Mental Health Specialist (NRC)

State of Nebraska•Norfolk, NE

3d•$27•Onsite

About The Position

We are hiring Mental Health Specialist at the Norfolk Regional Center/General Units & Medical Support Unit About Norfolk Regional Center The Norfolk Regional Center (NRC) was created by an act of the Nebraska Legislature in 1885. NRC currently serves two distinct populations of adult males who are committed by a Mental Health Board for inpatient psychiatric treatment. In 2006, NRC began providing treatment to individuals who have sexually offended. The Nebraska Sex Offender (SO) Treatment Program improves public safety by reducing the risk of re-offense, while also improving the quality of patients' lives. In 2018, NRC opened the Medical Support Program and began providing high quality nursing and medical treatment for men with significant physical conditions and a variety of psychiatric, cognitive, and aging issues. The program provides activities designed to maintain optimal functioning while at the same time meeting the specific psychiatric care and safety needs of each patient. Make a Difference in a Structured, Secure Care Environment The Norfolk Regional Center is seeking dependable, motivated individuals to join our team as Mental Health Specialists (MHS) in either our General SO Units or Medical Support Unit. In this role, you will provide hands-on care, supervision, and daily support to patients in a secure facility. This is a direct care position—not a licensed clinical or therapy role. MHS staff are essential to maintaining safety, supporting daily routines, and contributing to a structured therapeutic environment. Opportunities in the Medical Support Unit are ideal for candidates with experience or interest in CNA, Medical Assistant (MA), or direct patient care, providing valuable hands-on experience with patients who have chronic medical conditions, mobility needs, or age-related care requirements. Opportunities are available in both General SO Units and the Medical Support Unit: General SO Units: Focus on patient supervision, behavioral support, and structured programming Medical Support Unit: Provide hands-on care for patients with significant medical conditions which require assistance from nursing staff. This role is ideal for candidates with backgrounds or interest in CNA, Medical Assistant (MA) or direct patient care roles.

Requirements

Be at least 19 years of age to work with adult client populations; be at least 21 years of age to work with adolescent client populations.
Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.
Ability to assist in lifting 50 + pounds
Maintain CPR and required certifications
Ability to work scheduled shifts, overtime, and emergency call-back
Willingness to work in a secure environment with high-acuity patients
Knowledge of: Safety and security measures required in the care of mentally ill patients; techniques for caring for physically and/or mentally ill patients; principles and methods for maintaining a therapeutic environment.
Skill in: Listening and understanding; communicating effectively and appropriately for the intended audience while supporting patients’ activities of daily living.
Ability to: Complete required courses and competency evaluations; interpret and follow all policies; provide quality daily patient care; make decisions and act quickly in situations involving patient care or safety; use computer programs to document patient care information; count accurately and record numerical and alphabetical data; implement written treatment and training plans with appropriate documentation; communicate effectively with coworkers, management, and patients; observe, recognize, and report on physical status; offer support to less experienced staff; stand for extended periods; work regularly scheduled shifts with predictable attendance; and work overtime, up to and including entire shifts.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of education or experience in human services, related field, or stable experience in customer service or military service involving direct or indirect work with others.