Mental Health Specialist - Lincoln Regional Center

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) is a 24-hour, state-operated psychiatric hospital providing specialized inpatient treatment and recovery-focused services for adults experiencing serious mental health conditions. As a secure healthcare facility, LRC provides around-the-clock care, support, and supervision in a structured therapeutic environment. Its multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to promote patient safety, recovery, skill development, and successful community reintegration.

Mental Health Specialists work directly with adults receiving psychiatric treatment, helping them achieve recovery goals while maintaining a safe, therapeutic, and supportive environment. The role includes patient monitoring and support, assistance with daily living activities, crisis response, documentation, and participation in treatment and team activities. The position requires a valid driver's license, proficiency in English, and the ability to meet specified physical demands.

The wage is $28.14 per hour, plus applicable shift differential. Shifts include first shift (6:45 a.m.–3:15 p.m.), second shift (2:45 p.m.–11:15 p.m.), and third shift (11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.). Employees work a combination of 8- and 12-hour shifts. On-call positions may be available based on availability; on-call employees must work at least 32 hours per month, including at least 16 weekend hours, and one major holiday per year. LRC furnishes three sets of scrubs to full-time Mental Health Specialists.

Requirements

• Must be at least 19 years of age to work with adult client populations; applicants working with adolescent client populations must be at least 21.
• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the language effectively.
• Ability to push, pull, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds continuously and support and assist up to 200 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand on feet for long periods.
• Ability to complete courses and competency evaluations, interpret and follow policies, provide daily patient care, and respond quickly to patient-care or safety situations.
• Ability to use computer programs to document patient-care information, count accurately, record numerical and alphabetical data, and implement written treatment or training plans with written and computer record keeping.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, management, and patients; observe, recognize, and report on physical status; and offer support to less-experienced workers.
• Ability to work regularly scheduled shifts with predictable attendance and work overtime up to and including entire shifts.

Nice To Haves

• One year or more of combined experience or education in behavioral health, mental health, healthcare, human services, or a related field.
• Experience working with individuals who may have behavioral, mental health, medical, or other support needs, with the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging or crisis situations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, document information accurately, follow safety and security procedures, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Experience working directly with individuals experiencing mental health or behavioral challenges; related experience in corrections, direct support, or other care-focused settings is also encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the safety and security of patients within the assigned unit.
• Assist with security procedures, including patient searches, room searches, and environmental safety checks.
• Interact with patients to instruct, orient, and assist them with program goals; report and document care delivery and observations.
• Monitor and assist with activities of daily living, including feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, and personal hygiene.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary environment by performing laundry and housekeeping and following infection-control standards.
• Recognize and respond to emergencies or crises using behavioral intervention programs, verbal de-escalation, and, when necessary, physical intervention, including restraining patients.
• Maintain a calm, professional manner and a positive attitude with patients and staff.
• Administer medication or first aid treatment, including lifesaving procedures.
• Lift and reposition patients.
• Escort and transport patients to appointments and activities inside or outside the facility.
• Objectively document patient-care information and activities using computer programs.
• Attend required in-service education and staff meetings for continued employment and skill development.
• Participate in team meetings and activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities.
• Three sets of scrubs furnished to full-time Mental Health Specialists.

What This Job Offers

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