Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin • Rochester, MN

7d

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, using 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 includes supporting daily living, skill-building, positive engagement, safety, and community participation. Staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including manual restraints when necessary.

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 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 pounds, 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 using person-centered approaches focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement.
• Follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, and de-escalation techniques; use manual restraint procedures as trained.
• 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 in electronic systems, including T-logs, Therap, and health tracking systems.
• Monitor behavioral changes, identify indicators of escalation, and communicate proactively 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 with training new staff while modeling professional behavior.
• Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and comply with protocols and individual support plans.

Benefits

• Fixed starting rate of $24 per hour.
• $3,000 retention bonus; not applicable to current Dungarvin employees.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time employees.
• Supplemental insurance and life insurance.
• 401(k) with up to a 3% employer match.
• Paid time off that increases with tenure, including PTO donation options.
• National brand discounts and an employee referral program.
• Access to Tapcheck to receive up to 50% of pay before payday.
• Career growth opportunities, paid training, and mentorship.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel.
• Paid training and orientation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED