When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: Mental Health Prog Asst
Job Class: Mental Health Program Assistant
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/29/2024
• Closing Date: 04/04/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Human Services
• Division/Unit: Direct Care and Treatment – Community Based Services / Minnesota State Operated Community Services / MSOCS Residential Central / MSOCS FC Christensen - West St. Paul
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Days/Evenings/Overnights/Rotating Shift (ex: 7:00a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; hours may vary depending on the needs of the program)
• Days of Work: Varies; may include weekends and holidays
• Travel Required: Yes (Transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments, community outings, recreational activities, and spiritual events)
• Salary Range: $22.74 - $29.12 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
• Work Area: West St. Paul, MN
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment.

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Applicants may be eligible for a hiring incentive of up to $2,500!*

This is a part – time rotating shift position with some weekend and holiday shifts. The hours of work are generally 7:00 am - 11:00 pm., but both days of work and hours may vary depending on facility needs. We also offer shift differential for hours between 6pm and 6am!

Community Based Services is seeking a dependable and trustworthy Mental Health Program Assistant to join our team of caring individuals who take pride in the work and care they provide individuals. As a Mental Health Program Assistant you will play an important role in assisting the individual in achieving their goals. This includes understanding individual needs, supporting program plans and helping the individual reach their maximum potential.

Responsibilities include:

• Participating in the development, refinement and implementation of individualized program plans that will help individuals safely achieve their goals.
• Assisting individuals in becoming valued community members by balancing individual goals, supporting good choices and facilitating relationships with support networks and community organizations.
• Promoting skill development and independence with the individual to maintain optimal mental health, physical health and wellness.
• Assisting individuals with household management tasks to ensure the home is meeting licensure requirements, household needs and safety.
• Medication administration, assistance and management.
• Contributing to the safety and security of the home, individuals served and co-workers

• Current State of Minnesota Employees are not eligible for the hiring bonus

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify, applicants must possess all of the following:

• Must have a valid Driver’s License

Knowledge of:

• Behavior modification theory/techniques sufficient to implement behavior management components of treatment plans.
• Mental illness sufficient to design and implement individual treatment plans, identify and de-escalate aggressive/ violent/ inappropriate behavior.
• Therapeutic intervention techniques sufficient to de-escalate aggressive or violent behavior.
• Laws, rules, regulations and policies governing treatment of mental illness and vulnerable adults sufficient to protect the rights of clients/residents.

Ability to:

• Perform basic health care procedures, such as taking vital signs and administering medications.
• Observe, interpret and document client behaviors sufficient to provide information needed for evaluation and treatment planning.
• Read, write and speak English sufficient to interpret, implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for clients living with mental illness.
• Interact with clients sufficient to assist in delivery of support needs including transportation, engaged recreation and development of daily life skills.
• Provide ongoing work direction and training to other staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Experience working with individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and individuals on civil commitment.
• Observe a mental health symptom or change in mental health status in the moment and utilize knowledge, skills and training of the individual, program/plans in place, and immediate safety concerns for all in the area to act quickly to de-escalate the situation in the least intrusive manner possible.
• Working knowledge of motivational interviewing, trauma informed supports, person-centered thinking, and positive behavior supports.

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date.

If you have questions about the position, contact Leigha Scholtz at [email protected]

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jonathan Lokken at [email protected].

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Why Work for Us

DHS operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.