Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin•Owatonna, MN

About The Position

Dungarvin is hiring a Mental Health Specialist II for its Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes, which support people with complex mental health and behavioral needs. Residents may have histories of frequent crises, hospital stays, legal involvement, or unsuccessful placements, and may need a highly structured environment. The homes are designed with safety in mind, and support is person-centered and focused on helping individuals reach their goals while protecting everyone’s safety. Staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including manual restraints when necessary. The specialist provides direct support using person-centered approaches focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement. The role includes following behavior and treatment plans, supporting daily living and community activities, documenting services and observations in electronic systems, monitoring behavioral changes, communicating with the team, assisting with appointments and medication tasks as allowed, and maintaining a safe, structured home environment. The position also involves participating in team meetings and helping train new staff. Dungarvin describes itself as a mission-driven support-services provider founded in 1976, with services in 17 states. The role offers a fixed starting rate of $24 per hour, paid training and orientation, and access to career growth opportunities and mentorship.

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 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 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 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, structured living environment and 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 such as T-logs, Therap, and health tracking.
Monitor behavioral changes, identify indicators 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 professional behavior.
Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and comply with protocols and individual support plans.