Mental Health Program Assistant

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

Job summary

State of Minnesota is seeking a dependable Mental Health Program Assistant to support individuals under Direct Care and Treatment. You will help develop and implement individualized plans, promote independence, and assist with daily living, medication, and safety within the home environment.

Role involves coordinating with care teams, families, and community services, with rotating shifts and possible weekends/holidays. Driver’s license required; prior experience in mental health is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of behavior modification theory/techniques to implement treatment plans.
• Ability to de-escalate aggressive/ violent/ inappropriate behavior and interpret treatment plans.
• Read, write and speak English sufficiently to implement plans.

Responsibilities

• Participating in development, refinement and implementation of individualized program plans.
• Assisting individuals in becoming valued community members and building support networks.
• Promoting skill development and independence for optimal mental health.
• Assisting with household management to meet licensure and safety.
• Medication administration, assistance and management.
• Contributing to safety and security of the home, individuals and staff.

Skills

Behavior modification

Mental illness knowledge

Therapeutic intervention

English literacy

Transportation coordination

Education

Driver's License

Job description

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

• Job ID: 96485
• Location: Farmington
• Full/Part Time: Part Time and Full Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/20/2026
• Closing Date: 009/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT EMSOCS AFSCME
• Division/Unit: MSOCS Residential Southwest / MSOCS FC Middle Creek
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating
• Days of Work: Varies; may include weekends and holidays
• Travel Required: Yes - 50% Attend meetings and training sessions, and transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments, community outings, recreational activities, and spiritual events.
• Salary Range: $24.54 - $31.43 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME

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.

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.

Job Summary

Community Based Services is seeking a dependable and trustworthy Mental Health Program Assistant to join our team of caring individuals who take pride in the work and care they provide individuals. As a Mental Health Program Assistant you will play an important role in assisting the individual in achieving their goals. This includes understanding individual needs, supporting program plans and helping the individual reach their maximum potential.

Responsibilities include:

• Participating in the development, refinement and implementation of individualized program plans that will help individuals safely achieve their goals.
• Assisting individuals in becoming valued community members by balancing individual goals, supporting good choices and facilitating relationships with support networks and community organizations.
• Promoting skill development and independence with the individual to maintain optimal mental health, physical health and wellness.
• Assisting individuals with household management tasks to ensure the home is meeting licensure requirements, household needs and safety.
• Medication administration, assistance and management.
• Contributing to the safety and security of the home, individuals served and co-workers.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Must have a valid Driver’s License

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 de-escalate aggressive/ violent/ inappropriate behavior.
Therapeutic intervention techniques sufficient to de-escalate 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 clients living with mental illness.
Interact with clients sufficient to assist in delivery of support needs including transportation, engaged recreation and development of daily life skills.
Provide ongoing work direction and training to other staff.

Preferred Qualifications

Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Experience working with individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and individuals on civil commitment.
Observe a mental health symptom or change in mental health status in the moment and utilize knowledge, skills and training of the individual, program/plans in place, and immediate safety concerns for all in the area to act quickly to de-escalate the situation in the least intrusive manner possible.
Working knowledge of motivational interviewing, trauma informed supports, person-centered thinking, and positive behavior supports.

Additional Requirements

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

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

Direct Care and Treatment is a highly specialized behavioral health system operated by the State of Minnesota. DCT operates treatment programs, residential and vocational services for people with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and more.

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
• Annual pay increase
• 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