Mental Health Program Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

Job summary

State of Minnesota's Direct Care and Treatment agency seeks a Mental Health Program Assistant in Willmar to support pediatric and adolescent inpatient services. You will provide direct patient care, assist with daily living activities, and help meet patient needs while engaging in structured group programs.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team to implement evidence-based practices and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for patients aged 6-18 with behavioral and emotional conditions.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of behavior modification theory to implement treatment plans.
• Understanding of mental illness to design and adjust plans.
• Therapeutic intervention techniques to manage behaviors.
• Familiarity with laws and policies governing treatment.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and monitor patients' condition.
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) for patients.
• Ensure patient needs are met and safety is maintained.
• Facilitate group programming and participate in the multidisciplinary team.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and uphold treatment goals.

Skills

Behavior modification

Mental illness knowledge

Intervention techniques

Regulations

Job description

Working Title: Mental Health Program Assistant

Job Class: Mental Health Program Assistant

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 97119
• Location: Willmar
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/18/2026
• Closing Date: 09/24/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Willmar AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / CABHS Willmar Dir Care
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift / 6:45am-3:15pm; 2:45pm-11:15pm
• 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: $24.54 - $31.43 / hourly; $51,239 - $65,625 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
• Work Area: CABHH Willmar
• 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.

Candidates may be eligible for hiring bonus up to $2,500!

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Hospital (CABHH) in Willmar has an opening for a Mental Health Program Assistant to work with kids receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. We provide mental health services for children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 6-18) with serious behavioral and emotional conditions. As a Mental Health Program Assistant, you will provide direct patient care, assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), and ensure patient needs are met, facilitate group programming, actively participate in the multidisciplinary team, and complete all other duties as assigned. This job entails developing positive rapport with patients; working with children and adolescents involve lots of structured play time and engagement with patients at their level and in their interests. You will also maintain a safe environment, plus take a lead role in providing support and mentoring to peers on incorporating Evidence Based Practices into daily work.

Minimum Qualifications

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.
• Observe