Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin•Winona, MN

About The Position

Dungarvin’s Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes support individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs, including people who may have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, legal involvement, or failed placements. The homes provide a highly structured environment designed for safety, using consistent, person-centered support to help individuals work toward their goals while maintaining safety for everyone. Staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including manual restraints when necessary. The Mental Health Specialist II provides direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs. The role involves following individual support and treatment plans, responding to behavioral changes and crisis situations, maintaining a safe and structured home, assisting with daily living and community activities, documenting services and observations, and collaborating with the care team. The position also includes supporting appointments and personal contacts, assisting with medication administration tasks as permitted, and helping train new staff.

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.
At least 18 years of age; some programs require employees to be at least 21.
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 skills.
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 tools.
Monitor behavioral changes, identify signs of escalation, 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 in training new staff while modeling positive, professional behavior.
Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and comply with protocols and individual support plans.