Mental Health Program Assistant

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

Job summary

State of Minnesota, Direct Care & Treatment, in Brainerd, is seeking Mental Health Program Assistants (MHPA) for Night Shift (10:00pm–8:00am) in an Intensive Residential Treatment Services facility. The role supports reintegration and community engagement, under clinical supervision, to promote independence and personal responsibility.

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and meet the state requirements for Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker.

Qualifications

• Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Meet the qualifications of the section 245I.04, subdivision 14, Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker.
• Knowledge of behavior modification theory/techniques to implement treatment plans.
• Knowledge of mental illness to design and implement treatment plans and manage relevant behavior.
• Ability to read, write and speak English sufficiently to interpret and implement treatment plans.

Responsibilities

• Utilize illness management and recovery model to reintegrate clients into the community.
• Participate in ongoing professional growth and maintain professional behavior under supervision.
• Transport clients to various sites using a state vehicle as needed to meet service goals.

Skills

Driver's license

Behavior management

English proficiency

Mental health knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Details

• Location: Brainerd
• Telework Eligible: No
• Work Area: MSHS Brainerd
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/14/2026
• Closing Date: 08/20/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Brainerd AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / MSHS Brainerd Rehab Worker
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Night Shift / 10:00pm-8:00am
• Days of Work: Varies; may include weekends and holidays
• Travel Required: Yes; less than 5% for offsite meetings and to transport clients according to their treatment plans
• Salary Range: $24.54 - $31.43 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
• 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.

Minnesota Specialty Health System (MSHS) in Brainerd is seeking passionate and dedicated Mental Health Program Assistants (MHPA) to join our team and make a great difference in the lives of others. 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. Don\'t miss this opportunity to be part of a great team.

The Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker will perform specific tasks to improve functional skills of residents in providing short-term safe, quality and supportive residential services. This position will also participate as an active member of the treatment team under the direction of the mental health practitioner and clinical supervisor.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Utilize the Illness Management and Recovery model and person-centered approach to assist clients with the provision of reintegration and placement into the community to promote independence, autonomy, personal responsibility, and personal control.
• Participate actively in on-going professional growth and development, maintain appropriate professional behavior and utilize professional supervision.
• Transport clients to various sites in order to achieve the goals of the service plan and proper utilization of a state vehicle when assigned to a designated site.

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Meet the qualifications of the section 245I.04, subdivision 14, Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker

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.
• Possess and maintain a valid Driver\'s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Patient care experience within a mental health or behavioral health setting.
• Experience working in a hospital setting.

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.

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

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.

Background and additional information on the organization and its benefits are available via the employer site. 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, 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.