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Per Diem Behavioral Health Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... behavioral health populations, delivering high-quality care where it matters most - where they ... healthcare roles often lack. Salary: $35.00 Per Visit! Flexible Nursing Opportunities * Per Diem RN ...

... behavioral health populations, delivering high-quality care where it matters most - where they ... healthcare roles often lack. Salary: $35.00 Per Visit! Flexible Nursing Opportunities * Per Diem RN ...

... behavioral health populations, delivering high-quality care where it matters most - where they ... healthcare roles often lack. Salary: $35.00 Per Visit! Flexible Nursing Opportunities * Per Diem RN ...

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Per Diem Behavioral Health information

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How much do per diem behavioral health jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem behavioral health in the United States is $24.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a per diem behavioral health position be full-time?

Per diem behavioral health positions are typically considered part-time or as-needed roles, but some employers may offer full-time per diem shifts depending on staffing needs. These roles usually do not include benefits and are often flexible, allowing workers to choose their hours. Full-time opportunities in behavioral health are generally available through permanent staff positions rather than per diem roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs are:
What states have the most Per Diem Behavioral Health jobs? States with the most job openings for Per Diem Behavioral Health jobs include:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Behavioral Health job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,547 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Behavioral Health Aide - per diem

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences

Piscataway, NJ • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Rutgers University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Behavioral Health Aide - Per Diem

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC's 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a per diem Behavioral Health Aide for the Acute Psychological Services Department within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. The primary purpose of the per diem Behavioral Health Aide is to provide continuous, direct, one-to-one observation and support for patients experiencing acute mental health symptoms. Assists in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for patients. Among the key duties of this position are the following:

  • Provides constant, uninterrupted one-to-one observation for assigned patients who are at risk for self-harm, harm to others, aggression, or emotional distress.
  • Assists in maintaining a safe and supportive environment by promptly reporting escalating patient behaviors, mood changes, and concerning activities to the clinical care team.
  • Completes and documents accurate, timely, and objective safety observations in accordance with organizational policy, regulatory requirements, and established observation intervals (including every 15-minute checks as assigned).
  • Assists patients with basic activities of daily living, ambulation, meals, hydration, and comfort measures as directed.
  • Assists with patient orientation to the unit environment, reinforcing unit expectations, behavioral standards, safety protocols, and patient rights as directed by clinical leadership.
  • Assists staff with patient visitation by helping maintain a calm environment, observing for mood agitation, conflict, or behavioral triggers during visits, and ensuring adherence to unit visitation rules, hours, and visitor limitations.
  • Conducts environmental safety rounds and immediately reports potential safety hazards.

FLSA - Nonexempt

Grade - 99H

Salary Details

Minimum Salary - 0.000

Mid Range Salary - 0.000

Maximum Salary - 0.000

Benefits - Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs

Position Status - Per Diem

Working Hours

Standard Hours - 19.00

Daily Work Shift - Night

Work Arrangement - This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description - Teamster Per Diem

Payroll Designation - PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment - Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility - PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience - High school diploma or GED.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Strong communication, interpersonal, and observation skills. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the position. Ability to maintain continuous alertness, attention, and adherence to safety protocols. Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or crisis situations.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience with patient observation in psychiatric, behavioral health, hospital, or healthcare settings.

Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment - PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays if needed. Physical ability to stand, walk, and respond quickly during emergencies. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Moderate noise. Subject to unpredictable situations, patient crisis, medical, substance use related, and/or psychiatric. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens that require use of personal protective equipment.

Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number - 26ST1320

Posting Open Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus - Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)

Home Location Campus - Piscataway (RBHS)

City - Piscataway

State - NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement


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