Mental Health Specialist II

Dungarvin•Cold Spring, MN

21d•$21 - $24

About The Position

Dungarvin is hiring a Mental Health Specialist II to provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental health needs. The role uses person-centered approaches focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement, and supports people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and/or complex medical needs to live as independently as possible. The specialist follows behavior support and treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation practices, and trained manual-restraint procedures. The role also supports daily living skills, household tasks, activities, transportation, community engagement, appointments, personal contacts, and medication-administration tasks as allowed. Specialists monitor behavioral changes, communicate proactively during safety situations, maintain a safe and structured home, and document services, observations, health concerns, and activities in electronic systems. Team participation, feedback, and assistance training new staff are also part of the role. The position offers a starting wage range of $21–$24 per hour. A retention bonus of up to $2,000 may be available; current Dungarvin employees are not eligible. A variety of schedules are available, and employees should be prepared to work some weekend shifts and holidays.

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.
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, professional verbal and written communication skills, 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, emphasizing 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 crises or safety situations.
Support family and personal contacts and assist with appointments and medication-administration tasks as allowed.
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.