Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services
About the role
Join Our Passionate Team as a Mental Health Specialist II – Make a Lasting Impact Every Day!
At Dungarvin, we are more than a provider of support services—we’re a mission-driven team rooted in respect, response, and choice. Since 1976, we’ve been dedicated to meeting people where they are, working alongside them to provide person-centered supports that allow people to live independently as possible.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct support to individuals with intensive behavioral and mental-health needs, using person-centered approaches focused on safety, skill-building, and positive engagement.
- Support individuals in accordance with behavior support plans, treatment plans, crisis-prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and manual restraint procedures as trained.
- Maintain a clean, safe, structured living environment; assist with daily living skills, household tasks, activities, transportation, and community engagement.
- Accurately document services, behavioral observations, health concerns, and program activities using electronic systems (T-labs, Therap, health tracking).
- Monitor behavioral changes, identify escalation indicators, and communicate proactively with supervisors and team members during crisis or safety situations.
- Support family and personal contacts, assist with appointments, medication administration tasks (as allowed), and follow all medical and nutrition plans.
- Participate in team meetings, provide feedback on individuals’ needs, and assist in training new staff while modeling positive, professional behavior.
- Maintain home safety, follow emergency procedures, and ensure compliance with protocols and individual support plans.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- 3 years minimum of experience working with individuals with chronic and severe mental illness OR a degree in a mental-health-related field
- Must be at least 18 years of age; some programs require employees to be 21 years of age or older
- Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance
- Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic documentation systems
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to safely manage physically demanding situations
Skills & Abilities
- Follow behavior support plans, treatment plans, functional assessments, and person-centered plans
- Use crisis prevention, de-escalation, redirection, and manual restraints as trained
- Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, including documentation
- Work effectively in crisis situations and exercise sound judgment
- Collaborate with team members and external partners (case managers, law enforcement, mental health professionals)
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving, consistency, time-management, and independent prioritization skills
Benefits
Fixed Starting Rate: $24/hr.
Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance (for FT employees), Supplemental Insurance, Life Insurance, and more!
Retirement Savings: 401(k) with up to a 3% employer match
Paid Time Off that increases with tenure; Including PTO Donation options
Employee Perks: National Brand Discounts, Employee Referral Program, and access to Tapcheck (get 50% of your pay before payday)
Growth & Development: Access to career growth opportunities, paid training, and mentorship
Mileage Reimbursement for travel
Paid Training and Orientation: Training provided to ensure you’re equipped to handle challenging behaviors.