Mental Health Associate - Day Shift - Brook Lane

Meritus Health•Hagerstown, MD

13h•$20 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Brook Lane is hiring a full-time Mental Health Associate at its Main Campus in Hagerstown, Maryland. The role is 72 hours bi-weekly, scheduled as three 12-hour day shifts per week from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Every other weekend and every other holiday are required. The position is benefits eligible and requires on-site work and regular attendance. The Mental Health Associate provides direct patient care and therapeutic support to children, adolescents, and adults in a psychiatric care environment. Working alongside nurses, therapists, psychiatrists, and other clinical professionals, the Associate helps maintain a safe, structured, healing environment and supports patients in treatment and recovery. The role offers hands-on behavioral healthcare experience and may be suitable for people beginning a behavioral health career or developing experience toward future social work, counseling, psychology, nursing, or healthcare goals. A current, valid driver's license without restrictions on driving privileges is required. The employee must be able to safely operate hospital vehicles. Physical and environmental demands include frequent standing, walking, and patient interaction; lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds when necessary; moderate computer use; responding to crises; and possible exposure to challenging patient behaviors, including verbal or physical aggression. Brook Lane describes its work environment as collaborative and mission-driven, with opportunities for professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance beginning the first of the month after hire; life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; paid time off accruing from day one; a 401(k) plan; education assistance; and an employee assistance program. Employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current valid driver's license with no restrictions on driving privileges.
Ability to safely operate hospital vehicles.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Basic computer proficiency.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to work effectively with patients, families, and team members in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Current BLS (CPR) certification or ability to obtain it within the required timeframe.
Ability to work on-site and maintain regular attendance.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Sociology, or another social science field.
Previous experience in behavioral health, mental health, healthcare, direct support, residential treatment, or human services.

Responsibilities

Build positive, therapeutic relationships with patients.
Observe, monitor, and document patient behaviors and progress.
Support patient safety through proactive interventions and de-escalation techniques.
Facilitate daily activities and therapeutic programming.
Encourage patient participation in treatment and recovery-focused activities.
Provide compassionate support during challenging emotional and behavioral situations.
Maintain a structured environment that promotes healing and personal growth.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment teams to support patient goals.
Assist with orientation and training of new team members.
Follow organizational policies, safety standards, and confidentiality requirements.
Safely operate hospital vehicles.
Respond to crisis situations and help maintain patient safety.