Senior Mental Health Clinician

Job Title: Senior Mental Health Clinician

Location: NPC PLAZA BLDG

Department Name: Residential Units - IP Adol

Req #: 48641

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $32.07 - $39.10 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.

Job Overview

The Senior Residential Specialist provides essential shift leadership, operational oversight, and crisis management within a structured youth residential behavioral health facility. This role balances direct care with shift administration, managing staffing ratios, guiding de-escalation interventions, and leading life skills groups to foster independence in youth. Acting as the supervisor on duty when the Director is absent, this professional is responsible for milieu safety, staff task completion, vocational programming like the Green House curriculum, and maintaining compliance with state licensing standards.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or a High School Diploma/equivalent educational credential (GED) with a minimum of five (5) years of experience working with youth in a group setting.
• Proven experience in crisis management and utilization of non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
• Active, unencumbered New Jersey Driver’s License with a clean driving record validated by the NJMVA.
• Active American Heart Association BLS certification.
• Strong baseline of interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills in English.

Preferred:

• Prior experience as a Shift Lead, Lead Mental Health Worker, or Assistant Supervisor in a locked residential or inpatient youth setting.
• Experience writing staff schedules, managing shift logs, and delivering input on performance evaluations.
• Background leading vocational or recreational therapeutic activities (e.g., life skills, gardening, cooking, or budget groups).

Scheduling Requirements

• Full-Time (FT)
• Day Shift

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the coordination, assignment, and staff completion of all operational tasks, documentation, and data logs during the shift.
• Manages and maintains mandatory state-regulated staffing ratios at all times, including during non-business hours, and directly reports day-to-day events to the Program Director.
• Leads direct care staff in behavior de-escalation management, oversees and participates in resident restraints as necessary, and exercises clinical judgment regarding emergency services.
• Maintains the weekly schedule of the Residential Specialists/CCWs (including vacations and holidays) to ensure total programmatic compliance.
• Serves as the designated site supervisor, preceptor, and mentor for incoming employees and students, and provides feedback/input for annual performance evaluations.
• Facilitates psycho-educational and life skills groups for residents focusing on personal hygiene, home management, financial literacy, communication, and emotional regulation.
• Responsible for the continued development, coordination, curriculum implementation, and financial balance of the Green House vocational program.
• Maintains a clean, comfortable, and age-specific safe environment for the residents according to established policy, and oversees the delivery of medications according to state standards.

Benefits and Perks

At RWJBarnabas Health, our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Driven by our Total Wellbeing promise, our market-competitive offerings include comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees’ physical, emotional, financial, personal, career, and community wellbeing. These benefits and resources include, but are not limited to:

• Paid Time Off including Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Time
• Retirement Plans
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Disability and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Planning Support
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Community and Volunteer Opportunities
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, and Verizon
• ….and more!

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.