Wellness Respite Associate | Crisis Service | 40 Hours

Collaborative Support Programs•Newark, NJ

About The Position

CSPNJ, a mental health nonprofit agency, is seeking a full-time Wellness Respite Associate to provide supportive services to guests during stays of up to ten days. The program offers an open-door setting where guests can continue their daily activities and provides an alternative to hospitalization for people experiencing a crisis. Under the direction of the Program Manager, the associate helps guests have a meaningful and successful stay, develop crisis-coping skills, and work toward their full potential. Guests work on a Wellness Plan and are connected with community services and resources in collaboration with the Wellness Respite Associate. The position is 40 hours per week, scheduled Sunday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. It is benefit-eligible and pays $19.23–$22.12 per hour, based on education and experience. CSPNJ prioritizes hiring people who draw on their own experience with mental health or substance use issues to inspire and support others.

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 levels of knowledge, experience, and learning styles.
Ability to adapt training methods, materials, and communication approaches to participant needs, promote understanding and participation, and support successful 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, with the ability to balance responsibilities, adapt to changing demands, and meet established timelines.
Ability to engage and support people with mental health diagnoses using empathy, professionalism, and trauma-informed practices.
Proficiency in 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 with mental health or substance use issues; CSPNJ prioritizes hiring people who use their own 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.
Build and maintain working relationships with guests and provide residential guest counseling.
Help guests identify and develop coping strategies for daily stressors, encourage their personal visions of recovery, and support 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.