Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin•Owatonna, MN

About The Position

Dungarvin’s Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes support individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs, including people who may have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, legal involvement, or unsuccessful placements. The homes provide a highly structured environment designed for safety, with consistent, person-centered support focused on individual goals and the safety of everyone. Staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including manual restraints when necessary. The Mental Health Specialist II provides direct support using person-centered approaches that emphasize safety, skill-building, and positive engagement. The role involves following behavior and treatment plans, maintaining a safe and structured home, assisting with daily activities and community participation, documenting services and observations, monitoring behavioral changes, communicating with the team, and supporting appointments and individual health plans. The specialist also participates in team meetings, may assist with training new staff, and follows emergency procedures and program protocols. The position pays up to $24.00 per hour. Medical, vision, and dental insurance are available to full-time employees. Dungarvin also lists supplemental and life insurance, a 401(k) with up to a 3% employer match, paid time off that increases with tenure, PTO donation options, national brand discounts, an employee referral program, Tapcheck access, career-growth opportunities, paid training and mentorship, mileage reimbursement, and paid orientation and training.

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.
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.

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 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 signs of escalation, and proactively communicate 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 about 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.