Mental Health Associate (MHA) - Psych Acute Adult
Company : Prime Healthcare Services
Location : Dover, NJ, 07801
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Overview
At Saint Clare's Health, our dedicated team of professionals is committed to our core values of quality, compassion, and community. As a member of Prime Healthcare, Saint Clare's Health is actively seeking new members to join its award-winning team!
Saint Clare's Health includes CMS 5-Star Rated hospitals and is an award-winning provider of safe, high quality, compassionate care, serving the communities of Morris, Warren and Sussex counties. Its network of hospitals and healthcare facilities include Denville Hospital, Dover Hospital, Behavioral Health Centers in Boonton, Denville, and Parsippany, and an Imaging Center in Parsippany, among other satellite locations. The hospitals have received multiple quality awards including Leapfrog “A” ratings for patient safety; Healthgrades recognition for orthopedic surgery, treatment of stroke, heart care, various surgical procedures, and more. For information, visit www.saintclares.com.
Responsibilities
Mental Health Associate - Inpatient: Under the direction and supervision of the Charge RN, RN, or LVN assist the licensed nursing staff in providing and documenting patient care including assistance with activities of daily living. Performs therapeutic interventions with clients, such as group therapy, one-on-one counseling, or crisis intervention. Supports the unit functions and maintains a safe, therapeutic and clean environment for patients, visitors and co-workers; functions as an integral part of the interdisciplinary care team and communicates pertinent patient information to the supervising RN. Performs some clerical duties as assigned and provides basic nursing care for the children, adolescents, adult, and geriatric patients. Utilizes education to provide designated group modality to patients and individual observations to assigned patients to assist them to learn new coping skills, identify issues that cause conflict in relationships and develop strategies for resolving conflicts. Provides emotional support to patients during difficult times by listening to their concerns, empathizing with their feelings, and helping them find solutions to their problems. Monitors patients’ progress throughout treatment to ensure that they are compliant with their plans and provides pertinent team meeting information. Performs responsibilities within the guidelines of the Nursing Structure Standards, Hospital/Nursing Policy, and state regulatory and accrediting requirements.
Qualifications
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 1. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Human services or a related field. 2. Current BCLS (AHA) upon hire and maintain current. 3. One (1) year prior behavioral health experience preferred. 4. Familiarity with medical and psychological terminology preferred. #LI-SK1Pay Transparency
Saint Clare's Health offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $20.00 to $27.00. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.
Employment Status
Full TimeShift
DaysEqual Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf
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Frequently asked questions
Mental Health Associates often support licensed nursing staff by assisting with therapeutic interventions and daily patient care, whereas mental health therapists primarily focus on delivering psychotherapy and treatment plans. MHAs typically handle more hands-on, supportive tasks within acute psychiatric settings.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology or human services is essential, along with familiarity with psychological terminology and current BCLS certification. Prior behavioral health experience, especially in inpatient or acute settings, significantly boosts candidacy for this role.
Expect to assist nursing staff with patient care documentation, conduct group and individual therapeutic sessions, monitor patient progress, and maintain a safe environment. You'll also provide emotional support, help patients develop coping strategies, and participate actively in interdisciplinary teams.
Prime Healthcare's commitment to quality and compassionate care offers MHAs a collaborative environment with award-winning hospitals. The role integrates evidence-based practices and multidisciplinary teamwork, fostering growth within a 5-star rated health system known for patient safety and community focus.
Prime Healthcare provides tailored benefits including tuition reimbursement, comprehensive health coverage, and flexible paid time off. This allows MHAs in Dover to pursue continuous education and professional growth while enjoying a supportive work-life balance within a prestigious healthcare network.
Dover and surrounding Morris, Warren, and Sussex counties have growing demand for behavioral health professionals due to increased awareness and hospital expansions. Candidates with acute psychiatric experience and certifications often find favorable hiring prospects amid this rising local need.
While Dover is accessible via major routes, traffic peak hours may extend commute times. Public transport options exist but can be limited in suburban areas. Planning travel during off-peak times or carpooling with colleagues can ease daily commuting for MHAs in this region.
Salaries for this position generally range from $20.00 to $27.00 per hour, depending on experience and credentials. Combined with Prime Healthcare’s benefits package—medical, dental, vision, 401k, and tuition reimbursement—the total compensation is competitive within the regional healthcare market.
Saint Clare’s Health emphasizes an interdisciplinary and patient-centered approach with recognized safety ratings, offering MHAs a structured yet compassionate environment. Compared to other NJ psychiatric facilities, it provides comprehensive training, supportive teams, and opportunities to work with diverse patient populations.
Maintaining current BCLS certification is mandatory. Additionally, knowledge of behavioral health certifications or mental health associate credentials can enhance clinical effectiveness, patient interaction quality, and career advancement within acute psychiatric units at Prime Healthcare.