Mental Health Program Assistant
Location: Brooklyn Park, MN (work area: Morristown, MN) | Part-time and full-time, unlimited | Rotating shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays | Travel required for meetings, training, and transporting individuals to appointments and community activities | Salary: $24.54 – $31.43/hour | Bargaining unit: AFSCME 204 (Health Care Non Professional) | Connect 700 eligible | No telework | Posted 11/09/2026, closes 11/16/2026
About the role
Community Based Services within Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) seeks a dependable Mental Health Program Assistant to join a team dedicated to supporting individuals with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. You will play a key role in helping individuals achieve their goals by understanding their needs, supporting program plans, and fostering independence and community integration. This posting may fill multiple permanent part-time and full-time positions. Shift differential is offered for hours between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am. A hiring bonus of up to $2,500 may be available (current state employees are not eligible). DCT does not sponsor work visas; applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. at start of employment.
Direct Care and Treatment is a specialized behavioral health system operated by the State of Minnesota, providing treatment programs, residential and vocational services for people with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and more.
Responsibilities
- Participate in the development, refinement, and implementation of individualized program plans that help individuals safely achieve their goals.
- Assist individuals in becoming valued community members by balancing individual goals, supporting good choices, and facilitating relationships with support networks and community organizations.
- Promote skill development and independence to maintain optimal mental health, physical health, and wellness.
- Assist with household management tasks to ensure the home meets licensure requirements, household needs, and safety standards.
- Administer, assist with, and manage medications.
- Contribute to the safety and security of the home, individuals served, and co-workers.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Valid driver’s license.
- Knowledge of behavior modification theory/techniques sufficient to implement behavior management components of treatment plans.
- Knowledge of mental illness sufficient to design and implement individual treatment plans, and identify and de-escalate aggressive, violent, or inappropriate behavior.
- Knowledge of therapeutic intervention techniques sufficient to de-escalate aggressive or violent behavior.
- Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and policies governing treatment of mental illness and vulnerable adults sufficient to protect client/resident rights.
- Ability to perform basic health care procedures (e.g., taking vital signs, administering medications).
- Ability to observe, interpret, and document client behaviors to provide information needed for evaluation and treatment planning.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English sufficiently to interpret, implement, and evaluate individual treatment plans for clients living with mental illness.
- Ability to interact with clients to assist in delivery of support needs including transportation, engaged recreation, and development of daily life skills.
- Ability to provide ongoing work direction and training to other staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures; commitment to cultural responsiveness.
- Experience working with individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and individuals on civil commitment.
- Ability to observe a mental health symptom or change in status in the moment and act quickly to de-escalate the situation in the least intrusive manner possible, using knowledge of the individual, program plans, and immediate safety concerns.
- Working knowledge of motivational interviewing, trauma-informed supports, person-centered thinking, and positive behavior supports.
Additional Requirements
- Resume must clearly describe experience in the areas listed above and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
- Reference checks and a criminal background check will be conducted prior to appointment.
Pay
Hourly range: $24.54 – $31.43. Shift differential for hours worked between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am. Hiring bonus up to $2,500 may be available (not for current state employees).