Mental Health Program Assistant

State of Minnesota; Baxter (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking a part-time Mental Health Program Assistant for the Direct Care and Treatment division in Baxter. This position supports the inpatient facility, collaborates on treatment plans, and guides patients with evidence-based practices under RN supervision.

The role emphasizes patient education, safety, and teamwork, with eligibility for a hiring incentive up to $2500. Shift rotation may include mornings and evenings, accounting for weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of behavior modification theories and techniques needed to implement treatment plans.
• Mental illness knowledge sufficient to design and implement treatment plans and manage behavior.
• Therapeutic intervention techniques to control aggressive or violent behavior.
• English reading, writing and speaking sufficient to interpret and implement treatment plans.

Responsibilities

• Support and mentor staff in applying evidence-based practices.
• Collaborate with team to develop and implement individual treatment plans.
• Serve as a role model to promote mutual respect, independence and self-control.
• Provide quality medical and psychiatric care under RN supervision.

Skills

Behavior modification

Mental health knowledge

Therapeutic intervention

English literacy

Group therapy support

Job description

Working Title: Mental Health Program Assistant

Job Class: Mental Health Program Assistant

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 96885
• Location: Baxter
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/09/2026
• Closing Date: 09/15/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Brainerd AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / CBHH Baxter Nursing 2
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift / 6:45am-3:15pm; 1:45pm-10:15pm
• Days of Work: Varies and every other weekend; may include holidays
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $24.54 - $31.43 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME

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.

Job Summary

Candidates may be eligible for hiring incentive up to $2500!

Community Behavioral Health Hospital (CBHH) in Baxter is seeking a dedicated and person‑centered Mental Health Program Assistant to join our team. The CBHH is a small (16-bed) inpatient psychiatric facility that provides rapid assessment and stabilization for adults experiencing an acute mental health episode. The length of stay is usually less than 60 days, during which treatment focuses on stabilization, patient education, and discharge planning involving community support resources, with the overall goal of preventing future episodes.

Mental Health Program Assistants support and mentor staff on incorporating evidence‑based practices. They also collaborate with team members to develop and implement individual treatment plans based on the unique needs of each patient and serve as role model to patients to promote mutual respect, independence, personal responsibility, and self‑control. These positions provide quality medical and psychiatric care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify, applicants must possess all of the following:

Knowledge of:

• Behavior modification theory/techniques sufficient to implement behavior management components of treatment plans.
• Mental illness sufficient to design and implement individual treatment plans, identify and control aggressive/ violent/ inappropriate behavior.
• Therapeutic intervention techniques sufficient to control aggressive or violent behavior.
• Laws, rules, regulations and policies governing treatment of mental illness and vulnerable adults sufficient to protect the rights of clients/residents.

Ability to:

• Perform basic health care procedures, such as taking vital signs and administering medications.
• Observe, interpret and document client behaviors sufficient to provide information needed for evaluation and treatment planning.
• Read, write and speak English sufficient to interpret, implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for mentally ill.
• Interact with clients sufficient to assist in the delivery of group therapy, teach specialized and vocational skills, and teach recreation and life skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Patient care experience within a mental health or behavioral health setting.
• Experience working with adults in a treatment setting.
• Experience working in a secure facility.

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.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kaitlin Weckwerth at [e-mail] .

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service‑connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to: [e-mail] .

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

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.

Your benefits may include:

• 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.