Mental Health Specialist Norfolk Regional Center

State of Nebraska•Norfolk, NE

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Norfolk Regional Center (NRC) is seeking dependable, motivated individuals to join our team as Mental Health Specialists (MHS). 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.

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.
Valid Driver’s License
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 year or more of combined experience or education in human services, behavioral health, healthcare, corrections, direct support, or customer service in a healthcare, human services, or other care-focused setting.
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.

Responsibilities

Monitors the safety and security of patients within assigned unit.
Assists with security procedures such as patient searches, room searches, and safety checks of the environment.
Interacts with patients in care to instruct, orient and assist patients with program goals; report and/or document care delivery and observations.
Monitors and provides assistance with activities of daily living including feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting and other personal hygiene activities.
Maintains safe and sanitary environment by performing laundry, housekeeping, and infections control standards.
Recognizes emergency or crisis situations and intervenes as necessary utilizing appropriate behavioral interventional programs, verbal de-escalation techniques, and/or provide physical intervention that includes restraining patients. React in a calm, professional manner to support patients. Maintains a positive attitude with patients served and staff.
Administer medication or first aid treatment, including lifesaving procedures.
Lifts and repositions patients.
Escorts and transports patients to appointments and activities inside or outside the facility.
Objectively documents information related to patient care and activities. Uses computer programs to document and record patient data.
Attends required in-service education and staff meetings related to continued employment and skill development.
Participate in team meetings and activities.