Mental Health Specialist II

Dungarvin; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Mileage reimbursement

Access to Tapcheck

Career growth opportunities

Paid training

Job summary

Dungarvin is seeking a Mental Health Specialist II to provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental health needs. You’ll use person-centered approaches to foster safety, skill-building, and positive engagement in daily living tasks and community activities.

This role includes documenting services, following behavior support and treatment plans, participating in team meetings, and assisting with training new staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3 years' experience with individuals with chronic or severe mental illness or a related degree.
• Must be 18+ years old (some programs require 21+).
• Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental health needs using person-centered approaches.
• Support individuals per behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and manual restraint procedures as trained.
• Maintain a clean, safe living environment and assist with daily living skills, household tasks, transportation, and community engagement.
• Accurately document services and observations using electronic systems (T-logs, Therap, health tracking).
• Monitor behavioral changes and communicate proactively with supervisors and team during crisis or safety situations.
• Assist with appointments, medication administration tasks (as allowed), and follow medical and nutrition plans.
• Participate in team meetings, provide feedback on needs, and assist in training new staff while modeling professional behavior.
• Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and ensure compliance with protocols and plans.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Degree in a mental-health–related field

Tools

Therap

T-logs

Job description

Join Our Passionate Team as a Mental Health Specialist II (MHS II) – 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?

• Starting Fixed Wage: $24 hr.
• Schedules: Variety of schedules 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 intensive 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.
• Participate in team meetings, provide feedback on individuals’ needs, and assist in training new staff 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
• 3 years minimum of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness or a degree in a mental-health–related field
• 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 and have experience as a Behavioral Specialist, Behavioral Technician, or Mental Health Specialist, 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.