pressure.
• You set a high bar for yourself and your team to maintain strong communication and coordinate seamless handoffs during critical situations.
• You treat every caller and patient with profound kindness, answering emergency lines promptly with excellent customer care.
• You believe that true healing begins with meeting patients where they are during their most vulnerable moments.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, nursing, or a related clinical field with at least three (3) years of post-Bachelor’s, full-time paid mental health work experience, OR a Master’s degree in the same fields with at least one (1) year of post-Master’s, full-time paid mental health work experience.
• Experience in crisis intervention or emergency services is needed.
• Certified New Jersey Mental Health Screener certificate required.
• Schedule & Hours: Per Diem position with flexible availability required based on department coverage needs. Day shift hours (schedule varies based on operational needs).
• Every other weekend is required.
• Rotating holiday schedule required, which includes working at least one (1) summer holiday and one (1) winter holiday per year.