Mental Health Practitioner / Clinical Program Therapist 2

State of Minnesota; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive up to $2,500

Job summary

State of Minnesota in Brainerd seeks a Mental Health Practitioner to join Minnesota Specialty Health System as part of the Direct Care and Treatment unit. You will deliver rehabilitation services, build individualized plans, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support clients with serious mental illness and co-occurring conditions.

The role requires hands-on clinical work, shift-based duties, and potential travel for off-site meetings.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required and ability to transport clients as needed.
• Direct care and therapeutic support experience with individuals.
• Experience leading/facilitating educational groups or therapeutic activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop individualized rehabilitation plans to help clients achieve goals.
• Provide progress updates to staff, clients, and community providers.
• Conduct skill development activities for daily living and discharge readiness.
• Coordinate with team operations and collaborate across disciplines.
• Lead the medication program during assigned shifts.

Skills

Direct care

Behavior assessment

Group facilitation

Treatment planning

Discharge planning

Behavioral interventions

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or behavior analysis

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related behavioral health field

Job description

Working Title: Mental Health Practitioner

Job Class: Clinical Program Therapist 2

• Job ID: 98034
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/28/2026
• Closing Date: 11/09/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT MAPE State Operated Svcs
• Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / MSHS Brainerd Practitioner
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift / 7:30am-4:00pm; 12:00pm-8:30pm; 2:30pm-11:00pm
• Days of Work: Varies and every other weekend; may include holidays
• Travel Required: Yes; less than 5% for off-site meetings and to transport clients according to their treatment plans
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Mental Health Practitioner

Job Class: Clinical Program Therapist 2

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 98034
• Location: Brainerd
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/28/2026
• Closing Date: 11/09/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT MAPE State Operated Svcs
• Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / MSHS Brainerd Practitioner
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift / 7:30am-4:00pm; 12:00pm-8:30pm; 2:30pm-11:00pm
• Days of Work: Varies and every other weekend; may include holidays
• Travel Required: Yes; less than 5% for off-site meetings and to transport clients according to their treatment plans
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

• Mental Health Practitioners may be eligible for a hiring incentive up to $2,500 ***

Minnesota Specialty Health System (MSHS) in Brainerd is seeking a Mental Health Practitioner to join our team in providing rehabilitation and supportive residential services for individuals with serious mental illness and possible co‑occurring disorders. As an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility, MSHS Brainerd focuses on rehabilitative education, building interpersonal skills, and developing community engagement skills to increase each client’s independence and self‑management of their illness, behavior, and emotion.

Job Duties:

• Assist clients in identifying their goals and develop an individualized rehabilitation plan to help them achieve those goals
• Provides updates to staff, clients, and community providers about client progress and discharge planning
• Conduct skill development activities to help individuals improve skills needed for discharge, such as cooking, personal hygiene, budgeting, and household organization.
• Participate as a team member to coordinate and collaborate consistently with established team operations.
• Serve as lead worker to ensure delivery of the medication program and other services during a designated shift.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify, applicants must:

Possess and maintain a valid drivers license, and meet the requirements for a Mental Health Practitioner as defined in MN Statute 245I.04, subdivision 4; AND have

• Providing direct care and therapeutic support to individuals
• Assisting with assessment of behavior health challenges including data collection
• Experience leading and/or facilitating educational groups or therapeutic activities with individuals with mental health symptoms
• Experience developing or implementing support plans or treatment plans that addresses behavior through adaptations, activities, interventions, education, engagement, and support
• Assisting in planning and hand‑off communication of support plans and strategies for supporting individuals upon discharge
• Developing/assisting in development of behavioral interventions and recommendations for interdisciplinary staff implementation
• 1 year of relevant experience requirement may be substituted by a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or behavior analysis; the experience requirement also may be substituted by a bachelor’s degree in human services or a related behavioral health field that includes substantial behavioral health coursework such as: individual or group counseling, clinical interviewing, clinical assessment, crisis intervention, or similar behavioral health courses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with acquired brain injury
• Experience with co‑occurring mental health disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.
• Experience in IRTS licensing as well as Supervised Living Facilities

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job‑related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.