Mental Health Program Assistant

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus up to $2,500

Comprehensive state benefits

Job summary

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment in Willmar seeks a Mental Health Program Assistant to support inpatient psychiatric care for children and adolescents (ages 6-18). You will provide direct patient care, assist with ADLs, and help with group activities while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

This role requires compassion and the ability to engage patients at their level. The position features rotating shifts, on-site work, and potential weekend duties.

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.
• Read, write and speak English sufficient to interpret, implement and evaluate individual treatment plans.
• Interact with clients sufficient to assist in the delivery of group therapy, teach skills, and recreation and life skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Facilitate group programming and participate in the multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain a safe environment and mentor peers on evidence-based practices.

Skills

Behavior modification

Mental illness knowledge

Therapeutic intervention

English reading/writing

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or coursework related to mental health

Tools

Driver's license

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 involves 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, 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 with children and adolescents in a treatment 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.

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.

Benefits

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.