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-logs, 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, stand and walk for extended periods, and 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