Mental Health Program Assistant

State of Minnesota; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 51,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota in Bemidji is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Program Assistant for the 16-bed Community Behavioral Health Hospital (CBHH). The unit provides rapid assessment, stabilization, and discharge planning for adults experiencing acute mental health episodes.

You will support and mentor staff, assist in developing individual treatment plans under RN supervision, and promote patient education with a focus on safety, dignity, and community reintegration.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of behavior modification theory/techniques to implement behavior management components of treatment plans.
• Knowledge of mental illness to design and implement individual treatment plans, identify and control aggressive/ violent/ inappropriate behavior.
• Therapeutic intervention techniques to control aggressive or violent behavior.
• Laws, rules, regulations and policies governing treatment of mental illness and vulnerable adults to protect client rights.
• Ability to take vital signs and administer medications.
• Observe, interpret and document client behaviors to aid evaluation and treatment planning.
• Read, write and speak English to implement treatment plans for mentally ill.
• Interact with clients to assist in group therapy and teaching vocational and life skills.

Skills

Behavior modification

Mental health knowledge

Therapeutic intervention

Regulatory knowledge

Vital signs

Medication administration

English proficiency

Job description

Working Title: Mental Health Program Assistant
Job Class: Mental Health Program Assistant
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 96375
• Location: Bemidji
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/15/2026
• Closing Date: 08/24/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Ah Gwah Ching AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / CBHH Bemidji Nursing
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotatin g Shift / 6:45am-5:15pm; 10:00am-8:30pm
• Days of Work: Varies and every other weekend; may include holidays
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $24.54 - $31.43 / hourly; $51,239 - $65,625 / annually
• 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 Bemidji 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 staffon incorporatingevidence-based practices. They also collaborate with team members to develop and implement individual treatment plans based on the unique needs of each patientand serve as role model to patientsto 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 behavioural health setting.
• Experience working with adults in a treatment setting.
• Experience working in a secure facility.

Additional Requirements

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.

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.

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.