Wellness Respite Associate | Crisis Service | 40 Hours

Collaborative Support Programs•Newark, NJ

6d•$19 - $22

About The Position

CSPNJ, a mental health nonprofit agency, is seeking a full-time Wellness Respite Associate to provide supportive services to guests so they can have a meaningful and successful stay, learn crisis-coping skills, and work toward realizing their full potential. Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Associate supports guests as they work on a Wellness Plan and connects them with services and resources in their communities in collaboration with the Wellness Respite team. Wellness Respites provide stays of up to ten days in an open-door setting where guests can continue their daily activities. The program offers an alternative to hospitalization for people experiencing a crisis. This is a 40-hour-per-week, benefit-eligible position. The schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. The hourly rate is $19.23–$22.12, based on education and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a mental health field, or a high school diploma/GED with four years of related work or lived experience.
Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver engaging individual and group educational training sessions for diverse audiences with varying knowledge, experience, and learning styles.
Ability to adapt training methods, materials, and communication approaches to participant needs, promote understanding and participation, and support learning outcomes.
Strong assessment, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to evaluate situations, identify risks and needs, and respond appropriately during crises while maintaining professionalism and sound judgment.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to balance responsibilities, adapt to changing demands, and meet established timelines.
Ability to engage and support individuals with mental health diagnoses using empathy, professionalism, and trauma-informed practices.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and office technology, including electronic records, correspondence, data entry, and document preparation.
Valid New Jersey driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Possession of, or eligibility to obtain, Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (C.P.R.P.) certification.
Bilingual skills.
Lived experience dealing with mental health or substance use issues; CSPNJ prioritizes hiring people who use their own life experience to inspire and support others.

Responsibilities

Follow team protocols for charting and recording guests’ current treatment information, including medications and follow-up appointments.
Maintain accurate records related to service plans and support services provided.
Maintain working relationships with guests and provide residential guest counseling.
Support guests in identifying and developing coping strategies for daily stresses, encourage progress toward their personal vision of recovery, and assist them in achieving personal goals.
Advocate with or on behalf of guests to access needed and desired community resources.
Work with guests and team members to develop socialization and recreational opportunities.
Help guests work on a Wellness Plan and connect them with community services and resources in collaboration with the Wellness Respite team.
Develop and deliver engaging individual and group educational training sessions for diverse audiences.
Assess situations, identify risks and needs, and respond appropriately during crises.