Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin • Rochester, MN

8d

About The Position

Dungarvin is hiring a Mental Health Specialist II for its Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes, which support individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs. The homes provide a highly structured, safety-focused setting for people who may have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, legal involvement, or unsuccessful placements. Staff use consistent, person-centered support to help individuals work toward their goals while maintaining safety. Training includes behavioral support and crisis response, including manual restraints when necessary.

The specialist provides direct support focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement. The role involves following behavior and treatment plans, maintaining a structured living environment, assisting with daily activities and community engagement, documenting services and observations in electronic systems, monitoring for behavioral escalation, and communicating with supervisors and team members. The specialist also supports appointments and personal contacts, may assist with medication administration as allowed, follows medical and nutrition plans, participates in team meetings, assists with training new staff, and follows home safety and emergency procedures.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and either at least three years of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness or a degree in a mental-health-related field. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, though some programs require staff to be at least 21. A valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, basic computer skills, and ability to use electronic documentation systems are also required. The role has physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing and walking for extended periods, and safely managing physically demanding situations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least three years of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness, or a degree in a mental-health-related field.
• At least 18 years of age; some programs require employees to be 21 years of age or older.
• 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 and professional written and verbal 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, person-centered support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs, focusing on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement.
• Follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and trained manual-restraint procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and 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 such as 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 about individuals’ needs, and assist with training new staff while modeling positive, professional behavior.
• Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and comply with protocols and individual support plans.

Benefits

• Fixed starting rate of $24 per hour.
• $3,000 retention bonus; not applicable to current Dungarvin employees.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time employees.
• Supplemental insurance and life insurance.
• 401(k) with up to a 3% employer match.
• Paid time off that increases with tenure, including PTO donation options.
• National brand discounts.
• Employee referral program.
• Access to Tapcheck to receive up to 50% of pay before payday.
• Career growth opportunities, paid training, and mentorship.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel.
• Paid training and orientation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED