Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

Dungarvin; Chatfield (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retention Bonus

Comprehensive Benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid Time Off

Mileage Reimbursement

Paid Training and Orientation

Tapcheck access

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Dungarvin in Spring Valley, MN seeks a Mental Health Specialist II to provide direct support for individuals with complex mental health needs. You will work in Acu te Behavioral Services group homes, following behavior support plans, assisting with daily living, and documenting activities.

The role emphasizes safety, person-centered care, training, and opportunities for advancement within a mission-driven team. This FT position offers comprehensive benefits and paid orientation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3 years experience with chronic/severe mental illness OR a degree in a mental-health–related field.
• Must be at least 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.
• Follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, and de‑escalation techniques.
• Maintain a clean, safe, structured living environment and assist with daily living skills and transportation.
• Accurately document services, observations, and health concerns using electronic systems.
• Monitor behavioral changes and communicate with supervisors during crises.
• Assist with appointments, medication administration tasks as allowed, and follow medical plans.
• Participate in team meetings and mentor new staff.
• Maintain home safety and follow emergency procedures.

Skills

Crisis prevention

De-escalation

Documentation

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

3 years experience or degree in mental-health field

Tools

Therap

T-logs

Job description

Join Our Passionate Team as a Mental Health Specialist II in Spring Valley, MN.

Make a Lasting Impact Every Day!

AtDungarvin, 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 in 17 states, 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.

• Fixed Starting Rate: $24/hr.
• Retention Bonus: $3,000.00
• 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 Reimbursementfor travel
• Paid Training and Orientation: Training provided to ensure you’re equipped to handle challenging behaviors.

Join Our Passionate Team as a Mental Health Specialist II in Spring Valley, MN.

Make a Lasting Impact Every Day!

AtDungarvin, 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 in 17 states, 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.

• Fixed Starting Rate: $24/hr.
• Retention Bonus: $3,000.00
• 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 Reimbursementfor travel
• Paid Training and Orientation: Training provided to ensure you’re equipped to handle challenging behaviors.

Job Description

About the Program

Our Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes support individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs. Many of the people we serve have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, or legal involvement. They may have a history of failed placements and need a highly structured environment to succeed.

Our homes are specially designed for safety, and our approach is consistent, person-centered, and focused on helping individuals reach their goals while maintaining safety for everyone. Due to the challenging nature of this work, staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including the use of manual restraints when necessary.

What You’ll Do

• Provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental‑health needs, 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 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 strongly 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.

Retention Bonus:

The retention bonus is not applicable for current Dungarvin employees.

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