Mental Health Specialist II

Company Description

At Dungarvin, we are creating something special.  As an industry leader for over 45 years, we are looking to add compassionate and caring individuals to our staff whom strive to provide the “best-in-class” care for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Do you have a passion for helping others establish a secure, positive environment that nurtures their needs, self-expression, and goals?

Are you looking to make a difference? Are you creative and solution-focused?

Are you interested in growing in a job where you can grow with a company and develop a career path? If so, we want you on our team!

WHY WORK HERE:

• Wages start at $21/hour
• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance for full-time employees
• Supplemental Insurance
• Flex Spending and HSA Accounts for full-time employees
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance for full-time employees
• 401 K plan with up to 3% employer match after one year of services
• PAID TIME OFF (PTO) for eligible employees
• PTO Donation
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• National Brand Discounts
• Pay Active – access up to 50% of your pay before payday
• PAID training and orientation

Job Description

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Mental Health Specialist II (MHS II) work in our Acute Behavioral Services (ABS) programs.  These are highly specialized programs in which we serve individuals with intensive, interfering behavioral and mental health needs.  The persons receiving these services have many of the following characteristics: previously placed in a highly restricted facility, high incidents of crisis situations, high behaviors or anti-social issues, multiple hospitalizations/commitments/ institutional stays, history of law enforcement involvement due to behaviors, and multiple failed placements.  These homes have been significantly modified to eliminate safety concerns. Consistency and routine are key factors in the proven success of these programs.  Because of the complex/high level behaviors, MHS IIs are provided training for manual restraints and will experience mental, emotional, and physical manipulation from the person we support. Staff may be exposed to severe verbal aggression that may include disparaging remarks, racial slurs and swearing.  ABS programs utilize a person-centered approach to creating a program that focuses on supporting a person to reach their goals while still considering the safety of the individual, staff, and the community. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The MHS II is responsible to provide direct services and supports to each person served according to his/ her needs.  This includes intense interfering behavioral health management, assisting in maintaining a clean, safe living environment, assisting and training on daily living skills, transportation and supervision while promoting a person-centered approach.

Qualifications

•    Must be at least 18 years old, 21 years old for some sites
•    High school diploma or GED certificate
•    2 years of experience working with mental illness- Experience with behavior management a plus! 
•    Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
•    Current auto liability insurance
•    Reliable transportation
•    People employed in this position are expected to meet the qualifications of an unlimited driver. The definition of the driving requirement is: Unlimited driving position -- defined as one that requires an employee to drive a motor vehicle as a part of her/his Dungarvin work, including vehicles owned or leased by Dungarvin, and/or to drive a vehicle in which a person served is transported. 
•    Ability to perform all functions of Positive Behavior Supports (PST) as trained, which includes the emergency use of manual restraints.
•    Ability to understand and implement behavior support plans, treatment plans, functional assessments, individualized support plans, program protocols, and person-centered plans.
•    Ability to apply behavioral de-escalation techniques, support acceptable behaviors, apply redirection techniques, in limited or modified settings, and appropriate interventions, including frequent physical interventions.
•    Must be physically fit and be able to stand, squat, bend, or walk for long periods of time. Ability to lift 50lbs is necessary.
•    Ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to read, write, and speak English clearly.
•    Ability to use problem solving skills during a complex situation or crisis situation, while remaining consistent with program protocols and behavioral plans.
•    Ability to work within a team of peers during a crisis situation effectively and professionally.
•    Ability to effectively communicate with outside entities such as case managers, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community members.
•    Ability to make sound judgments when given guidance and priorities; ability to work as a team member to maintain consistency and quality services; ability to exchange support, constructive criticism, and ideas with other staff members.  
•    Ability to plan, adapt, and prioritize work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. Ability to self-manage tasks effectively and communicate needs.
•    Basic computer skills.

Hours Worked
•    May be full or part-time; with a mixture of weekday and weekend hours. The specific number and times of scheduled hours should be set upon hiring. The mental health specialist II may request a change in hours upon successful completion of the 90-day orientation period. The supervisor may approve and/or mandate a change in hours based on services and individual needs. All persons in this position should be prepared to work weekends and holidays.
 

Additional Information

WHY THIS JOB?

• Positively change the lives of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities as well as their families.
• If you’ve ever felt the need to help someone along their path to success, then consider a career helping intellectually disabled individuals. You’ll come to understand how you can help them achieve their hopes and dreams while trying to protect them from judgment when the outside world doesn’t understand. You’ll not only be their therapist, but you’ll also be their cheerleader.

Dungarvin is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. At Dungarvin, we believe in hiring talent from a wide variety of backgrounds which makes our organization stronger.

#DMNJ

3/21/2024