Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin•Otsego, MN

26d

About The Position

Dungarvin is hiring a Mental Health Specialist II for its Acute Behavioral Services group homes, which support people with complex mental health and behavioral needs. The homes provide a highly structured, safety-focused environment for individuals who may have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, legal involvement, or unsuccessful placements. The approach is consistent and person-centered, with a focus on helping individuals work toward their goals while maintaining safety. Staff receive behavioral-support and crisis-response training, including training in manual restraints when necessary. The role provides direct support using person-centered approaches focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement. It includes implementing support and treatment plans, assisting with daily living and household activities, documenting services and observations in electronic systems, monitoring for behavioral changes, and communicating proactively with the team. The specialist also supports appointments and personal contacts, performs medication-administration tasks as allowed, follows medical and nutrition plans, participates in team meetings, assists with new-staff training, and helps maintain a safe home and follow emergency procedures. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, or a degree in a mental-health-related field, and at least three years of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness unless qualifying through the degree pathway. A valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and basic computer skills are also required. Physical demands include lifting up to 50 pounds, standing and walking for extended periods, and safely managing physically demanding situations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or a degree in a mental-health-related field.
At least 3 years of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness, unless qualifying through a degree in a mental-health-related field.
Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic documentation systems.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand and walk for extended periods, and safely manage physically demanding situations.
Ability to follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, functional assessments, and person-centered plans.
Ability to use crisis prevention, de-escalation, redirection, and manual restraints as trained.
Clear, professional verbal and written communication, including documentation.
Ability to work effectively in crisis situations and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to collaborate with team members and external partners, including case managers, law enforcement, and mental health professionals.
Strong problem-solving, consistency, time-management, and independent-prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

Provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs using person-centered approaches focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement.
Implement behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, and de-escalation techniques, and use manual restraints as trained.
Maintain a clean, safe, structured living environment; assist with daily living skills, household tasks, activities, transportation, and community engagement.
Document services, behavioral observations, health concerns, and program activities using electronic systems, including T-logs, Therap, and health tracking.
Monitor behavioral changes, identify escalation indicators, and communicate proactively with supervisors and team members during crisis or safety situations.
Support family and personal contacts, assist with appointments and medication-administration tasks as allowed, and follow medical and nutrition plans.
Participate in team meetings, provide feedback on individuals’ needs, and assist in training new staff while modeling positive, professional behavior.
Maintain home safety, complete minor maintenance tasks, follow emergency procedures, and comply with protocols and individual support plans.