Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin•Spring Valley, 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 failed placements. The homes provide a highly structured, safety-focused environment with consistent, person-centered support to help individuals work toward their goals. The Mental Health Specialist II provides direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs. The role involves following individual behavior and treatment plans, using crisis-prevention and de-escalation strategies, and applying trained manual restraint procedures when necessary. Specialists help maintain a safe and structured home, support daily living and community activities, document services and observations electronically, monitor health and behavioral changes, and communicate with supervisors and team members. They also assist with appointments, personal contacts, medication-related tasks as allowed, and compliance with medical, nutrition, and safety plans. Training in behavioral support and crisis response is provided.

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.
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 trained manual restraint procedures.
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 using electronic systems, including T-logs, Therap, and health tracking tools.
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 perform 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 professional behavior.
Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and comply with protocols and individual support plans.