Mental Health Specialist II

Dungarvin•Cottage Grove, MN

About The Position

Dungarvin is hiring a Mental Health Specialist II to provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental health needs, including people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and complex medical needs. The role uses person-centered approaches focused on safety, skill-building, positive engagement, and helping individuals live as independently as possible. The specialist supports individuals in a structured living environment, following behavior and treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and trained manual-restraint procedures. The position also involves assistance with daily living, household tasks, activities, transportation, appointments, community engagement, and medication-related tasks as allowed. Employees document services and observations in electronic systems, monitor changes in behavior and health, communicate with supervisors and team members, and help maintain safety and compliance with individual plans and emergency procedures. Dungarvin offers full-time and part-time opportunities with a variety of schedules. The starting wage is $24 per hour, with paid training and orientation, mentorship, and career growth opportunities.

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 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.
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 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, person-centered support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental health needs, focusing 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 cleaning, activities, transportation, and community engagement.
Document services, behavioral observations, health concerns, and program activities 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 crises or safety situations.
Support family and personal contacts and assist with appointments and 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 positive, professional behavior.
Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and comply with protocols and individual support plans.