Mental Health Specialist II

Dungarvin•Cottage Grove, MN

About The Position

Dungarvin is hiring a Mental Health Specialist II to provide direct, person-centered support to people with intensive behavioral and mental health needs, including individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or complex medical needs. The role focuses on safety, skill-building, positive engagement, and supporting individuals to live as independently as possible. Full-time and part-time options with a variety of schedules are available, at a starting wage of $24 per hour. The specialist supports individuals according to their behavior support and treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, and trained de-escalation and manual-restraint procedures. The role also includes helping with daily living skills, household tasks, activities, transportation, appointments, community engagement, and medication-related tasks as allowed. Specialists document services and observations in electronic systems, monitor changes and escalation indicators, communicate with supervisors and team members, and follow safety, emergency, medical, nutrition, and support-plan protocols. The position includes participating in team meetings, sharing feedback about individuals’ needs, and assisting with training new staff. Dungarvin provides paid training and orientation, mentorship, and career growth opportunities.

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.
Must be at least 18 years old; 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.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Behavioral Specialist, Behavioral Technician, or Mental Health Specialist.

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 manual-restraint procedures as trained.
Maintain a clean, safe, and structured living environment.
Assist with daily living skills, household cleaning, 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 and assist with appointments and medication administration tasks as allowed.
Follow medical and nutrition plans, emergency procedures, home-safety requirements, protocols, and individual support plans.
Participate in team meetings and provide feedback on individuals’ needs.
Assist in training new staff and model positive, professional behavior.