Mental Health Assistant

First Resources Corp•Burlington, IA

15h

About The Position

Are you passionate about supporting individuals with mental health needs while ensuring safety, dignity, and quality of care? We are seeking a Mental Health Assistant to play a critical role in supporting the health, safety, and stability of adults living in residential mental health programs. This position is ideal for a professional who thrives at the intersection of direct care, health coordination, medication oversight, and systems accountability . The Mental Health Assistant works collaboratively with supervisors, direct care staff, and leadership to ensure programs operate safely, compliantly, and in alignment with each individual's Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) . Unlike traditional direct care roles, this position offers variety, autonomy, and impact. You will spend time across multiple residential sites, supporting medication systems, coordinating medical and mental health appointments, reviewing documentation for accuracy, and stepping into direct support roles when needed to ensure continuity of care. If you are detail-oriented, relationship-focused, adaptable, and committed to excellence in mental health services, this role offers meaningful work with real responsibility and influence. Why This Role Matters Mental health residential programs rely on strong systems to keep people safe and supported. The Mental Health Assistant acts as a bridge between policy and practice , ensuring that care plans are followed, medications are managed correctly, documentation is accurate, and staff have the support they need to do their jobs well. Your work directly impacts: Client health and safety Medication accuracy and compliance Program sustainability Staff confidence and accountability Continuity of care across sites This role is essential to maintaining high standards of service while honoring client choice, rights, and dignity.

Requirements

Associate's Degree in Human Services or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in residential, HCBS, or mental health services supporting adults with complex needs.
Experience with medication administration, health coordination, or medical systems preferred (must successfully complete medication administration training).
Basic computer skills and comfort with electronic documentation systems.
Physically able to meet job demands, including lifting up to 40 pounds and assisting with emergency or safety procedures.
Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification within 30 days of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and ability to use a personal vehicle when agency vehicles are unavailable.

Nice To Haves

Highly organized and detail-oriented
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Skilled in time management and task prioritization
Comfortable working independently across multiple sites
Calm, professional, and solution-focused under pressure
Committed to person-centered, ethical, and respectful care

Responsibilities

Perform all assigned duties accurately, efficiently, and within required timeframes while adhering to agency policies, licensing standards, and program expectations.
Support health, safety, and medication systems across assigned mental health residential programs in accordance with each client's Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP).
Participate in the agency's safety program, including emergency response procedures, evacuation protocols, disaster preparedness, and required safety monitoring systems.
Ensure that only non-aversive behavior management techniques are used in accordance with crisis plans and immediately report any suspected client rights violations per agency policy.
Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
Review and monitor medication systems across assigned sites, including: Medication Administration Records (MARs and eMARs) Medication changes and updates Controlled medication counts Proper medication storage and disposal
Collaborate with staff and supervisors to identify, address, and resolve medication discrepancies or concerns.
Facilitate medication ordering and refills as prescribed and communicate with pharmacies regarding changes, discrepancies, or follow-up needs.
Ensure allergies, health alerts, warnings, and relevant medical information are accurately entered and updated in the electronic health record upon admission or change.
Coordinate, schedule, and track all required medical and mental health appointments, including routine, specialty, and mandated services.
Communicate with healthcare providers, guardians (when appropriate), supervisors, and staff to ensure appointments are completed and documented properly.
Support transportation needs related to appointments, either directly or through coordination with program staff.
Ensure follow-up care, documentation, and provider recommendations are communicated and implemented.
Complete all required documentation accurately and within established timeframes, including documentation related to direct care services when providing ISP or RCF-P support.
Review documentation for completeness and accuracy, identifying missing, overlapping, or inconsistent notes and escalating concerns as appropriate.
Complete and submit a monthly accountability checklist to the Supervisor or designee.
Identify trends, risks, or improvement opportunities and communicate findings to leadership to support quality and compliance.
Provide direct support as an Intensive Support Professional (ISP) or Residential Care Facility Professional (RCF-P) when needed to support program operations.
Assist with coverage needs in a fiscally responsible manner to ensure staffing stability.
Support clients with daily needs, appointments, transportation, and skill development while maintaining a person-centered approach.
Complete all required orientation, mandatory training, and ongoing education within established timeframes.
Maintain all required certifications, including medication administration and CPR/First Aid.
Participate in and facilitate training related to mental health support, medication safety, crisis response, and health and safety practices.
Maintain a professional appearance and serve as a positive role model for clients and colleagues.
Accept feedback with a growth-oriented mindset and demonstrate respect, professionalism, and ethical boundaries at all times.
Contribute meaningfully during site and staff meetings and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
Participate in an on-call rotation as assigned and adhere to on-call expectations.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance to support continuity of services.
Work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends, to meet program and client needs.
Travel between sites as required, with approximately 50% local travel expected.