Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin • Otsego, MN

25d

About The Position

Dungarvin’s Acute Behavioral Services group homes support individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs, including people with histories of frequent crises, hospital stays, legal involvement, or unsuccessful placements. The homes provide a highly structured, safety-focused environment and use consistent, person-centered support to help individuals work toward their goals. Staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including manual restraints when necessary.

The Mental Health Specialist II provides direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs. The position implements support and treatment plans, maintains a safe and structured home, assists with daily living and community activities, documents services and observations, and responds to behavioral changes and crisis situations. The role also involves coordinating with families, team members, and outside partners; assisting with appointments and medication tasks as permitted; and following medical, nutrition, and safety protocols.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or a degree in a mental-health-related field.
• At least 3 years of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness, unless qualifying through a degree in a mental-health-related field.
• 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 verbal and written 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.
• Implement behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and manual restraints 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 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 and assist with appointments and medication administration tasks as allowed.
• Follow medical and nutrition plans, emergency procedures, protocols, and individual support plans.
• Participate in team meetings, provide feedback on individuals’ needs, and assist in training new staff while modeling professional behavior.
• Maintain home safety and complete minor maintenance tasks.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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