Mental Health Specialist 1 / Behavior Tech / DSP

Dungarvin; Centerville (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fixed starting rate

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) retirement plan with employer

PTO with tenure

Mileage reimbursement

Paid training and orientation

Tapcheck pay access

Job summary

Dungarvin in Minnesota is seeking a Mental Health Specialist (MHS I) to provide direct support to individuals with behavioral and mental health needs, using person-centered approaches focused on safety and engagement. Responsibilities include documenting services, assisting with daily living activities, crisis prevention, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Required: high school diploma or GED and 2 years of mental health experience; valid driver's license; ability to lift up to 50

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2 years' experience providing mental or behavioral health services.
• Must be at least 18 years old; some programs require 21+.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to individuals with behavioral and mental health needs using person-centered approaches.
• Support individuals per behavior and treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, and de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain a clean, safe living environment and assist with daily living skills and community engagement.
• Accurately document services and observations using electronic systems.
• Monitor behavioral changes and communicate with supervisors during crises or safety situations.
• Support family and personal contacts, assist with appointments and medication administration tasks as allowed.
• Provide feedback on individuals’ needs and model professional behavior.
• Maintain home safety and follow emergency procedures.

Skills

Crisis de-escalation

Documentation skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Join Our Passionate Team as a Mental Health Specialist (MHS I) – Make a Lasting Impact Every Day!

At Dungarvin, we are more than a provider of support services - we’re a mission-driven team rooted in respect, response and choice. Since 1976, we’ve been dedicated to meeting people where they are, working alongside them to provide person centered supports that allow people to live independently as possible. You’ll work directly with people in need of assistance, and/or living with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or other complex medical needs. With services across the country, our team is united by a shared commitment to making a real difference - one person, one voice, one choice at a time. We encourage you to embrace this opportunity to impact someone’s life.

Why Dungarvin?

As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a range of exciting benefits and opportunities:

• Fixed Starting Rate: $20.00/hr
• Schedules: Variety ofschedules available (All persons in this position should be prepared to work some weekend shifts and holidays.)
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance (for FT employees), Supplemental Insurance, Life Insurance, and more!
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with up to a 3% employer match
• Paid Time Off that increases with tenure; Including PTO Donation options
• Employee Perks: National Brand Discounts, Employee Referral Program, and access to Tapcheck (get 50% of your pay before payday)
• Growth & Development: Access to career growth opportunities, paid training, and mentorship
• Mileage Reimbursement for travel
• Paid Training and Orientation: Training provided to ensure you’re equipped to handle challenging behaviors.

Job Description

• Provide direct support to individuals with behavioral and mental health needs, while using person‑centered approaches focused on safety, skill‑building, and positive engagement.
• Support individuals in accordance with behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and manual restraint procedures as trained.
• Maintain a clean, safe, structured living environment; assist with daily living skills, household cleaning tasks, activities, transportation, and community engagement.
• Accurately document services, behavioral observations, health concerns, and program activities using electronic systems (T‑logs, Therap, health tracking).
• Monitor behavioral changes, identify escalation indicators, and communicate proactively with supervisors and team members during crisis or safety situations.
• Support family and personal contacts, assist with appointments, medication administration tasks (as allowed), and follow all medical and nutrition plans.
• Provide feedback on individuals’ needs while modeling positive, professional behavior.
• Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and ensure compliance with protocols and individual support plans.

Qualifications

Required (Must-Have)

• High school diploma or GED
• 2 years' experience providing mental or behavioral health services
• Must be at least 18 years of age; some programs require employees to be 21 years of age or older
• Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance
• Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic documentation systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to safely manage physically demanding situations

Skills & Abilities

• Follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, functional assessments, and person-centered plans
• Use crisis prevention, de-escalation, redirection, and manual restraints as trained
• Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, including documentation
• Work effectively in crisis situations and exercise sound judgment
• Collaborate with team members and external partners (case managers, law enforcement, mental health professionals)
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving, consistency, time‑management, and independent prioritization skills

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we want to hear from you! At Dungarvin, we support one another and provide the training and tools you need to succeed. Join our team and help us empower individuals to lead their best lives.

Additional Information

We believe in supporting not only those we serve but also each other, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment for all. Dungarvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status per federal and/or state law.

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