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Mental Health Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meet with prenatal participants after delivery for a postpartum mental health observation to screen for postpartum depression, psychosis, attachment disorder or other mental health issues connecting ...

Mental Health Technician

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Communication skills, group leading skills; mental health observation skills and crisis intervention techniques will all be required of the Behavioral Health Technician on the Behavioral Health Unit.

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Mental Health Observer information

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$11

$19

$28

How much do mental health observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for mental health observer in the United States is $19.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do in the mental health field without a degree?

In the mental health field, roles such as mental health technician, peer support specialist, or behavioral health aide typically do not require a college degree. These positions often involve assisting clients under supervision, and some may require certification or training programs. Experience, interpersonal skills, and relevant certifications can be important for entry-level positions in this field.

What is the highest paid job in mental health?

The highest paid roles in mental health typically include psychiatrists, who are medical doctors specializing in mental health treatment and often work in hospitals or private practice. Psychiatrists usually have advanced degrees, medical licenses, and can prescribe medication, leading to higher salaries compared to other mental health professionals like psychologists or counselors.

What is the difference between Mental Health Observer vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectMental Health ObserverMental Health Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in mental health observationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification or training in mental health care
Work EnvironmentHospitals, psychiatric facilities, residential treatment centersHospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, residential programs
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitoring patient behavior, reporting concerns, ensuring safetyProviding direct patient care, assisting with activities, implementing treatment plans

While both roles involve working in mental health settings, a Mental Health Observer primarily monitors patients and reports observations, whereas a Mental Health Technician provides direct care and support. The roles often overlap in environments like hospitals and psychiatric facilities, but the Technician role typically requires more hands-on patient interaction and training.

What requirements do you need to work at a psych ward?

To work as a mental health observer in a psych ward, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience or training in mental health or healthcare, and sometimes CPR or first aid certification. Good communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to handle stressful situations are essential; some facilities may require background checks and specific training before employment.

How to become a patient observer?

To become a mental health observer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant training in mental health or patient care, and sometimes certification in first aid or crisis intervention. Experience in healthcare, strong communication skills, and the ability to observe and report patient behavior accurately are essential. Some positions may require background checks and adherence to facility-specific protocols.
More about Mental Health Observer jobs
Infographic showing various Mental Health Observer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 73% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,069 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Mental Health Consultant

$42/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 344 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

473rd of 682 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

***Part- Time Monday and Friday 8:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M., Tuesday- Thursday Flexibility between 8:00 A.M.- 4:30 P.M., Pay Rate: $42.00 Per Hour***

The Salvation Army Mission:The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Summary/Primary Purpose:The Mental Health Consultantis responsible for supporting a program-wide culture that promotes mental health, prevents mental health challenges from developing, and identify and support children and families with mental health and social emotional concerns by providing group and individual staff and parent education on mental health issues and referring and collaborating with community mental health agencies to serve families. The Mental Health Consultant is responsible for implementing and meeting the Head Start performance standards and the Head Start Act for mental health services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Meet with new families within 90days of entry and annually thereafter to complete mental health observations, including administering approved screenings and assessments to identify parenting stress, social/emotional and mental health concerns of EHS children and families.
  • Meet with prenatal participants after delivery for a postpartum mental health observation to screen for postpartum depression, psychosis, attachment disorder or other mental health issues connecting mothers to local mental health providers as needed.
  • Promote staff mental wellness through training presentations during monthly Staff Meetings.
  • Maintain ChildPlus records and documentation of mental health observations, consultations, referrals and trainings.
  • Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team staffing (MDT) meetings to report results of mental health observations and follow-up visits including screening results and provide consultation and recommendations to Family Consultants.
  • Attend quarterlyHealth and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee (MHSAC) meetings to provide expertise and consultation in the development and enhancement of mental health services, recruiting members from the mental health field.
  • Build community partnerships to facilitate access to additional mental health resources and services to ensure continuous mental health care.
  • Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings, program socializations, trainings and events.
  • Develop, update and revise mental health policies and procedures in compliance with federal regulations.
  • Provide orientation and training in content area to new program staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Education and/or Experience:Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related mental health field required and experience in providing mental health services to young children and their families preferred.A license as a Mental Health Practitioner is required.

Qualifications:The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for this position.

  • Ability to be flexible and able to work on multiple projects or tasks simultaneously.
  • Administrative skills to include utilization of standard office equipment, Microsoft Office and Excel, data entry, attention to detail and filing.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle confidential matters.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to the service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Other Qualifications:Must pass all applicable background checks. Must be able to pass medical examination and Tuberculosis test. Must possess a valid driver's license from the state in which you reside. Must be approved through The Salvation Army Fleet Safety Program to drive either a Salvation Army or personal vehicle on Salvation Army business. Must successfully complete Safe from Harm training within 90 days of hire, as established by The Salvation Army.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:Must be a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner. Obtain certification in First Aid, CPR and CPI within 6 months of hire.

Physical Requirements:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions:While performing transportation duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

All employees recognize that TheSalvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission


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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US