Mental Health Program Assistant

Location: Farmington, MN

Telework Eligible: No

Full/Part Time: Part Time and Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Salary Range: $24.54 - $31.43 / hourly

About the Role

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is seeking a dependable and trustworthy Mental Health Program Assistant to join our team. As a Mental Health Program Assistant, you will play an important role in assisting individuals in achieving their goals, understanding individual needs, supporting program plans, and helping individuals reach their maximum potential.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development, refinement, and implementation of individualized program plans that will 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 with the individual to maintain optimal mental health, physical health, and wellness.
• Assist individuals with household management tasks to ensure the home is meeting licensure requirements, household needs, and safety.
• Medication administration, assistance, and management.
• Contribute to the safety and security of the home, individuals served, and co-workers.
• Travel required (50%) to attend meetings and training sessions, and transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments, community outings, recreational activities, and spiritual events.

Requirements

• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of behavior modification theory/techniques sufficient to implement behavior management components of treatment plans.
• Understanding of mental illness sufficient to design and implement individual treatment plans, identify and de-escalate aggressive/violent/inappropriate behavior.
• Knowledge of therapeutic intervention techniques sufficient to de-escalate aggressive or violent behavior.
• Understanding of laws, rules, regulations, and policies governing treatment of mental illness and vulnerable adults sufficient to protect the rights of clients/residents.
• Ability to perform basic health care procedures, such as taking vital signs and administering medications.
• Ability to observe, interpret, and document client behaviors sufficient to provide information needed for evaluation and treatment planning.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English sufficient to interpret, implement, and evaluate individual treatment plans for clients living with mental illness.
• Ability to interact with clients sufficient 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 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 mental health status in the moment and utilize knowledge, skills, and training of the individual, program/plans in place, and immediate safety concerns for all in the area to act quickly to de-escalate the situation in the least intrusive manner possible.
• Working knowledge of motivational interviewing, trauma-informed supports, person-centered thinking, and positive behavior supports.
• Dedication to ensuring cultural responsiveness and experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

Direct Care and Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Annual pay increase
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer-paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Support to help you reach your career goals through training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, addressing mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily living/convenience services such as chore services, home repair, trip planning, and child/elder care

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.