Mental Health Specialist - Med Aide

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services; Norfolk (NE); On-site; USD 59,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is recruiting Mental Health Specialists (Med Aide) at the Norfolk Regional Center in Norfolk, NE. This direct care position supports patients in a secure facility, under supervision of licensed clinical staff, with emphasis on safety and daily living activities.

Shifts include 8- and 12-hour schedules; wage starts at $28.14 per hour plus shift differential. Valid driver's license and high school diploma are required, with preference for Medication

Qualifications

• Must be at least 19 years old to work with adult populations.
• Must be at least 21 years old to work with adolescent populations.
• High school diploma or equivalent education is required.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications under supervision of an LPN/RN.
• Assist patients with daily living activities and support treatment plans.
• Observe and document patient behavior, progress, and responses to treatment.
• Maintain patient safety, security, and a therapeutic environment.
• Collaborate with nurses, therapists, and staff to coordinate care.
• Follow facility policies, ensure confidentiality and accurate documentation.
• Respond to emergencies and assist with patient transport and ongoing training.

Skills

Patient care

Medication administration

Team collaboration

Observation & reporting

CPR certification

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Documentation software

EHR systems

Job description

Job Posting

JR2026-00029609 Mental Health Specialist - Med Aide (Open)

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location

Norfolk, NE

Hiring Rate

$28.140

Applications No Longer Accepted On

(If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed)

Job Description

We are hiring Mental Health Specialist Med Aide at the Norfolk Regional Center

About Norfolk Regional Center

The Norfolk Regional Center (NRC) was created by an act of the Nebraska Legislature in 1885. NRC currently serves two distinct populations of adult males who are committed by a Mental Health Board for inpatient psychiatric treatment. In 2006, NRC began providing treatment to individuals who have sexually offended. The Nebraska Sex Offender (SO) Treatment Program improves public safety by reducing the risk of re-offense, while also improving the quality of patients' lives.

In 2018, NRC opened the Medical Support Program and began providing high quality nursing and medical treatment for men with significant physical conditions and a variety of psychiatric, cognitive, and aging issues. The program provides activities designed to maintain optimal functioning while at the same time meeting the specific psychiatric care and safety needs of each patient.

Make a Difference in a Structured, Secure Care Environment

The Norfolk Regional Center is seeking dependable, motivated individuals to join our team as Mental Health Specialists (MHS) Med Aide. In this role, you will provide hands‑on care, supervision, and daily support to patients in a secure facility.

This is a direct care position—not a licensed clinical or therapy role. MHS staff are essential to maintaining safety, supporting daily routines, and contributing to a structured therapeutic environment.

Application Requirement (Please Read Carefully)

To be considered for this position, applicants must complete the Education section of the application. Applications with incomplete education information may not receive further consideration. A high school diploma or equivalent education. is required for this position.

Additionally, a valid driver's license is required for this position

Wage: $28.140 plus applicable shift differential

Shifts at NRC – All shifts will be a combination of 8‑ and 12‑hour shifts

8 Hour Shifts: 1st Shift (6:45am - 3:15pm), 2nd Shift (2:45pm - 11:15pm), and 3rd Shift (11:00pm-7:00am).

12 Hour Shifts: 7am-7pm, 11am-11pm, 7pm-7 am

Job Duties – Mental Health Specialist / Med Aide

• Administer medications under the supervision of an LPN or RN, including oral, inhalation, topical, and installation routes, and perform blood glucose monitoring, reporting out‑of‑range readings.
• Assist patients with daily living activities and support individualized treatment plans within a structured, therapeutic environment.
• Observe and document patient behavior, progress, and responses to treatment, communicating changes to the clinical team.
• Maintain patient safety, security, and a positive, supportive atmosphere, participating in therapeutic activities and promoting appropriate behaviors.
• Collaborate with nurses, therapists, and other staff to coordinate care, contribute to team meetings, and support treatment planning.
• Follow facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, ensuring confidentiality and accurate documentation.
• Respond to emergencies, assist with patient transport, and participate in ongoing training and professional development.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Be at least 19 years of age to work with adult client populations; be at least 21 years of age to work with adolescent client populations. Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Medication Aide certification/license, or prior experience administering medications in a healthcare or residential care setting.
• Previous experience providing direct care or support to individuals with mental health, behavioral health, developmental, medical, or other complex care needs.
• Experience in a hospital, behavioral health, residential care, correctional, long‑term care, or other structured healthcare setting, with demonstrated ability to maintain safety and provide supportive patient care.

Other

• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to assist in lifting 50 + pounds
• Maintain CPR and required certifications
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, overtime, and emergency call‑back
• Willingness to work in a secure environment with high‑acuity patients

Knowledge/Skilles/Abilities

• Knowledge of: safety and security measures required in the care of mentally ill patients; techniques of caring for physically and/or mentally ill patients; knowledge of principles and methods of maintaining a therapeutic environment.
• Skill in: listening and understanding; communicating effectively as appropriate for the intended audience while supporting patients’ daily living activities.
• Ability to: complete courses and competency evaluations; interpret and follow all policies; provide quality daily care to patients; make decisions and act quickly in situations involving patient care or safety; use computer programs to document patient care information; count accurately and record numerical and alphabetical data; implement written treatment/training plans with supporting written and computer record keeping; effectively communicate with co‑workers, management and patients; observe, recognize, report on physical status; offer support to lesser experienced workers; stand on feet for long periods of time; work regularly scheduled shifts with predictable attendance; work overtime up to and including entire shifts.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.