Mental Health Associate

Mental Health Associate 

Position Summary: The Mental Health Associate provides direct care and therapeutic support to patients of all ages in a psychiatric setting. This role involves observing and documenting patient behavior, maintaining a safe and structured environment, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to promote patient well-being. The associate plays a key role in fostering a therapeutic milieu and supporting program activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintain confidentiality in all patient interactions and documentation

Provide direct patient care with attention to safety, comfort, and therapeutic engagement

Observe and report patient behavior to clinical staff; document in progress notes

Respond appropriately to patient needs and behavioral interventions

Build cooperative relationships with staff, patients, and families

Demonstrate leadership and empathy in daily interactions

Implement structured programming using the Theme of the Day concept

Support and maintain a therapeutic environment on psychiatric units

Assist in training and orienting new employees

Modify interventions to be age-appropriate for each patient and family situation

Enforce unit rules and organizational policies assertively and respectfully

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Requirements and Preferred Qualifications:

High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree in a social science preferred

Prior mental health experience preferred

Ability to follow written and oral instructions using sound judgment

Legally licensed to operate hospital vehicles

Basic to moderate computer skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Current BLS (CPR) certification in compliance with policy

Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record preferred (no moving violations in the past three years)

Annual submission of certified driving record required on date of birth

Signed acknowledgment of “Attestation A” of Meritus Vehicle Management Use and Control policy

Physical Requirements:

Sitting (40%), standing (50%), walking (70%), bending/stooping/reaching (10%)

May be subject to physically aggressive acts from others

Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds as needed (less than 10%)

Moderate computer use (30%)

Must maintain regular, punctual attendance and be present on-site (100%)

Caring for Our Team

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.