Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin•Rochester, MN

15d

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 environment for people who may have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, legal involvement, or unsuccessful placements. Staff use consistent, person-centered approaches to help individuals work toward their goals while maintaining safety. Training is provided in 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 also involves supporting individuals’ daily living and community activities, maintaining a safe and structured home, documenting services and observations in electronic systems, monitoring behavioral changes, communicating during crises, and following individual plans and applicable protocols. Staff may assist with appointments, personal contacts, and medication administration tasks as allowed, and participate in team meetings and the training of new staff. The position pays up to $24.00 per hour, with a fixed starting rate of $24 per hour. A $3,000 retention bonus is offered to eligible new employees; it is not applicable to current Dungarvin employees. Benefits and opportunities include insurance coverage, a 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, employee perks, career development, paid training and orientation, and mileage reimbursement.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 3 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 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 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 support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs using person-centered approaches focused 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, including T-logs, Therap, and health tracking.
Monitor behavioral changes, identify escalation indicators, and communicate proactively with supervisors and team members during crises 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, follow emergency procedures, and comply with protocols and individual support plans.