Peer Support Staff Somerville NJ

Peer Support Staff (FT-Day) – Somerville, NJ

Full‑time, Day shift. Open position at RWJBarnabas Health, Emergency Screening Department, RWJ Somerset. Pay: $20.00 – $25.00 per hour.

RWJBarnabas Health is looking to add a Peer Support Staff within the Emergency Screening department in Somerville, NJ. The Peer Specialist will provide support to select consumers and their families and will work in conjunction with a Certified Mental Health Screener. The primary role is to engage and support those consumers identified as high utilizers of the psychiatric screening services with the goal of decreasing emergency room visits and inpatient hospitalizations.

The peer specialist will be available to consumers both on‑site at the designated screening center and off‑site, including accompanying Certified Mental Health Screeners on mobile outreach into the community. Responsibilities include identifying individuals who would benefit from follow‑up, meeting with high‑risk consumers during the PESS visit, beginning relationship building, and reporting identified safety issues such as hazardous environments (e.g., damaged floors/walls/ceiling tiles/unsecured areas) and medical errors.

• High School diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year involvement in mental health advocacy

• BLS Certification from American Heart Association

• Day shift, 40 hours/week
• Full‑time schedule

• Adapt to varying work conditions according to unit needs
• Participate in annual de‑escalation training and maintain BLS certification
• Answer hotline as appropriate and document calls; discuss all calls with supervision
• Assist with admissions, discharge and/or transfer procedures
• Document accurately, timely and legibly on appropriate forms according to hospital policy and established standards
• Act as a preceptor to newly hired peer support staff
• Maintain ongoing observation of patients and report changes to licensed staff members
• Monitor patients returning within 30 days to service, establish contact, and make appropriate referrals to treatment
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Director
• Participate in financial control through appropriate use of supplies and adherence to charging mechanisms
• Participate in QA/QI activities and all staff meetings, in‑services and committees
• Participate in safety and treatment planning
• Participate in treatment team and related care plan updates
• Supervise/assist with activities of daily living, encouraging appropriate behaviors
• Transfer patients to inpatient units
• Utilize communication and observation to assist licensed staff in patient data collection

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier healthcare 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer