Mental Health Specialist - Med Aide

About the role

The Norfolk Regional Center (NRC), operated by the Nebraska Health & Human Services Agency (Agency 25) in Norfolk, NE, provides inpatient psychiatric treatment for adult males committed by a Mental Health Board, including specialized programs for sexually offending individuals and medically complex patients. The center is hiring a Mental Health Specialist – Med Aide to deliver hands‑on care, medication administration, and daily support in a secure, structured therapeutic environment. The starting wage is $28.140 per hour, plus applicable shift differential.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications under the supervision of an LPN or RN, including oral, inhalation, topical, and installation routes, and perform blood glucose monitoring, reporting out‑of‑range readings.
• Assist patients with daily living activities and support individualized treatment plans within a structured, therapeutic environment.
• Observe and document patient behavior, progress, and responses to treatment, communicating changes to the clinical team.
• Maintain patient safety, security, and a positive, supportive atmosphere, participating in therapeutic activities and promoting appropriate behaviors.
• Collaborate with nurses, therapists, and other staff to coordinate care, contribute to team meetings, and support treatment planning.
• Follow facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, ensuring confidentiality and accurate documentation.
• Respond to emergencies, assist with patient transport, and participate in ongoing training and professional development.

Requirements

• Be at least 19 years of age to work with adult client populations; be at least 21 years of age to work with adolescent client populations.
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Qualifications

• Current Medication Aide certification/license, or prior experience administering medications in a healthcare or residential care setting.
• Previous experience providing direct care or support to individuals with mental health, behavioral health, developmental, medical, or other complex care needs.
• Experience in a hospital, behavioral health, residential care, correctional, long‑term care, or other structured healthcare setting, with demonstrated ability to maintain safety and provide supportive patient care.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to assist in lifting 50+ pounds.
• Maintain CPR and required certifications.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, overtime, and emergency call‑back.
• Willingness to work in a secure environment with high‑acuity patients.

Skills

• Knowledge of safety and security measures required in the care of mentally ill patients.
• Knowledge of techniques of caring for physically and/or mentally ill patients.
• Knowledge of principles and methods of maintaining a therapeutic environment.
• Skill in listening and understanding.
• Skill in communicating effectively as appropriate for the intended audience while supporting patients’ daily living activities.
• Ability to complete courses and competency evaluations.
• Ability to interpret and follow all policies.
• Ability to provide quality daily care to patients.
• Ability to make decisions and