Mental Health Program Assistant

About the role

The State of Minnesota’s Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) program is seeking a dependable and trustworthy Mental Health Program Assistant to join the Community Based Services team in Morristown, MN. The assistant will help individuals achieve their goals by understanding needs, supporting program plans, and promoting maximum potential.

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 personal 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.
• Provide medication administration, assistance, and management.
• Contribute to the safety and security of the home, individuals served, and co‑workers.

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 to identify and de‑escalate aggressive, violent, or inappropriate behavior.
• 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 to protect client/resident rights.
• Ability to perform basic health‑care procedures, such as taking vital signs and administering medications.
• Ability to observe, interpret, and document client behaviors to provide information needed for evaluation and treatment planning.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English sufficient to interpret, implement, and evaluate individual treatment plans for clients living with mental illness.
• Ability to interact with clients to assist with transportation, engaged recreation, and development of daily life skills.
• Capability to provide ongoing work direction and training to other staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated cultural responsiveness and experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Experience working with individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness, substance‑use disorders, and those on civil commitment.
• Ability to observe mental‑health symptom changes in real time and use knowledge, program plans, and safety considerations to de‑escalate situations in the least intrusive manner possible.
• Working knowledge of motivational interviewing, trauma‑informed supports, person‑centered thinking, and positive behavior supports.

Additional Requirements

• Resumes must clearly describe experience in the areas listed 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

$24.12 – $30.89 per hour.

Schedule

Rotating shift that includes day, evening, and weekend hours; shift differential applies for hours between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am. Days of work vary and may include weekends and holidays.

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 parental leave for newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan (after at least three years of service)
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities
• Potential eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support
• Daily living/convenience services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

About Direct Care & Treatment

Direct Care and Treatment is a highly specialized behavioral‑health system operated by the State of Minnesota. DCT provides treatment programs, residential and vocational services for people with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance‑use disorders, and more, working together to improve the state we love.