Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin•Winona, MN

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. Many individuals served have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, legal involvement, or failed placements and benefit from a highly structured environment. The homes are designed with safety in mind, and the program uses consistent, person-centered support to help individuals work toward their goals while maintaining safety. Staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including manual restraints when necessary. The role provides direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs, emphasizing safety, skill-building, and positive engagement. The specialist supports individuals under behavior support and treatment plans, assists with daily living and household activities, documents services and observations electronically, monitors behavioral changes, communicates with supervisors and team members, and helps maintain a safe, structured home. Duties also include supporting appointments and personal contacts, assisting with medication administration tasks as allowed, following medical and nutrition plans, participating in team meetings, and helping train new staff. The position offers a fixed starting rate of $24 per hour. Dungarvin describes itself as a mission-driven provider of support services, serving people in 17 states and working to provide person-centered supports that promote independent living.

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 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 lbs, 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.
Support individuals in accordance with behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and manual restraint procedures as trained.
Maintain a clean, safe, structured living environment; assist with daily living skills, household tasks, activities, transportation, and community engagement.
Document services, behavioral observations, health concerns, and program activities accurately 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, 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 ensure compliance with protocols and individual support plans.