Mental Health Specialist II - Acute Behavioral Services

At Dungarvin, we are a mission-driven team rooted in respect, response, and choice, dedicated to providing person-centered supports that allow individuals to live as independently as possible. You’ll work directly with people in need of assistance, including those living with intellectual or developmental disabilities or other complex medical needs, across 17 states.

About the Program

Our Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) group homes support individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs. Many of the people we serve have experienced frequent crises, hospital stays, or legal involvement. They may have a history of failed placements and need a highly structured environment to succeed. Our homes are specially designed for safety, and our approach is consistent, person-centered, and focused on helping individuals reach their goals while maintaining safety for everyone. Due to the challenging nature of this work, staff receive training in behavioral support and crisis response, including the use of manual restraints when necessary.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Physical Requirements

• 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.
• Retention bonus: May be eligible for up to $2000 (not applicable for current Dungarvin employees).
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, vision, dental insurance (for full-time 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 and development: Access to career growth opportunities, paid training, and mentorship.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel.
• Paid training and orientation, including training to handle challenging behaviors.