Mental Health Worker I

Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center; United States; On-site; USD 33,000 - 38,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

12 sick leave days

3+ weeks vacation leave annually

Health Insurance Coverage

Dental Insurance

MainePERS retirement

Job summary

Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center in Maine seeks a Mental Health Worker to provide paraprofessional direct care and rehabilitation. You will implement programs and deliver education as part of patient care for individuals with severe mental illness.

The role emphasizes compassionate, recovery‑oriented care and teamwork in a 69‑bed hospital setting. A High School diploma or equivalent is required; CNAs are favored and a valid Maine driver’s license is a plus.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Preference given to candidates with mental health experience and a valid Maine CNA certificate.

Responsibilities

• Provide paraprofessional direct care and rehabilitation for patients with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Implement programs, treatment and education as part of patient care.
• Perform direct patient care and support to the clinical team.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

CNA certificates (Maine CNA registry)

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State. Opening Date: October 26, 2026 Closing Date: November 3, 2026 Job Class Code: 4015 Grade: 11 Salary: $24.16 - $27.40/hr* Shift: 6:45a - 7:15p & 6:45a - 3:15p *Hourly rate is inclusive of a $1.00/hr. salary stipend and a $1.00/hr. direct care stipend. Applicants with Certified Nursing Assistant ("CNA") certificates, and who are on the State's CNA registry, will be paid an additional $.50/hour. Employees in this job classification begin at Step 5 of the pay scale. Starting salary for promotional candidates will follow contractual requirements. Additional shift differential .35¢/hour while working 2nd shift hours Additional shift differential .45¢/hour while working 3rd shift hours Additional weekend differential $.60/hour while working weekend hours Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Job duties: Do you have a passion for mental healthcare, but haven’t found a team that shares the same level of enthusiasm and compassionate care? We believe each staff member plays an integral role in meeting our mission to provide the highest quality of care possible. As our newest Mental Health Worker, you will provide paraprofessional support work involving the direct care, and rehabilitation of patients. Responsibilities include: implementing programs, treatment and education of those with severe and persistent mental illness and providing their direct patient care. We know our employees are the key to our success. We currently have job opportunities available, so you too can become part of our organization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma or equivalent. Preference will be given to those candidates with experience in mental health and who are registered on the State of Maine’s CNA register and have a valid Maine driver's license.

Agency information: Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center (DDPC) is a 69-bed psychiatric hospital serving the entire State of Maine that provides services for people with severe mental illness. As a member of a statewide community of care givers, DDPC collaborates with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, their community and personal supports, to provide recovery-oriented, respectful, compassionate, and effective psychiatric care and treatment in the least restrictive, safest, and most therapeutic environment we can create. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

For additional information about this position please contact Jennifer Iverson at 207-561-5425 or email [e-mail].

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $14,369.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 18.86% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Parental leave – All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing parents and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills.

Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

About Us

Join Maine State Government and Make a Difference in Your Community If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live.