Mental Health Program Assistant

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
Location: Farmington, MN
Full/Part Time: Part Time and Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

About the Role

The Mental Health Program Assistant plays an important role in assisting individuals in achieving their goals. This includes understanding individual needs, supporting program plans, and helping individuals reach their maximum potential.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development, refinement, and implementation of individualized program plans to 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 individuals with household management tasks to ensure the home meets licensure requirements, household needs, and safety.
• Administer, assist, and manage medications.
• Contribute to the safety and security of the home, individuals served, and co-workers.
• Transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments, community outings, recreational activities, and spiritual events (50% travel required).
• Attend meetings and training sessions.

Requirements

• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of:
  • Behavior modification theory/techniques sufficient to implement behavior management components of treatment plans.
  • Mental illness sufficient to design and implement individual treatment plans, identify and de-escalate aggressive/violent/inappropriate behavior.
  • Therapeutic intervention techniques sufficient to de-escalate aggressive or violent behavior.
  • 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.
  • Observe, interpret, and document client behaviors sufficient to provide information needed for evaluation and treatment planning.
  • Read, write, and speak English sufficient to interpret, implement, and evaluate individual treatment plans for clients living with mental illness.
  • Interact with clients sufficient to assist in delivery of support needs including transportation, engaged recreation, and development of daily life skills.
  • 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 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

• Reference and background checks, including a criminal background check, will be conducted prior to appointment.

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well. Benefits may include:

• 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: Training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.

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.

Pay

Salary Range: $24.54 - $31.43 / hourly

Schedule

• Rotating shifts.
• Days of work vary; may include weekends and holidays.